WATN: Why Did You Stay?
Last month we took a short break from “Where are they now?†to bring you information on what ALTs will be doing after they finished their JET experience. We are going to continue to break from the typical WATN section this issue to bring you information on those who are still with us in what we are calling “Why did you stay?†Much like the rest of this issue, these Hyogo JETs answer that very question and let us in on their “must dos†for Japan. Make sure to check out next month’s “Why did you come?†as we close out this series and return to WATN. We will introduce a few new ALTs and the reasons they came to Japan. If you are interested in answering some questions feel free to email hyogotimespublications@gmail.com.
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Sean Mulvihill, USA, Kobe, 2nd year
Why did you stay?: Personally, I like a two year period to get use to anything I do. I often feel one year is too short to experience something, most of the time it takes a year to finally settle in. I feel that I’ll be more confident in my teaching, now that I have a better idea of what works and what doesn’t. There is also a lot more countries and cities I need to visit and festivals I need to see. Two years is usually my cut-off point, but who knows maybe something undeniably incredible will happen this year and I’ll be answering this same question next August.
“Must do†for all JETs: I don’t know if this counts, but if you have the chance go to Vietnam. I only spent time in the northern part, but it has been my favorite vacation spot so far. It is completely different from the typical city experience you get in Kobe, Osaka, Taipei, and Seoul. There is a lot of culture with tons of good food. As an American, there was also a strange feeling being in a country that a half-century ago I would have been in for completely different reasons.
One item still on your to-do list: Okinawa!!
Advice for new Hyogo/Kobe JETs: Challenge yourself to get out and do something different every weekend. It gets easy to stay in the house reading and binge-watching television, especially when it becomes unbearably hot then cold, but you’ll miss a lot of things you may never have the chance to see again.
Anastasia Windeler, USA, Kami-cho, 3rd
Why did you stay?: Definitely for the people. I have a less than ideal work situation but the locals, students, and coworkers are amazing. I feel I still have more to give to the community here.
“Must doâ€:  Visit Hiroshima
One item still on your to-do list: Climb Mt. Fuji
Advice: Make the most of our location. You can get anywhere from Hyogo pretty well. Check out Kyoto and Osaka often. Kansai food is the best! (but of course I’m biased)
Brittany Teodorski, USA, Ono, 2nd
Why did you stay?: There is so much to see and do just in Japan, never mind all of the other interesting countries that are so close. I knew coming in that there was no way I’d be able to accomplish everything I wanted to do in just one year. I’m also really interested in cultural psychology and related fields, so a year would not have been sufficient to truly embrace and experience Japan’s unique culture first-hand.
“Must doâ€: Explore Japan. Make friends close to you who enjoy the same things. Take a trip alone at least once; you’ll learn a lot about yourself.
One item still on your to-do list: Pass the JLPT N2. I probably have at least another year before I can do that, but a girl can dream!
Advice: Throw yourself out there and travel as much as you can. There are so many interesting things to do and people to do them with, even in just our prefecture. The bonds you make with people while living abroad are extraordinary.
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Erika Horwege, USA, Sanda, 2nd
Why did you stay?: For me, one year isn’t enough – I’m excited for another year to travel and explore Japan with wonderful people, another year of omuraisu and takoyaki, and another year to enjoy teaching and spending time with my students now that I’m not completely clueless about this whole teaching thing.
“Must doâ€: Outdoor onsen in the winter. There’s nothing like soaking in a hot spring while watching snow fall on the forests and mountains.
One item still on your to-do list: Visit the wisteria tunnels in Fukuoka’s Kawachi Fuji Gardens next Spring.
Advice: Explore your placement! You can find some pretty amazing cafes, temples, and local gems tucked away on side streets and other random places.
Howard Tobochnik, USA, Tamba, 2nd year
Why did you stay?: Two reasons. First, I thoroughly enjoy living here. The people are awesome, the food is delicious, the pay is good, and there’s always interesting things to see and do! Second, I want to continue improving my teaching skills and Japanese. The Japanese is coming along, but just takes time. As for teaching, this first year was spent making mistakes and finding out what actually works. I’m now starting to feel like a real teacher, gaining more responsibilities and being able to make a bigger impact in my school.
“Must doâ€: Hanshin Tigers Game at Koshien Stadium. Buy balloons!
One item still on your to-do list: Visit the Ghibli Museum
Advice: Try as many flavors of soft cream as possible. There are a surprisingly large number and many cool seasonal ones too. My favorites are local delicacies, クリ (chestnut) and ãã‚ã¾ã‚ (black soy bean). If you don’t like ice cream, trying every kind of convenient store ãŠã«ãŽã‚Š is another worthwhile challenge.
Julie Lee, USA, Asago, 2nd
Why did you stay?: I decided to stay for the teaching experience. It was fun to teach international students, but it can be challenging to teach a group of homogenous students outside of an English speaking community. Another reason is that it is so easy and safe to travel in Japan. I have traveled more within Japan than I had back in the States.Julie Lee, USA, Asago, 2nd
“Must doâ€: Try a traditional activity like kendo or sadou.
One item still on your to-do list: Go to Fuji Rock.
Advice: Try everything at least once, but don’t be afraid to say no.
Octavio Seijas, Boston, MA, USA, Kobe, 2nd
Why did you stay?: I stayed for the job security, solid pay/benefits, the opportunity to live abroad and learn a new language and the culture (plus the food is awesome).
“Must doâ€: Go to a Hanshin Tigers game at Koshien Stadium!
One item still on your to-do list: I have 2: Climb Mt. Fuji & watch a baseball game at all 12 stadiums.
Advice: “Be water, my friend” – Bruce Lee. Just remember to go with the flow. You’re going to disagree with A LOT of things your OTEs might say and Japanese culture in general. Just go with it. Voice your opinions when you can, discuss it if possible, but at the end of the day you have to take a back seat. Yes, it will cause stress so find an outlet. Continue old hobbies or find new ones here. There’s a lot to see, do, and experience while you’re here. Don’t let your time here go to waste!
Sarah McGowan, UK, Kobe, 2nd
Why did you stay?: One year is such a short amount of time to spend in Japan. I really enjoy my job and there are still so many things I want to do while I’m here.
“Must doâ€: Get involved in as many of your school events as possible! Your students will probably be more enthusiastic talking to you outside of the classroom and the events are really fun.
One item still on your to-do list: Climb Mount Fuji
Advice: Find something productive to do for when you have free time at school. This could be studying Japanese, taking a distance learning course, making new teaching materials, visiting other classes, etc.
