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Teaching English in Asia |OT| We're back!
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Laieon
Member
I'll be living in Jeonju. I'm at the point where I can read hangul, just not necessarily fast. If I sit there I can eventually sound out the word, I just can't glance at it and instantly know what it says yet. I'm sure that will improve with time though.
Kuro Madoushi
Unconfirmed Member
Korea is fantastic. You'll be fine; you can also always PM with any questions.
Jeonju is a fantastic town. You'll love it.
Jeonju is cool. Of course, there's the hanok village, and there's also one of the prettiest churches in Korea. I was not impressed AT ALL with the bibimbap I tried there, though. (Bibimbap is supposed to be Jeonju's culinary specialty. But the best bibimbap I've had in Korea was at a place called 기와집 in Gwangju, and for only 6,000원 to boot!)
I'll be heading back to Gwangju soon for personal/family reasons, but rather than teaching English I'll be working (remotely) in IT consulting.
Bubble Metropolis
Member
Are you flying out of the UK? My group isn't flying out until Saturday and I'm already a bit anxious.
I've been strongly considering applying for the JET Program next year (as an ALT), but I'm not sure that I'm the ideal candidate.
I'm half-Japanese, and I was actually born in Japan. I spent the first 4 years of my life there before moving to the US. Technically, you could say that Japanese is my first language, though you wouldn't know it now.
I can speak pretty basic Japanese - sometimes I'll talk to my mom in Japanese, though usually in halting sentences with English words mixed in. I would say it's barely conversational Japanese. I also can't read at all. I probably only know about twelve kanji reliably. I think my English is pretty damn good, though - as an English major, it would have to be.
I consider myself American in my values and general view of the world, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm familiar with quite a few Japanese customs and its culture in general.
I don't think my Japanese background prevents me from being able to 'exchange culture' - I am an American, after all - but would the JET Program be looking for more 'foreign' foreigners? Do you think I could downplay my familiarity with Japan in the application process? Or maybe I'm just not the kind of person they're looking for?
I'm half-Japanese, and I was actually born in Japan. I spent the first 4 years of my life there before moving to the US. Technically, you could say that Japanese is my first language, though you wouldn't know it now.
I can speak pretty basic Japanese - sometimes I'll talk to my mom in Japanese, though usually in halting sentences with English words mixed in. I would say it's barely conversational Japanese. I also can't read at all. I probably only know about twelve kanji reliably. I think my English is pretty damn good, though - as an English major, it would have to be.
I consider myself American in my values and general view of the world, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm familiar with quite a few Japanese customs and its culture in general.
I don't think my Japanese background prevents me from being able to 'exchange culture' - I am an American, after all - but would the JET Program be looking for more 'foreign' foreigners? Do you think I could downplay my familiarity with Japan in the application process? Or maybe I'm just not the kind of person they're looking for?
Aizo
Banned
Where are you at, again? I'm not in JET, but I live in Tokyo. I've been planning to apply for JET for many years. Next year is finally the year (when I graduate).
Lavalamp1138
Member
Does anyone know Interac's stance on citizenship? I'm a Canadian citizen with Permanent residency in the U.S. Do I need to be a U.S. citizen in order to apply in America like JET? I was told that if I wanted to apply for JET I'd have to fly to Canda for the interview and if I got the job I'd have to fly out of Canada. Is the same true for Interac?
I can't speak for Interac but yes for JET your nationality and citizenship is important and is required.
So as a Canadian national you have to apply to the Japanese Consulate / Embassy in Canada.
Remember JET is a Government program.
I'm currently doing JET.
And if any new JETs are headed or landed in Sendai give me a shout!
Even tho I don't fit your scenario I can actually answer your questions:
- You being born in Japan is not a deterrent for your admission; however, if you somehow still hold dual citizenship (which is not really possible for Japanese kids at a certain age and for those born after I think 1985). You must renounce your Japanese citizenship, and you'll be able to apply as an American just fine.
- For your question about the need to be "foreign" foreign? That's not a requirement and JET is not petty in its selection process. Basically to be blunt they are not looking for a blonde haired blue eyes white person as a candidate. And I've met a bunch of ALTs past and current who are also of Japanese descent. Also don't think that JET is for stereotypes when they also get ALTs and CIRs from countries like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Singapore.
So it's not all US/CA/GB/IE/AU/NZ/ZA.
I can't speak for private companies but JET is really open.
- Your Japanese knowledge will be an asset but ultimately is not a requirement. But I know my Japanese ability is one of the reasons why I was selected since I learned that from my home consulate and CLAIR. So it's more of a plus.
And also your Japanese lineage will also be a plus rather than a burden.
SolidChamp
Banned
The people looking at these ESL programs really need to clue in to just what is out there for real, fully certified teachers with proper practicum experience.
Don't go for the easy pay check, the party, and the Asian women. Get serious about doing some real teaching and make a life/career out of it.
My wife makes $95,000 USD a year with Taipei American School.
Don't go for the easy pay check, the party, and the Asian women. Get serious about doing some real teaching and make a life/career out of it.
Well, for a lot of people this is their first job out of university. But yeah, no need to rest on your laurels earning 24k.
SolidChamp
Banned
This is the other problem I have. Fully qualified teachers should be the ones teaching in Asia. Believe me, I was one of those sad saps who pretended to be a "teacher" in South Korea for a couple of years. I had no business being in a classroom...and a lot of the guys I've met in my time abroad have even less claim to the profession than I do.
I'm sick of meeting white dude bros who come to Asia for the party. No offence to anyone here.
Laieon
Member
I'm really enjoying it, as of last Thursday, I've been already been here a month. The kids are pretty awesome so far.
Valkerionseven
Member
Agreed, but still point remains most of these programs are looking for fresh out of school people who can "Assist" in the classroom, not be the teacher. Like you said a lot pretend to be a "teacher" when they are not. I think these programs are fine for what they are trying to do but do agree real teachers are needed for non assistant programs. You mentioned your wife making real teacher money for a real teacher position, something most of the Assistant applicants probably are not looking for nor are they prepared for at this point. Maybe in a few years they will roll into that naturally like many seem to.
And yeah... the dude bros are ridiculous. Not naming any names but... yeah there are a few examples of them even on neogaf who say some truly horrifying things.
Anyway, hope all is going well for the gaffers who made it into placement this season. Hope to join you guys next year since I did not get in this cycle (which may be fore the best since these few months post graduation have been hectic family wise.)
Bringing this thread back to life a bit but this problem lies in all teaching programs. TEACH also has the sane problems of people just riding it for grant money/employment, which I understand, but its gotten to the point its filled wirh more non teachers then those on the actual field
Im actually been working into getting into international education and affairs as well and it's actually sad to see how little people in the field are doing JET. Or even know about it. I mean they are literally just starting to push educators into study abroad education after all these years
justjustin
Member
I'll be keeping an eye on this thread and sifting through it. It's been a little over four years since I studied abroad at Kansai Gaidai and had the time of my life. It might sound a little sad, but it's all the good memories I have of spending time with my homestay family, and learning about and traveling around Japan that's kept me motivated in all my efforts these past few years. It has since been a place I wanted to go back to, and as a (relatively) recent college graduate it seems like the best way for me to get my foot in the door-- well, country-- is JET or a similar position.
I'm crossing my fingers my familiarity with living there and having "functional" Japanese (can barely converse, but can easily get around and ask questions) will give me some sort of edge. I have no teaching experience, but I did tutor logic/philosophy in college so I'm used to explaining one concept 800 different ways off the cuff to help people learn.
It looks like JET will update application info next month, so I'll be looking into it closely. If anyone is bored/nice enough to pitch a few general tips or opinions about JET life or JET application I'd of course appreciate it. But, like I mentioned, there's probably plenty of stuff I can glean from this thread already.
I'm crossing my fingers my familiarity with living there and having "functional" Japanese (can barely converse, but can easily get around and ask questions) will give me some sort of edge. I have no teaching experience, but I did tutor logic/philosophy in college so I'm used to explaining one concept 800 different ways off the cuff to help people learn.
It looks like JET will update application info next month, so I'll be looking into it closely. If anyone is bored/nice enough to pitch a few general tips or opinions about JET life or JET application I'd of course appreciate it. But, like I mentioned, there's probably plenty of stuff I can glean from this thread already.
Go_Ly_Dow
Member
Hey guys. Ive been following this thread for a while as I've had a long term interest in teaching in Japan.
I'm 24 atm and in my final year of College doing a Business & Marketing degree at a reasonable University. If all goes well I will finish in May and graduate in July/Aug.
Aside from a college I have several years experience working in recruitment and general office settings.
Would really like to go down this route as I fancy a change. Most people I know in college havent really had serious jobs so they want to enter a career soon as they graduate, however having been in the UK my whole life and worked since 16 (on and off) this is the kinda change I need as my life is getting kinda stale.
I hear with JET you apply around now and undertake interviews in November and Jan? And if all is successful you start in Spring?
I'm asking because what would be the best route for me to take with applying as I finish college in May 2015. Would I have to wait til Spring 2016 before I could start or are there other options or ways to enter the programme straight after college?
Thanks for any assistance you guys/girls can provide
I'm 24 atm and in my final year of College doing a Business & Marketing degree at a reasonable University. If all goes well I will finish in May and graduate in July/Aug.
Aside from a college I have several years experience working in recruitment and general office settings.
Would really like to go down this route as I fancy a change. Most people I know in college havent really had serious jobs so they want to enter a career soon as they graduate, however having been in the UK my whole life and worked since 16 (on and off) this is the kinda change I need as my life is getting kinda stale.
I hear with JET you apply around now and undertake interviews in November and Jan? And if all is successful you start in Spring?
I'm asking because what would be the best route for me to take with applying as I finish college in May 2015. Would I have to wait til Spring 2016 before I could start or are there other options or ways to enter the programme straight after college?
Thanks for any assistance you guys/girls can provide
GeekyDad
Member
On the flip side, I have seven full-time years of college and no degree (went two different times in my life when the opportunity allowed, neither of which I was able to complete a degree -- once for music performance, once for communication). I feel like I have the requisite skills to teach at least at a rudimentary level, and there's an incredible desire to do so and live in and experience China. I'm married, so "the party" doesn't interest me (didn't really interest me 18 years ago when I was single). But it seems the requirements (for reputable schools, anyway) have gotten much more stringent. Can't complain, but it's a disappointment to me that it's probably something I'll never have the opportunity to do.
Hi everyone, here's a China update in case anyone is interested...
China changed the visa rules for English teachers a year or so ago. Now you need to be a native English speaker (from a handful of selected countries) to get a legit working visa.
Due to this, there's a dramatic difference in the number of eligible teachers in China. Many smaller schools and training centres are really feeling the pinch.
What does this mean for potential teachers? Much better salary and perks! There are some great packages available if you shop around. Be a bit aggressive and bargain with the school a little. Never settle for what the school offers first!
I just signed a contract with a new school in Suzhou, about 30 minutes from Shanghai by high speed rail. It's a British managed international boarding school and I'll be working in the kindy department. The school is just being finished now and I officially start in October.
After tax I get 17,635 RMB a month which is about $2,870 USD. On top of that they provide free housing and utilities, health insurance and 8.5 weeks paid holidays a year plus all Chinese public holidays. Cost of living in China can be really low. Hell, even a big night out will usually only set you back about $50-60 USD.
After each year, the school pays $3,200 USD annual bonus/flight allowance and a yearly $830 laptop allowance which can be used on anything you want (hello Mac mini!). Check out www.seriousteachers.com
Note: this is a kindy gig and they usually pay higher because you are at the school all day, as opposed to training centre jobs which usually start in the afternoon and go into the evening. Having said that, a lot of training centres are offering pretty good money too considering how easy the work is.
If anyone is interested, I know a kindy in Wuxi that's looking for teachers. The salary and bonuses etc aren't as high as my new job, but the workload is ridiculously easy and they pay for housing too.
China is also full of the dudebro brigade, but they usually live in the bigger cities such as Beijing and Shanghai and are easy to avoid. There are lots of nice older people here that got fed up with the 9 to 5 grind back home and have come to China to start a new life. I'm definitely in that category! I moved to China 2 years ago and have never looked back.
China changed the visa rules for English teachers a year or so ago. Now you need to be a native English speaker (from a handful of selected countries) to get a legit working visa.
Due to this, there's a dramatic difference in the number of eligible teachers in China. Many smaller schools and training centres are really feeling the pinch.
What does this mean for potential teachers? Much better salary and perks! There are some great packages available if you shop around. Be a bit aggressive and bargain with the school a little. Never settle for what the school offers first!
I just signed a contract with a new school in Suzhou, about 30 minutes from Shanghai by high speed rail. It's a British managed international boarding school and I'll be working in the kindy department. The school is just being finished now and I officially start in October.
After tax I get 17,635 RMB a month which is about $2,870 USD. On top of that they provide free housing and utilities, health insurance and 8.5 weeks paid holidays a year plus all Chinese public holidays. Cost of living in China can be really low. Hell, even a big night out will usually only set you back about $50-60 USD.
After each year, the school pays $3,200 USD annual bonus/flight allowance and a yearly $830 laptop allowance which can be used on anything you want (hello Mac mini!). Check out www.seriousteachers.com
Note: this is a kindy gig and they usually pay higher because you are at the school all day, as opposed to training centre jobs which usually start in the afternoon and go into the evening. Having said that, a lot of training centres are offering pretty good money too considering how easy the work is.
If anyone is interested, I know a kindy in Wuxi that's looking for teachers. The salary and bonuses etc aren't as high as my new job, but the workload is ridiculously easy and they pay for housing too.
China is also full of the dudebro brigade, but they usually live in the bigger cities such as Beijing and Shanghai and are easy to avoid. There are lots of nice older people here that got fed up with the 9 to 5 grind back home and have come to China to start a new life. I'm definitely in that category! I moved to China 2 years ago and have never looked back.
I was looking on the job section of craigslist China and a lot of recruiters are offering teach jobs in China with 'no degree required'. I'm not sure how they are getting around the visa laws, perhaps setting the applicants up with business visas or something?
Here's http://beijing.craigslist.com.cn/edu/4584545085.html one here. Check it out.
Visa laws are really more like guidelines.
There are going to be hundreds of schools who bring people in on tourist visas, business visas, I even met a guy who was on an M Visa, which is some kind of trading visa.
And even if they can't get a working visa, that doesn't mean that the school can't get a residence permit for you wither, which is what you actually need to live in China. As long as they have the face, it's no issue.
Obviously you are running a risk dealing with places like this, but it's small. If you fit in the requirements for the working visa, then wait for a place that can offer you one. If you don't, then don't worry too much about having to find a work visa.
Jikoshokai... wahhh.
Just doing the traditional powerpoint + quiz thing (keep running out of time for the quiz actually)... not sure how to actually make it interesting. The front of the class is super hype for most of it, but the back tends to zone out after about fifteen minutes or so
Just doing the traditional powerpoint + quiz thing (keep running out of time for the quiz actually)... not sure how to actually make it interesting. The front of the class is super hype for most of it, but the back tends to zone out after about fifteen minutes or so
Chairmanchuck
Member
It depends. Especially in smaller schools raids arent that uncommon. Every big school can give you a working visa without any problem, since they have their "relations".
Smaller schools though get raided frequently and if you dont have a working visa or cant prove that your M-visa is really made for your "job", you can say goodbye to China. A lot of University students who have part-time jobs regularly get thrown out of the country because they arent allowed to work with just a X2-Visa.
A lot of these jobs imo fall into the scam-category. I mean you are getting paid, but when you ask "So, what about my working-visa? Thought u pay for that" suddenly it is "Oh. We pay half" or "Chinese lessons? Oh. We will look."
And often the chinese say "Sure. You have an insurance with our company", but actually you dont have.
Big schools or companies like Xindongfang and such of course arent like that. Small schools, kindergardens, outsourcing-companies and such really "scam" you by employing you, I would argue.
Make it very easy to understand and make you and your hometown relate to your students and your city. Also coordinate with your JTEs and if you can observe your students so you know what can work and what doesn't. Remember, make it FUN and interesting.
Don't bore them since the Junior High kids are really worked to the max, and that isn't because of just school but also because of Bukatsu and Juku.
I learned this the hard way, but I had many attempts at it.
HappyBivouac
Member
Who exactly is this "dudebro brigade" and why exactly are you trying to avoid them? Among the foreigners I've met in China at bars and parties are such, there's only one guy I would describe as a scumbag. The rest have been incredibly nice, friendly, fun, open, and honest people.
The worst people, in fact, are those who go around looking for every possible opportunity to feel superior over the other foreigners. I'm not really accusing you of this, but I would like to know what kind of people you're referring to.
Also, do you have an education degree? International schools do pay higher than training schools, but they typically require some sort of education degree, rather than any old bachelor's.
A couple of things that I do.
1.True or false. You can also incorporate a team teacher. Give them 10+ facts about yourself and get them to write down as you go whether the things are true or false. You can pair them up if that will help with concentration. Make sure they understand that many of the things they'll just have to guess (not a common activity in Japan) but you can throw a bunch of softballs as well.
2. True or false battle game. Give a bunch of facts about yourself (10+) and then split the class in to two (or maybe three) teams. Get the first person from each to stand up and call out one of the facts making it either a true version or a false one (for example, you tell them at the start where you are from and then either call out the true answer or a false one). First student to call out the answer is the winner. If you are too slow or call out the wrong answer you are immediately out. Go through the whole class.
Bubble Metropolis
Member
I'm gonna die playing onigokko, basketball, and dodgeball after lunch every day in these COOL BIZ clothes.
As for the introduction class: none of my schools have tech in the classroom, so I just printed out a bunch of pictures and made sure they each held them in their hands, etc. Asked them questions rather than waiting for them to ask me questions. For example, when I mention liking comics, I'll ask them if they like comics, which one they like, etc., and it gives them an opportunity to use the grammar they should have already learned this far into the school year. I teach at junior high and elementary schools, btw.
As for the introduction class: none of my schools have tech in the classroom, so I just printed out a bunch of pictures and made sure they each held them in their hands, etc. Asked them questions rather than waiting for them to ask me questions. For example, when I mention liking comics, I'll ask them if they like comics, which one they like, etc., and it gives them an opportunity to use the grammar they should have already learned this far into the school year. I teach at junior high and elementary schools, btw.
Awesome thread here. Ryan, I read your wordpress post. Good stuff man! I'm somewhat envious haha!
Anyhoo, for a year now I've played around with the thought of teaching English in Korea. Problem is I think my credentials (or lack thereof) gives me a slim to no chance of getting through. I'm an RN here in the US and am a US citizen BUT I was born in the Philippines then moved to Germany when I was 7. My dad was in the US military so I lived on a US base and 2nd grade to 2nd year of college has been in the US system. I ended up going to the Philippines to finish the RN program and graduated with m bachelor's. I have ZERO teaching experience except for teaching my patients medical stuff lol. I'll have to live vicariously through you guys! Keep kicking ass!
Anyhoo, for a year now I've played around with the thought of teaching English in Korea. Problem is I think my credentials (or lack thereof) gives me a slim to no chance of getting through. I'm an RN here in the US and am a US citizen BUT I was born in the Philippines then moved to Germany when I was 7. My dad was in the US military so I lived on a US base and 2nd grade to 2nd year of college has been in the US system. I ended up going to the Philippines to finish the RN program and graduated with m bachelor's. I have ZERO teaching experience except for teaching my patients medical stuff lol. I'll have to live vicariously through you guys! Keep kicking ass!
You being born in the Philippines shouldn't matter, you are a US citizen and you carry a US passport.
SolidChamp
Banned
Coming face to face with them here in Asia is even worse.
For a good majority of these guys, their girlfriends only serve to fulfill that Asian porn fetish they've been harboring for too long. A lot of these guys are crass, socially awkward, homely looking dudes.
It boggles the mind just how many of these guys flock to Asia and somehow manage to make a "living" here.
This is me speaking from 7 years of personal experience, so I can't account for how anyone else might feel on the subject and I don't presume to think this of every single guy who wants to travel and work here. Admittedly, I've grown pretty cynical towards white guys in Asia.
/rant
Best of luck to those here who are making a serious effort to work abroad. There are plenty of wonderful things to discover here, but also many pitfalls to avoid. I have plenty of experiences to share, both positive and negative, so don't hesitate to ask.
Mistake
Member
I think it depends more on where you are. The police where I am couldn't care less about that stuff, since I'm in a smaller town. They have better things to do. Right now I'm teaching at a small company and the kids are great. I make an ok amount of money, so as of right now my situation is doable. Before I found my current job, I was looking around Beijing, but I needed a degree in order for some places to process a work visa. I will have to look into getting a residency permit at best, just to save myself on plane tickets. Compared to what I had to work in the US, here is a lot more relaxed. Sure I miss the comforts of home, but I'm happier now.
Edit: To SolidChamp. I can see how you can think that. I get a lot of attention here being white, and I've heard stories like that too (not just online but also from some of the women I work with). However I decided to date again somewhat recently, and I can happily say that I've finally met someone I feel a real connection with. I didn't think it was possible with the culture difference, but she's amazing
Dude give them stickers/seals.
sasimirobot
Junior Member
Its always the other guy. Who cares if people like asian girls, how does it bother you, not enough chinese girls to go around? I have met a few gaf'ers that live in China, and while I don't think they are studs in the west by any means, why can't they be happy with what they find here?
SolidChamp
Banned
I just think it's shallow/superficial objectification of women due to their race. It's a fixation that these sleazy dude bros can't seem to get over.
I'm married, so it has nothing to do with what I want for myself, personally speaking. Live and let live, I say...but still, it's pretty douchey.
Calling guys you've likely never met before 'dude bros' is pretty lame imo, but I'm not going to get bogged down in that one.
I started my new gig in the city today after a year out in the sticks, and it's pretty refreshing having some other foreigners in the building. It's looking like I'll only be working 2 days a week through the uni but I'm still undecided on side gigs. I'm teaching non-major master students and they seem a lot more pleasant than what I was working with last year. I got robbed the night I arrived and lost my laptop, phone and tablet which has been a bit frustrating to say the least. Fortunately another teacher lent me an old laptop and I'm now rocking a Xiaomi Mi3 which I might be satisfied with once I can get it flashed and updated. Speaking of which, I found out the thief (or whoever has my phone) decided to hijack my Wechat account and is now using it as their own. Should I invoke detective gaf so I can try to get my stuff back? Our building was swarming with cops, but it's been a week without word so I'm sure chances they recover anything are low.
I started my new gig in the city today after a year out in the sticks, and it's pretty refreshing having some other foreigners in the building. It's looking like I'll only be working 2 days a week through the uni but I'm still undecided on side gigs. I'm teaching non-major master students and they seem a lot more pleasant than what I was working with last year. I got robbed the night I arrived and lost my laptop, phone and tablet which has been a bit frustrating to say the least. Fortunately another teacher lent me an old laptop and I'm now rocking a Xiaomi Mi3 which I might be satisfied with once I can get it flashed and updated. Speaking of which, I found out the thief (or whoever has my phone) decided to hijack my Wechat account and is now using it as their own. Should I invoke detective gaf so I can try to get my stuff back? Our building was swarming with cops, but it's been a week without word so I'm sure chances they recover anything are low.
sasimirobot
Junior Member
I don't see why having a preference makes people sleazy. If a woman likes tall Spanish dudes she is a scum bag? I saw hordes of Taiwanese girls in Madrid chasing the locals, so what? It just so happens that I prefer slim brunettes, now I live in a place with 500 million of them, I'm a shifty dude bro Now?
You could try telling the actual detectives in the police station about the WeChat usage.
SolidChamp
Banned
I did say "live and let live". Not trying to derail the thread. It's the things they SAY (crass and douchey) and the way they BEHAVE (lecherous and disrespectful), and it accounts for a good majority of my own personal experiences and the guys that I've met here. So let us be clear about that.
Dude bro or not, I'm also here to give people advice and answer questions, in the most honest, sincere, and direct way possible.
Jaffaboy
Member
You're a US citizen with a US passport, and your last 7 years of school education were done in the US, and you have a bachelor's degree. Do a TEFL and you're good to go!
I've just returned to the UK after two years in Korea. It has been the best thing I've ever done, no doubt about it. I've applied to do a CELTA in Barcelona in November, and thinking Spain or Japan by the new year!
My stint in China landed me a gig at a university here in the USA managing an ESL program. I like it but it can't compare to the excitement of living overseas. Perks are great though, I can work on a tuition free doctorate, and then I may just head back over.
As far as "dudebros" go, I don't think homely introverted guys can be considered dudebros. I saw a bunch of roided-out frat boys when I was in Korea but never a one when I was in China. But I was probably hanging out in the wrong places. I never got annoyed by foreign guys hitting on Asian chicks though.
As far as "dudebros" go, I don't think homely introverted guys can be considered dudebros. I saw a bunch of roided-out frat boys when I was in Korea but never a one when I was in China. But I was probably hanging out in the wrong places. I never got annoyed by foreign guys hitting on Asian chicks though.
HappyBivouac
Member
I understand what you're saying about people saying lecherous and disrespectful things, but I prefer not to judge until someone crosses a real ethical boundary that is harmful to people. I draw the line at guys who brag about cheating. That shit is not funny or even remotely acceptable. That said, I've actually encountered this far more from Chinese guys than from foreigners. Anecdotal evidence, of course; I don't mean to make generalizations here.
And I draw a "soft line" at guys who boast about their "numbers" because promiscuity is not a crime or even unethical. It's mostly just annoying if they constantly talk about it.
People are often presumptuous and cynical about other foreigners. They walk around assuming things about people, and have this mentality that they're a "better foreigner" than others. They'll talk up their language ability and how they understand the culture so well. These people feel very strongly about their supposed "maturity" but in actuality it's incredibly childish, petty, and outright toxic. Not saying this is you at all, but it's something I've encountered more than once.
Basically, so what if people are in Asia to have fun? A lot of people like to spout the tired old "most foreigners are just here to party" line. So what if they are? Did you spend your university days sitting in your dorm room avoiding the bars and the parties because you think you're above all that? Are you going to judge someone for being out to enjoy life? That seems like a warped mentality.
Again, the "you" in this case isn't directed at any particular individual, in this thread or otherwise. Apologies for the rant.
Holy crap, that's a bummer. How did the robbery go down, exactly? What city are you in?
http://www.officedepot.com/mb/search.do?seoText=stickers-and-seals&N=5+588568
Jokes aside, stickers are called seals in Japan.
But the term is not exclusive to Japan.
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