Wow! It feels like forever since I left for my placement in Niigata. 2020 has really warped my perception of time. But, anyways, if you’re here, you probably want to know what the heck you should pack for your new job as an assistant language teacher. Keep reading for my essential packing list! In theContinue reading “My Wardrobe as a Female ALT in Japanese Elementary Schools”
Category Archives: Travel
JET Program: How I Broke My Contract Early in the Wake of COVID-19
Nearly three weeks ago, I made the painful decision to part ways with my contracting organization and officially end my time on the JET Program four months early. My board of education proved they could not communicate with ALTs or guarantee safe working conditions. Although I wanted to continue working in Japan, there was tooContinue reading “JET Program: How I Broke My Contract Early in the Wake of COVID-19”
Returning to America in Three Days
For the longest time, I was certain I could ride out this terrible pandemic from the “safety” of Japan. However, situations can change drastically in the blink of an eye. While writing this post, I am still in denial that I am leaving in only three days.
Boost Language Learning as an Adult!
Learning a new language in adulthood is HARD! Seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever undertaken a more frustrating (but simultaneously rewarding) task. I’ve been studying Japanese since 2015—that’s including many semesters worth of college courses and time spent in Japan! Despite this, I’m only at the conversational level, and memorizing Kanji is still the baneContinue reading “Boost Language Learning as an Adult!”
Travel Won’t Solve all of Your Problems, but You Should Still Do It
In recent years, traveling has become more accessible than ever before. We can fly, drive, or take a train to all kinds of exotic and exciting destinations in just a few short hours—for a price, of course. Until college, the furthest away I had ventured from home was a nine-hour car ride to Florida. MyContinue reading “Travel Won’t Solve all of Your Problems, but You Should Still Do It”
Birth Control Abroad
Image from @rhsupplies on Unsplash Disclaimer! I am not a medical professional. The following post is based on my experience and personal research alone. Many people are on birth control for one reason or another. In addition to preventing pregnancy, these hormone therapies can regulate menstruation, treat a host of medical conditions like PMS, andContinue reading “Birth Control Abroad”
Why I’m not Returning to the United States During the Coronavirus
Since my last post, the general attitude towards COVID-19 in the United States has shifted from annoyance to fear. Sure, I still see quite a few people on my social media feeds posting memes about the virus and declaring the world is just overreacting, but with the sudden widespread cancellation of flights, schools, and importantContinue reading “Why I’m not Returning to the United States During the Coronavirus”
Dealing with an Outbreak Overseas: COVID-19 on the JET Program
I’ll admit that in the early stages of the novel coronavirus outbreak that originated late last year in the Hubei province of China, I was not too concerned and felt quite safe in my small city in Japan. No one seemed worried, and it was business as usual for weeks. However, as infections began poppingContinue reading “Dealing with an Outbreak Overseas: COVID-19 on the JET Program”
Wallet Stolen in Japan
To anyone who reads my blog, I apologize once again for the hiatus. I was working on a post related to travel, but I decided to write about an unfortunate event that occurred to me last week instead. If you’ve glanced at the title of this post, then I’m sure you can guess what happened.Continue reading “Wallet Stolen in Japan”
Surviving in your new Japanese Workplace: Essential Phrases and Expressions
You’re planning to move to Japan and starting a new life and job overseas. Now what? The process of uprooting everything and settling down somewhere unfamiliar can feel overwhelming. Unless your Japanese is already fluent or conversational, there’s a good chance you’re lacking some key grammar and vocabulary. Even if you speak zero Japanese, learningContinue reading “Surviving in your new Japanese Workplace: Essential Phrases and Expressions”
Map of Margaret 