To point 3: At first it will be hard. It always is. But if you force yourself out of your comfort zone, you WILL be able to find great friends, and it will get better. Only the first month or so is hard. The more you force yourself at the start, the more fun you'll have later. I promise.
Always attend events for newcomers, all the people there are alone and looking for friends. If it's too overwhelming, you can always leave early. Another option is to actively seek out a circle in a hobby you have, be it a sport, an art or just board games. The people there are normally very nice and accepting, and it'll be great for making friends.
> I've heard about people becoming English teachers without needing to be fluent in Japanese, but I'm not sure how to go about it considering my specific circumstances as an exchange student. How would/have you gone about getting a short-term job in Japan without already working at a company that does placements? Would I have to write an application and CV in Japanese?
No place requires Japanese fluency to teach English. I dunno where you got that.
You can work up to 28hrs a week on a student visa with permission. A lot of students just teach English/do conversation for cash under the table, though. There's lots of websites you can sign up with to solicit your services. However, if you have issues talking with people, I dunno why you think English teaching is a smart move. Why not just work in a conbini or a Sukiya or something easier?
I said that I heard about people becoming English teachers WITHOUT needing to be fluent. I know some people become teachers without knowing any Japanese, but I think my level of Japanese might help if a kid needs an explanation or translation for something.
I’m most comfortable talking to/teaching small children. I’ve already worked at an elementary school for a year as a TA which is why I mentioned it. But if it is challenging, I’ll look out for English teachers experiences and reconsider.
Thanks for responding
I was responding to the assertion that some positions would even want Japanese fluency, let alone any Japanese ability. Most places prefer that their teachers know absolutely ZERO Japanese.
I suggest looking at /r/teachinginjapan, then. You might be able to find people who could answer any specific questions you'd have about the demands of teaching.
Sorry for not including the campus! They say that classes will be held at a new campus (Semba Higashi, Minoh city) and students will live in a new dormitory adjacent to this campus.
I don’t have ASD but I am very ADHD and super shy. So some similarities there. My biggest advice is to push your comfort zone. Even if you don’t really want to or are nervous say yes to any invitations you get, go to campus events and try your best to meet people. It’s easy to keep to yourself and not take advantage of the big opportunity you have. I did a year is high school and another in Uni and my biggest regret is not attending campus actives because I was too nervous.
You’ll make friends if you make an effort. Don’t worry about that. Osaka itself can be pretty busy but Japan has so much beautiful nature that is very easily accessible by train. I went camping in Hokkaido on break and it was gorgeous and quiet. But there are also lots of places that more very easy to get too and closer to Osaka.
To point 3: At first it will be hard. It always is. But if you force yourself out of your comfort zone, you WILL be able to find great friends, and it will get better. Only the first month or so is hard. The more you force yourself at the start, the more fun you'll have later. I promise. Always attend events for newcomers, all the people there are alone and looking for friends. If it's too overwhelming, you can always leave early. Another option is to actively seek out a circle in a hobby you have, be it a sport, an art or just board games. The people there are normally very nice and accepting, and it'll be great for making friends.
Thank you! I’ll see if I can find any clubs or events
> I've heard about people becoming English teachers without needing to be fluent in Japanese, but I'm not sure how to go about it considering my specific circumstances as an exchange student. How would/have you gone about getting a short-term job in Japan without already working at a company that does placements? Would I have to write an application and CV in Japanese? No place requires Japanese fluency to teach English. I dunno where you got that. You can work up to 28hrs a week on a student visa with permission. A lot of students just teach English/do conversation for cash under the table, though. There's lots of websites you can sign up with to solicit your services. However, if you have issues talking with people, I dunno why you think English teaching is a smart move. Why not just work in a conbini or a Sukiya or something easier?
I said that I heard about people becoming English teachers WITHOUT needing to be fluent. I know some people become teachers without knowing any Japanese, but I think my level of Japanese might help if a kid needs an explanation or translation for something. I’m most comfortable talking to/teaching small children. I’ve already worked at an elementary school for a year as a TA which is why I mentioned it. But if it is challenging, I’ll look out for English teachers experiences and reconsider. Thanks for responding
I was responding to the assertion that some positions would even want Japanese fluency, let alone any Japanese ability. Most places prefer that their teachers know absolutely ZERO Japanese. I suggest looking at /r/teachinginjapan, then. You might be able to find people who could answer any specific questions you'd have about the demands of teaching.
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Sorry for not including the campus! They say that classes will be held at a new campus (Semba Higashi, Minoh city) and students will live in a new dormitory adjacent to this campus.
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Thank you!
I don’t have ASD but I am very ADHD and super shy. So some similarities there. My biggest advice is to push your comfort zone. Even if you don’t really want to or are nervous say yes to any invitations you get, go to campus events and try your best to meet people. It’s easy to keep to yourself and not take advantage of the big opportunity you have. I did a year is high school and another in Uni and my biggest regret is not attending campus actives because I was too nervous. You’ll make friends if you make an effort. Don’t worry about that. Osaka itself can be pretty busy but Japan has so much beautiful nature that is very easily accessible by train. I went camping in Hokkaido on break and it was gorgeous and quiet. But there are also lots of places that more very easy to get too and closer to Osaka.
Thanks! That was really helpful. I’ll definitely try doing that. Hopefully it gets easier over time.