Working in Japan as a Teacher・日本で先生として働きます

Matt Priede Start Date: Jan 14, 2021 - End Date: May 13, 2021
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Professional Development
  • TEFL/Teach Abroad
  • Japan
  • Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
  • Mie, Japan

My Travel Story

by: Matt Priede Start Date: Jan 14, 2021 - End Date: May 13, 2021
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Professional Development
  • TEFL/Teach Abroad
七転び八起き - Nanakorobi-yaoki. This means to fall down seven times and stand up eight. In other words, never give up. This is a mantra I try to live by, but this time I need help standing. 

Hello everyone! My name is Matt and I have been pursuing a career in Japan for about six years.  From a young age I have been interested in Japanese culture and have made countless Japanese friends over the years. I've studied Japanese from the time I was in high-school up until now where I've graduated from university with a Japanese minor. The pictures above are my own personal ones. I lived in Japan for a year to study abroad and now have been given the opportunity to work there permanently. I intend to initially work as an Assistant Language Teacher to help children learn English, and then transfer into a permanant position afterwards.

This is something I have pursued tirelessly. I have tried and save up the funds by myself for the move, but I truly need help to realize these goals. It was recommended that I bring $5000 to the country - not including airfare. Due to the ongoing pandemic, not only has it been difficult for me to acquire and maintain the necessary funds, the timing of arrival is quite strict due to the need to quarantine for two weeks and arrange travel. At this point I am at risk of losing my position for the job and delaying my career for a year, which is a rather scary prospect to me after putting so much effort into seizing this chance. 

This opportunity is meaningful to me not only because of the passion I have for Japan, the culture, and many acquaintences I have made, but because it gives me the opportunity to actively give back to the very people that assisted in helping me learn Japanese to begin with. International students and Japanese teachers equipped me with the tools I needed to exceed beyond 'textbook Japanese' so I would like to likewise equip the students I teach with the tools necessary to advance beyond 'textbook English.' I want to help them get to a point where they can have engaging conversations with the ever-growing number of individuals who speak English.

I am fully aware that Covid-19 has had a remarkable impact on the global economy, so please don't feel obligated or pressed to go out of the way to aid me. I consider any donation amount above and beyond what is necessary, and I am happy that you just took the time to read this far. This is my seventh time falling down, and I'll find a way to get up an eigth time eventually. However, your support would make it that much easier to do. 

よろしくお願いいたします、
マット
  • Japan
  • Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
  • Mie, Japan