Did you regret leaving your home country for Japan?

[rosevilla]

I'm not really sure where to post this question, but I've been having a strong urge to leave America once I am done paying off my loans and get my master degree. I'm really tired of this country, and I know it's not the best reason to live in Japan but perhaps anywhere would be better than living in America.

I'm feeling frustration while I'm here and I hope to leave by the time I'm 30 or sooner. For those who were US Citizens, did you regret or do you love where you are now? What were your reasons for leaving America?

Thanks.

 

[nice gaijin]

everyone's situation is different. In my experience, I've never regretted going to Japan or any other country, but I've met people who have. All I can say is that if you're having trouble at home, there's no guarantee that things will be any better in Japan. Going to Japan has always been an opportunity for me, and I've never felt pushed by external forces.

 

[Glenski]

Nope. Not at all. Of course, I left for totally different reasons than you, so your mileage will differ.

I left to look for work here because my company had laid off or transferred everyone, and with 200 people looking for similar work in the same city, it was hard to find anything. I'd been to Japan twice before, so it was not unfamiliar territory for me.

"before I'm 30" suggests you are pretty young. My first trip here was for business at 29, next trip was 10 years later, and then 3 years after that. I didn't so much leave America as migrate to Japan. I don't consider it ditching the U.S. Be prepared mentally for what you might face. Culture shock can be a bear.

Just what did you hope to do with your degree? Any work experience or Japanese language skills to bolster that?

 

[rosevilla]

everyone's situation is different. In my experience, I've never regretted going to Japan or any other country, but I've met people who have. All I can say is that if you're having trouble at home, there's no guarantee that things will be any better in Japan. Going to Japan has always been an opportunity for me, and I've never felt pushed by external forces.

Oh no. I LOVE my family and do not have any problems at home. I have a lot of friends where I am, but the people in this country are driving me crazy.

Nope. Not at all. Of course, I left for totally different reasons than you, so your mileage will differ.

I left to look for work here because my company had laid off or transferred everyone, and with 200 people looking for similar work in the same city, it was hard to find anything. I'd been to Japan twice before, so it was not unfamiliar territory for me.

"before I'm 30" suggests you are pretty young. My first trip here was for business at 29, next trip was 10 years later, and then 3 years after that. I didn't so much leave America as migrate to Japan. I don't consider it ditching the U.S. Be prepared mentally for what you might face. Culture shock can be a bear.

Just what did you hope to do with your degree? Any work experience or Japanese language skills to bolster that?

I am 22, and within the next two years or so, I am planning to get my Associate degree in Education and in Japanese (4 years or so). I know some basic words like hello, my name is, I am from, sorry, excuse me, and things like that. On my other thread I hope to do religious work (Orphanage or whatnot) and teach education in Japan.

I went to Thailand (not Japan I know) for my internship for a month, and I loved it there. I was homesick because I've never been away for that long from home, but it really challenged me that this is feeling of leaving America and home.

 

[Iron Chef]

I had just moved to Hollywood, FL and was staying at my brother's place at the time. I had been there for maybe a month when I got the call from my mother that my father had passed away from a heart attack back in Michigan. I decided to move back home to help my mother with the funeral arrangements and help her get settled. I had only planned to stay a few months when I ran into a former classmate of mine from my police academy days. I asked him what he had been up to the last few years and he said he had been living in Japan... That conversation basically got the ball rolling from there. Prior to that the thought of living abroad had never really struck me. My first time in Japan was way back in 1997 for a period of two years. At that point I returned back home to earn my MPA. After finishing grad school I still had a yearning to return to Japan so I did so. Fast forward to today. Next March will be eleven years for me and I don't regret a single minute of it. You take the good with the bad, the pros with the cons but for me it has all been worth it.

 

[Half-n-Half]

I'm not really sure where to post this question, but I've been having a strong urge to leave America once I am done paying off my loans and get my master degree. I'm really tired of this country, and I know it's not the best reason to live in Japan but perhaps anywhere would be better than living in America.

I'm feeling frustration while I'm here and I hope to leave by the time I'm 30 or sooner. For those who were US Citizens, did you regret or do you love where you are now? What were your reasons for leaving America?

Thanks.

I definitely think you should try and live in Japan for an extended period of time first. Perhaps you could do some type of study abroad or exchange program? I know you mentioned you might want to do religious work, what about doing a mission trip? At any rate, I highly suggest you try and live there on a day-to-day basis as opposed to being a tourist. It will give you a pretty good idea of what life would be like if you did decide to move to Japan permanently. It would also help you discover and adjust to new frustrations in Japan that you didn't have in America, and perhaps save you from becoming someone who regrets leaving America.

By the way, what do you mean by teach education? You mean teach people how to teach?

 

[Mike Cash]

Two points:

People who come here to get away from something often find it here waiting for them when they get here.

An Associate Degree is not going to cut it for visa qualification.

 

[rosevilla]

I had just moved to Hollywood, FL and was staying at my brother's place at the time. I had been there for maybe a month when I got the call from my mother that my father had passed away from a heart attack back in Michigan. I decided to move back home to help my mother with the funeral arrangements and help her get settled. I had only planned to stay a few months when I ran into a former classmate of mine from my police academy days. I asked him what he had been up to the last few years and he said he had been living in Japan... That conversation basically got the ball rolling from there. Prior to that the thought of living abroad had never really struck me. My first time in Japan was way back in 1997 for a period of two years. At that point I returned back home to earn my MPA. After finishing grad school I still had a yearning to return to Japan so I did so. Fast forward to today. Next March will be eleven years for me and I don't regret a single minute of it. You take the good with the bad, the pros with the cons but for me it has all been worth it.

Thank you for sharing. One thing I think it would be tough is to fly back because of family emergency.

I definitely think you should try and live in Japan for an extended period of time first. Perhaps you could do some type of study abroad or exchange program? I know you mentioned you might want to do religious work, what about doing a mission trip? At any rate, I highly suggest you try and live there on a day-to-day basis as opposed to being a tourist. It will give you a pretty good idea of what life would be like if you did decide to move to Japan permanently. It would also help you discover and adjust to new frustrations in Japan that you didn't have in America, and perhaps save you from becoming someone who regrets leaving America.

By the way, what do you mean by teach education? You mean teach people how to teach?

I was thinking about teaching English. I was thinking that JET program would be good if I'm not going back to school, but I would want to go back to school to get my degree in Education and in Japanese. If I go back to school, study abroad would be a great option for me to experience.

Two points:

People who come here to get away from something often find it here waiting for them when they get here.

An Associate Degree is not going to cut it for visa qualification.

And why's that? :?

 

[ariso07]

I was going to chime in about the associate degree but Mike beat me to it.
To answer the question, its just a government regulation. You cannot get a work visa in Japan without a BA/BS or 10 years of relevant work experience.

 

[rosevilla]

Oh, I do have a B.S degree. I just graduated this past Spring, and I am working as a tutor and youth worker right now. I prefer going to a community to get my Education and Japanese rather than a 4-year college.

 

[Mike Cash]

If you're thinking you need the education degree to work in Japan you're mistaken. If you think JET teachers are "real" teachers or that it is possible to make a career out of it, that is also mistaken.

It would be nice if you had some positive reasons for coming here, rather than just a desire to no longer be where you are. What is it about life in the U.S. that you find so intolerable and are so sure won't be present in Japan?

 

[rosevilla]

If you're thinking you need the education degree to work in Japan you're mistaken. If you think JET teachers are "real" teachers or that it is possible to make a career out of it, that is also mistaken.
It would be nice if you had some positive reasons for coming here, rather than just a desire to no longer be where you are. What is it about life in the U.S. that you find so intolerable and are so sure won't be present in Japan?

No. I did not think that I could make a career out of the JET program. I know it would help me to gain some experience whether Japan would be the place for me or not. And no, I thought of getting an Education degree before I even thought of Japan in the first place. I figure that Japan might be the place since I do love their culture, history, and their language.

I'm not ignorant that Japan don't have their issues. There are some things I do appreciate about America, but I'm just tired how Americans think of others and how they treat other citizens. Sure it's prevalent everywhere, but Japanese treat others with respect. We're too crazy about our rights that if we don't get it OUR way we bring it to the Constitution. We all have to be "fair and square". Japan might be a little patriarchal, but it's better than hearing a feminist lady yelling in your face. As a bi-cultural person, it probably bugs the other side of my culture a lot. Maybe that's why I wish to leave America.

 

[Mike Cash]

Just be sure you aren't basing your ideas of Japan on stereotypes. Anytime I see words like "respect" or "honor" show up when people talk about what they love about Japanese culture/society my eyes start rolling like the reels on a slot machine.

What aspects of Japanese history appeal to you? There is a hell of a lot of nastiness in it.

What aspects of the language fascinate you? What progress have you made in learning it? Have you ever had to try to get by in it? There's a world of difference between contemplating it at your leisure in manga, anime, music or other things that don't count and you can step away from whenever you like and being plopped down right in the middle of it and trying to function in it. It loses some of its charm when it gets real. It takes a lot of hard work for very little discernible progress and most people who come here to teach never really put in the work or make any meaningful progress. Get ready to go from being an intelligent, literate woman to being largely clueless about what is said around you, to you, and about you and to be illiterate. Literacy is a skill people take for granted until they find themselves without it.

Foreigners in Japan tend very strongly to associate and socialize primarily with other foreigners. So a lot of those people you're contemplating traveling halfway around the world to get away from will be here to greet you and will be your primary workmates and playmates. And even if you hang out exclusively with Japanese people you will find that people are the same all over the world: there are to be found among the Japanese every disagreeable type and despicable trait that you can find in America....or anywhere else on the planet. You can't run from the human race.

 

[rosevilla]

Just be sure you aren't basing your ideas of Japan on stereotypes. Anytime I see words like "respect" or "honor" show up when people talk about what they love about Japanese culture/society my eyes start rolling like the reels on a slot machine.
What aspects of Japanese history appeal to you? There is a hell of a lot of nastiness in it.
What aspects of the language fascinate you? What progress have you made in learning it? Have you ever had to try to get by in it? There's a world of difference between contemplating it at your leisure in manga, anime, music or other things that don't count and you can step away from whenever you like and being plopped down right in the middle of it and trying to function in it. It loses some of its charm when it gets real. It takes a lot of hard work for very little discernible progress and most people who come here to teach never really put in the work or make any meaningful progress. Get ready to go from being an intelligent, literate woman to being largely clueless about what is said around you, to you, and about you and to be illiterate. Literacy is a skill people take for granted until they find themselves without it.
Foreigners in Japan tend very strongly to associate and socialize primarily with other foreigners. So a lot of those people you're contemplating traveling halfway around the world to get away from will be here to greet you and will be your primary workmates and playmates. And even if you hang out exclusively with Japanese people you will find that people are the same all over the world: there are to be found among the Japanese every disagreeable type and despicable trait that you can find in America....or anywhere else on the planet. You can't run from the human race.

Trust me. I'm not running from the human race because they are everywhere. I am only running away from the country which it is possible and certain types of mind people. I might have heard of Japanese stereotypes (not too sure) but more of Asian stereotypes altogether.

Their history? It's mostly the art history that I like. I can't draw or anything, but I just have a thing for art history and Japanese is included. Every country has their own nastiness to it so Japan is part of it. Can't exclude them, right?

I listen to their music, watch anime and whatnot, but it was mainly because of their music that I learn to love their language. I don't know how to explain it but I love the sound of it. I know a couple of words, working on phrases and grammar, but it's not enough. That's why I'm thinking of pursuing Japanese degree and hope to do study abroad to increase my experience and knowledge.

I definitely agree with the concept of foreigners hanging out with foreigners. When I was in Thailand I wanted to be with other foreigners, but I forgot that they existed (^_^; because I was at the country side 24/7. Plus they were in the city so it's not like I could do anything about it. I don't have a problem working with them, and I'm totally okay with that. I just don't want to be around them if they are like the typical Americans over here. If they are, I just have to deal with it and be civilize about it.

Do you think that learning Japanese will increase my way around Japan? Or it is experience that will help me to grow to understand the culture better?

Oh yeah, I was just reading this website and I want to know what do you think about this: Good and Bad things about Living in Japan (especially the JD response). I hear those kind of comments about Japan and Japanese the most.

 

[Half-n-Half]

Do you think that learning Japanese will increase my way around Japan? Or it is experience that will help me to grow to understand the culture better?

Both. There is a lot of culture to be learned in the language and you'll find that a lot of things cannot be easily translated into English or vice versa.

I don't know how to explain it but I love the sound of it.

I used to think the same thing until I actually studied the language, studied abroad, and got used to it. Now it has lost its charm and doesn't sound particularly interesting or exotic. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy Japanese. It's just I no longer enjoy the sound of Japanese. It's one of the sad parts about learning a new language.

 

[rosevilla]

Both. There is a lot of culture to be learned in the language and you'll find that a lot of things cannot be easily translated into English or vice versa.



I used to think the same thing until I actually studied the language, studied abroad, and got used to it. Now it has lost its charm and doesn't sound particularly interesting or exotic. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy Japanese. It's just I no longer enjoy the sound of Japanese. It's one of the sad parts about learning a new language.

Hmm, thanks. I kind of thought so since I can't translate Hmong to English that easily. I think whether it is just the sound or love for languages, it is still beneficial to know more than not enough.

 

[Glenski]

JET contracts are for a maximum of 5 years. Half of JET ALTs don't renew after their first year. It's not a career with JET.

Market here is flooded with teachers and wannabes. Be prepared for a lot of legwork to get that first job, and salaries are falling, and benefits are not being given out as freely as a few years ago. Are you coming here to look for work (more opportunities, but expensive to support yourself meanwhile) or looking while you are still there (cheaper, but far fewer opportunities, and you may still have to travel within the U.S. and pay your own expenses to the 1-3 day interviews)?

I'm not ignorant that Japan don't have their issues. There are some things I do appreciate about America, but I'm just tired how Americans think of others and how they treat other citizens. Sure it's prevalent everywhere, but Japanese treat others with respect.

You have a lot to learn about that. Have you ever even visited the country? If not, I strongly suggest you come for a visit and try to immerse yourself a while. Tourists are not residents who work, so that will be hard, but keep your eyes open and network.

Do you think that learning Japanese will increase my way around Japan? Or it is experience that will help me to grow to understand the culture better?

Trick question. Obviously, learning the language will help your way around, both as a tourist and as a potential employee. As well, your second point is true (experience is good, that is), and a boatload of people live here without learning much of the language, but why bother doing that? Just living and working here will afford you the "experience"; to grow to understand the culture, it all depends on how far you immerse yourself and keep your eyes open.

it was mainly because of their music that I learn to love their language. I don't know how to explain it but I love the sound of it.

Shrill J-pop female singers? Yuk. Enka shriekers and wailers? Ugh. How can you learn to love a language from music? It doesn't follow grammar or pronunciation rules, and nobody speaks like they sing. You just like the music, I think. To each his own.

Japan might be a little patriarchal, but it's better than hearing a feminist lady yelling in your face.

"A little patriarchal"? I thought you said you enjoyed (therefore understood) Japanese history! You're in for a very rude shock if you ever get here.

 

[rosevilla]

JET contracts are for a maximum of 5 years. Half of JET ALTs don't renew after their first year. It's not a career with JET.
Market here is flooded with teachers and wannabes. Be prepared for a lot of legwork to get that first job, and salaries are falling, and benefits are not being given out as freely as a few years ago. Are you coming here to look for work (more opportunities, but expensive to support yourself meanwhile) or looking while you are still there (cheaper, but far fewer opportunities, and you may still have to travel within the U.S. and pay your own expenses to the 1-3 day interviews)?
You have a lot to learn about that. Have you ever even visited the country? If not, I strongly suggest you come for a visit and try to immerse yourself a while. Tourists are not residents who work, so that will be hard, but keep your eyes open and network.
Trick question. Obviously, learning the language will help your way around, both as a tourist and as a potential employee. As well, your second point is true (experience is good, that is), and a boatload of people live here without learning much of the language, but why bother doing that? Just living and working here will afford you the "experience"; to grow to understand the culture, it all depends on how far you immerse yourself and keep your eyes open.
Shrill J-pop female singers? Yuk. Enka shriekers and wailers? Ugh. How can you learn to love a language from music? It doesn't follow grammar or pronunciation rules, and nobody speaks like they sing. You just like the music, I think. To each his own.
"A little patriarchal"? I thought you said you enjoyed (therefore understood) Japanese history! You're in for a very rude shock if you ever get here.

I understand the patriarchal society because I'm from one myself, but it's just how they function that will be different. Either way, new culture or country will surprise me in a lot of ways.

Of course I do. Learning history and facts about Japan is a lot different than living in Japan and waking up to reality. I'm sure you guys do want people to come to Japan, but it's important that we know what we will be dealing with. I really do appreciate all the response though.

I'm not learning grammar and pronunciation from the music. I'm actually learning from my sister who is taking Japanese class and from my Japanese friends as well. A little bit from a Japanese book that my sister gave me. I take whatever is useful and beneficial to help me understand Japanese better.

 

[Glenski]

I'm sure you guys do want people to come to Japan

Doesn't matter one way or the other to me, as long as you don't create some sort of incident or complain about something because of a misconception.

Of course I do.

Do what? Please cut the quotes better so I know what you are referring to.

 

[zoomingjapan]

Originally I just wanted to be in Japan for a year at most.
Right after I finished my MA degree I went off for a short vacation in Japan (3 weeks). I liked it so much that I decided I'd need more time to explore everything. As I just finished university I had nothing to lose.
I grabbed the working holiday visa, found myself a job and off I was.

However, life can be funny sometimes.
My interests changed and 1 year just wasn't enough. One year became two, then three ... and so forth.
I do not regret coming here, but ask me again in a few years.
I don't intend to stay in Japan forever. I originally wanted to stay only year after all.

I might regret the timing of leaving Japan. I can see that I should have left earlier or later, depending on what will happen afterwards.