Former Teachers
Working at Mike's has been an interesting experience. I have sincerely enjoyed the adult students and I find it delightful working with them. They are personable and friendly and have taught me a lot about Japan and it's customs.
On a personal note, I suggest you join TIC Tama International Center. I was involved with Flower Arranging, Japanese Language Class and I spoke about Canada to a small group at TIC. (top floor of Opa) Also I took art classes from the Culture Center at the 7th floor of Keio Dept. Store. They offer a variety of lessons. I found it worth my while to be involved in these activities outside of school. Also, Tokyo has many art gallaries, museums and concerts. I tried to attend something at least twice a month.
Good luck. I hope you enjoy your experience in Japan.
July 21, 2004
Yours truly, Marj Peltier
To the next teachers--I would like to tell you that working at Mike's is an interesting experience. As with any company, there are good and bad things. The best thing is definitely your peers--the other teachers. Terena is also nice and gentle and real. Recently, we've become good friends. I've also really enjoyed the Japanese staff. Toru is so facially expressive--it's fun for the students and me to watch. Reiko is easy to teach with and talk to--I'll miss her. Masaharu is great at games and keeping the kids happy. Midori has excellent ideas and lesson plans--we've always had excellent classes. I wish you all the best of luck. Make the most of your experience in Japan. Allyson
elcome to Japan and Mike's English School. I had a great time teaching English in Japan, and I'm sure you can too, as long as you keep an open mind and an easy-going attitude. You'll definitely feel a bit of culture shock when you arrive here, but don't worry about it too much. As long as you follow the same rules of politeness as you did back home, you shouldn't run into many problems here. As for Mike's English School, it's a decent place. Here you're much better off than those English teachers at the big chain English schools like *** or ***. Of course Mike's has a few problems, like any workplace does, especially since the working culture here is MUCH different from back home. For instance, taking sick days is frowned upon to the point that you're expected to come to work even if you're sick and contagious. But once you've been here a while, you'll quickly figure out how things work and what to expect, and as long as you don't let the cultural differences get to you, you should be able to enjoy your year or more here. As for myself, I don't regret working here. If you have any questions for me, feel free to contact me at mark_driedger@hotmail.com wish you the best of luck.
July 30, 2004
Mark Dried
Dear New Teacher,
Welcome to Japan and Mike's. I'm sorry I won't have a chance to meet you.
Let's see...I've been here five years, so I have a little advice. First of all, just be patient with the students and realize that your compliments can go a long way. A lot of them are very insecure about their English so find something (anything!) to say good things about. Just try to keep everyone involved and create a warm atmosphere.
Some good things about Mike's--when you are done here you will have a lot of experience with all ages of kids and understand them a lot better. Also, I'm sure you will really bond with your fellow foreign teachers. The adult students (many of them) are really kind and you can learn a lot from them about Japan.
Also, Seiseki is a great place. There is nature, mountains, green and it is clean and modern. Working only 35 hours has its benefits, too. Lots of free time to do stuff you want to do.
And that's it. I don't really know what else they expect me to say. Just have fun and make the most our of being here. It's not perfect but what place is? See you around, possibly.
Sincerely,
Matthew Peipert
My experience at Mike's English School was unquestionably a positive one.
It gave me the opportunity to see and feel a culture completely
unique to my own, and the school's location is conveniently just
outside of one of the most exciting cities in the world.
The staff at Mike's are, for the most part, very friendly and helpful. And the teachers feel free to share a great deal of laughter together.
I hope the replacement will enjoy his or her experience.
Love,
Steve DeRoo July 31, 2003
I came to Mike`s English School straight out of college. It was my first real working experience.
I`m so glad I chose this school because I feel that I've really grown a lot because of it.
One thing that I think is really hard to find anywhere, but that I've miraculously found here is a staff that gets along well. Everyone is unique with different opinions, but we all have a great time together whether at work or play. I feel very lucky in this respect.
The Japanese work ethic is very different from the one in America. It takes some getting used to.
You have to work hard, but make a good salary and have lots of free time.
At this school, I've taught people from ages 1 to 81 and met a wide variety of people. I've learned so much about Japanese culture through my students.
Japanese people are incredibly generous. I can't count all of the gifts, cards, and acts of generosity I've received since living in this country.
Another wonderful thing about Japan is the convenience. I pay all of my bills at convenience stores and can travel all over the country by train.
The location of Mike`s English School is a great one.
It takes about 20 minutes by train to downtown Tokyo.
The station next to Mike's is by no means small however. I spend a lot of my free time here. There are shopping malls, restaurants, and a nice river all near the station.
I'm going to America to try something new. If I were to stay in Japan, however, I would stay right here. I've met friends that I'll keep forever, and have memories that will last a lifetime.
Erin East July 31, 2003
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