Learning Japanese at Aardvark helped Andre teach English in Japan

Introduction
It is almost one year since Andre moved to Japan to teach English in a high school in Nara, which is know for old temples and beautiful moutains.
Andre is a former Japanese Adult Language student at Aardvark Learning Academy.  Kayo, Andre's Japanese teacher at Aardvark Learning Academy, contacted Andre to ask how he is doing!
1.  What is your daily/weekly teaching schedule like?
I go to two high schools in Nara Prefecture. I spend 3 days at one and 2 days at the other.
I normally arrive at school around 8 am. I normally have 3-4 classes a day.
I finish at 4:15pm but normally stay longer to talk with students.
 
2.  What are your responsibilities at schools?
I normally prepare lesson plans. I make 2-3 lesson plans a week.
I normally do activities for the students. Focusing on speech.
I help any teacher that asks for it.
When I have free time I go to other classes and interact with students when appropriate.
 
3.  Did studying Japanese help you start your life in Japan?  How?
Yes, it helped a lot. Although I knew very little when I left for Japan. Being able to order food was a big help.
Also being able to know when being asked a question made early conversations smoother even if I didn't understand what was being said.
I could also interact with students and they enjoy my low level Japanese.
 
4.  What is the best part of living in Japan?
I'm enjoying the convenience of travel. Being able to walk, bike, or take a train anywhere is very nice.
I'm also enjoying the variety of foods. I've lost a lot of weight even though I still eat a lot.
 
5.  Did you reconnect with Japanese students that you met at Guelph? (Andre made friends with Japanese exchange students at University goGuelph when he vounteered as a English conversation buddy.)
Yes I did! We meet about once a month and go eat somewhere. They have also shown me around Osaka and Kyoto.
It is nice being able to speak English with a Japanese person. They can explain Japanese culture and lifestyle to me.
 
6.  Anything you would like to share.
Learning as much Japanese as possible before coming is very useful.
You don't need to read or write well, but being able to speak is the most beneficial.
It will be easier to make friends and not get lost.
 
Considering moving to Japan?  Contact Aardvark Learning Academy to learn Japanese and travel in Japan with confidence!