Go to Gotō: Teaching Abroad in the Land of the Rising Sun

As my impending departure from the States looms ever nearer, I have noticed a similar pattern of questions from friends, family, acquaintances, and complete strangers. I don't mind the questions of course nor am I impatient with the repetition. Nevertheless, I value technology and its ability to reach many people simultaneously so I'm writing this guide to answer general questions. For those friends who are geographically apart from me, this is especially useful for quick reference.

 

 

1. Q: When are you leaving?

 

A: I like to break this question down into two answers because I faithfully err on the side of providing too much information. I will leave Spokane, my home of twelve years, this Friday July 1st for Lodi, CA where I will spend time with my family. I officially leave the U.S. from Seattle, WA on July 23rd.

 

 

2. Q: How long will you be gone? Are you coming back?

 

A: It will be at least a year--maybe longer. Assuming my work is satisfactory, I will be offered an extension this November. I will reflect leading up to The Decision. I've been told that saying "yes" and then subsequently declining an extension is easier to reverse than saying "no" and later saying "Wait, I change my mind!" As of now I am tentatively interested in living abroad for 2-3 years assuming a) I am offered the extension and b) I enjoy the work. But who knows? I will need to reflect on the merits of the job, what it offers, and what I will want to do upon returning to the U.S. I will make return trips to the U.S. when possible while I complete my contract in Gotō. 

 

Yes, I expect to return to the States but it will not be Spokane, WA. I am strongly considering moving to the Seattle area after my JET contract expires (but I wouldn't be opposed to living elsewhere if opportunity knocks). While I intend to visit friends here, I expect my life will have changed to such a degree that living in Spokane again would not be possible. Additionally I have family in both Seattle and California and I wish to live closer to them.

 

 

3. Q: Are you excited?

 

A: As tempting as it is to answer this question as Popovich would, I will be serious. I am incredibly excited and anxious. Uprooting one's life and moving to another country--and all the adjustments that entails--is daunting. Yet I am grateful for the opportunities it will present: meeting new people, seeing new sights, and expanding my philosophical horizons. Traveling is the crucible of individual growth and self-development: the experiences, whether they are positive or negative, change you. A person who travels abroad is not the same person who returns home. Of course it is exciting but it is also a sobering thought: a long chapter of my life is coming to a close. Nostalgia seeps in. I am comfortable in Spokane. And yet I realize that I must continue to grow and learn; I must challenge myself with new experiences and ideas. So I'm tearing my roots up. Let's hope the grass is indeed greener in Gotō!

 

 

4. Q: What will you miss the most?

 

A: Beyond a doubt my family and friends. Many loved ones have assured me they are coming to visit but I must be realistic. Airfare is expensive. If you don't have a passport, that is an extra $100. Taking time off from work and home is difficult. I understand that it may be awhile before I see a familiar face again. Thus it is incumbent on me to see my loved ones when I do return to the U.S. for vacation.

 

I will miss the beer and Spokane's temperate climate. I stare out my balcony past the freeway and Grocery Outlet and see blue skies and our trademark Ponderosa pines. It's beautiful here and the growing craft beer scene is incredible. I won't forget this.

 

 

5. Q: Who and where will you be teaching?

 

A: This is based solely on what my predecessor told me, who has lived in Gotō for five years! According to him I will be teaching in four schools: 1 junior high, 1 elementary, and two combined schools. He thinks I will be teaching in 3-4 classes per day. I will have a sizeable workload and I'm looking forward to it. I enjoy staying busy. And yet I also hope to explore, travel, and go down to the beach when I'm not teaching English. Thank God for weekends!

 

 

6. Q: What are your living arrangements like?

 

A: I will have my own small two bedroom apartment, which will certainly be enough space for me.  Packing up my life for my year abroad quickly taught me the difference between stuff I truly need and stuff that is nice to own. Though it will be tempting to buy a ton of stuff in Japan I want to live less materialistically abroad. The rent is also incredibly cheap thanks to subsidies from either the town or the Japanese government. I will share the apartment complex with other ALTs (teachers). They should be a great support group if the going ever gets tough!

 

 

7.  Q: How is your Japanese now?

 

A: Incredibly rusty but honestly it was sub par to begin with four years ago. Gotō's remoteness implies that they don't receive too many English-speaking tourists so I expect not too many people use English outside of school. This should help me learn Japanese quickly because I won't be able to use English as a crutch. In other words, I have no choice but to swim.

 

 

8. Q: Post- JET plans?

 

A: No idea. I'm winging it. I'm trying to focus on life in Gotō because the transition enough will be a handful. I'll keep you posted!