P.S. Around the 32:00 minute mark I mention "tatemae" and I realized I didn't explain the term! I highly recommend a quick Google search as my explanation will most certainly fall short 😅 But it's basically a social practice in Japan where people will put up a nice "mask" or facade instead of their showing their real feelings in order to ensure group harmony. I think at its core, its a practice with good intentions. But in social settings where you're trying to connect with others, it can come across as disingenuous and quite frankly, fake.
I'm curious how you managed to find your english teaching job after moving back to South Africa. Was it through a contact you made in Japan, or did you just apply with your relevant experience to a job posting on Linkedin or similar.
@@Xseleon Hi! I started applying for jobs towards the end of my JET contract. I wanted to have something secured before leaving the country, and I got so lucky to do just that 😭 I found my current position through a recommendation by a friend, but I applied on Gaijinpot, LinkedIn, DavesESL and similar websites too!
Thank you for sharing your experiences! I'm always curious about racism and prejudices when travelling abroad. Being a POC myself, i always worried about that.
@@pwjayson you're welcome! And I'm super happy it was helpful 🤍 as a POC myself it's unfortunately a reality for us traveling, so where I can help shed light - I'm happy to!
Eating the most expensive orange of my life as I watch this! I am so sorry about that awful experience! HAMAZUSHIIIII FOR LIFE! Loved this! Thank you for another great video Alex xx
Hi Alexandra, I am dreaming of JET for next intake. Is there a way to connect you to ask few questions specific to my situation? Are you willing to please help me through my initial blocks? 🙏
Why are you gay 😂 that was hilarious! This was a great video ! Love hearing about you and your experiences, thank you for making this video. How do police in Japan respond to sexual harassment issues?
@@mary27578 I'm so glad you enjoyed the joke! 🤣🤭 I've never dealt with police in Japan but from online posts and discussions with other people, the response from the police sounds pretty lackluster 🥲 and apparently many women don't report these types of crimes because it can be used against them and their reputation in workplaces (insane, I know).
@@swisdom9117 yes we do! As cheesy as this sounds, practicing your activities alone beforehand can really help smooth it out before trying it in class. And having a healthy dose of realism is also helpful - at least 30% of your activities WILL fail and it WILL be awkward 😅 And in my experience, most Japanese students are pretty awkward themselves so you don't feel like the odd one out in that sense. And I've found that it makes the kids more comfortable to see you, the teacher, making mistakes and laughing about it. I think it helps them with their perfectionism to some extent.
P.S. Around the 32:00 minute mark I mention "tatemae" and I realized I didn't explain the term!
I highly recommend a quick Google search as my explanation will most certainly fall short 😅 But it's basically a social practice in Japan where people will put up a nice "mask" or facade instead of their showing their real feelings in order to ensure group harmony.
I think at its core, its a practice with good intentions. But in social settings where you're trying to connect with others, it can come across as disingenuous and quite frankly, fake.
And this is why i like your videos, you seem so honest and real and totally relatable 😊
@@mary27578 thank you 😭❤️ I really appreciate you!
I'm curious how you managed to find your english teaching job after moving back to South Africa. Was it through a contact you made in Japan, or did you just apply with your relevant experience to a job posting on Linkedin or similar.
@@Xseleon Hi! I started applying for jobs towards the end of my JET contract. I wanted to have something secured before leaving the country, and I got so lucky to do just that 😭
I found my current position through a recommendation by a friend, but I applied on Gaijinpot, LinkedIn, DavesESL and similar websites too!
Thank you for sharing your experiences! I'm always curious about racism and prejudices when travelling abroad. Being a POC myself, i always worried about that.
@@pwjayson you're welcome! And I'm super happy it was helpful 🤍 as a POC myself it's unfortunately a reality for us traveling, so where I can help shed light - I'm happy to!
I genuinely enjoyed this very, it's so easy listening to you.
@@user-rg2jt5qm5n aw thank you! Glad you enjoyed it ✨
Eating the most expensive orange of my life as I watch this!
I am so sorry about that awful experience!
HAMAZUSHIIIII FOR LIFE!
Loved this! Thank you for another great video Alex xx
@@nomfundozondi839 thank you for watching and interacting my friend! ❤️
On my knees at the thought of that orange 😭😭😭
8:49 that’s me! Thanks for addressing it!
@@swisdom9117 you're welcome! Thanks for sending it in!
30:47 with no explanation hahahah I love it
@@hopesands2381 🤭🤭🤭
4:13 watch howl’s moving castle if you haven’t already! My favourite thinking movie is castle in the sky 🤗
@@swisdom9117 OMGEE HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE GHIBLI MOVIE 😭😭😭
Castle in the sky is so beautiful 🥺I think I'll rewatch it soon!
Hi Alexandra, I am dreaming of JET for next intake. Is there a way to connect you to ask few questions specific to my situation?
Are you willing to please help me through my initial blocks?
🙏
Why are you gay 😂 that was hilarious!
This was a great video ! Love hearing about you and your experiences, thank you for making this video.
How do police in Japan respond to sexual harassment issues?
@@mary27578 I'm so glad you enjoyed the joke! 🤣🤭
I've never dealt with police in Japan but from online posts and discussions with other people, the response from the police sounds pretty lackluster 🥲 and apparently many women don't report these types of crimes because it can be used against them and their reputation in workplaces (insane, I know).
21:08 how do you cope in the classroom as an awkward person? Don’t you play games with kids and stuff? 🫢
@@swisdom9117 yes we do! As cheesy as this sounds, practicing your activities alone beforehand can really help smooth it out before trying it in class. And having a healthy dose of realism is also helpful - at least 30% of your activities WILL fail and it WILL be awkward 😅
And in my experience, most Japanese students are pretty awkward themselves so you don't feel like the odd one out in that sense. And I've found that it makes the kids more comfortable to see you, the teacher, making mistakes and laughing about it. I think it helps them with their perfectionism to some extent.