awaiting

About a month ago, after the cherry blossoms had started blooming and a little bit after I handed in my intention to not re-contract for the next year, I started doubting my decision. My out-of-work life has always been good in Japan and with the coming of the new school year (April in Japan), it was refreshing to meet with new teachers and a batch of bright-eyed students. I was busy, planning activities for the new students and going to classes non-stop. What’s more, the other teachers looked to me for input and actually implemented some of my suggestions—in a word, I felt useful and appreciated, like I was making a bit of a difference.

I guess that has always been my biggest qualm with my JET experience. Busy comes in bouts—planning events for the school or during testing—but the inconsistency really bothered me. Going to two classes and just reading from the textbook can have severely detrimental effects on one’s self-worth. I’m getting all this money, but the output doesn’t nearly match the cost. I suppose there is an intrinsic value in the ‘internationalization’ aspect, living in a town that rarely has the opportunity to interact with foreigners, but it’s still not enough. Some people would get really annoyed with me since I’m complaining about having too much free time at work, but trust that I’m not the only JET that has complained about this—it’s just not for me.

So, now as I’m sitting here at my tiny school, bored out of my mind, I’m starting to remember why I chose to leave. That’s not to say I won’t miss Japan and that I won’t have a hard time leaving, but I guess I’m getting a bit more realistic about the situation and taking off the rose-colored glasses. It has been a good experience and I’ve met some great people, learned a lot, and experienced some fantastic and amazing things. I would definitely recommend living abroad to anyone. It gives you a really different perspective of other countries and your own.

So, now what?

Most likely, after a month or so on Guam, I’ll be going to grad school in England. London, Norwich, or Sussex; I haven’t decided yet. The choice to go to an English school rather than an American one was not easy to make, but I’m hoping it will be worthwhile. Come visit.