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Time in Japan
I lived in Japan from January 1996 until May of 2010. This is my story!
I lived in Japan from January 1996 until May of 2010. This is my story!
Main
Moved to Japan
January 10, 1996
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Flew from Halifax to Osaka with a high school/university friend
Personal Life
Personally important events.
Lived in Company Housing
January 12, 1996 - May 1, 1996
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Shared an apartment in Yasu city in Shiga Prefecture with a couple from Australia. Company thought that Elana and I were a couple since we requested to travel together. They gave us one room between us!
Met friends, Jim, Sarah and Gerard
march 1, 1996
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Karate Classes
May 1,1996 - April 30, 1997
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Live in Kyoto City at Kujo Kawaramachi
May 2, 1996 - April 2, 1998
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Google Map of apartment
Met my first cockroach
June 1,1996
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Ughh! I really hate these things.
Lucy and Glenda stalked
November 1, 1996 - February 1, 1997
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A car would follow Lucy and/or Glenda home from the station almost every night. There was no aggressiveness shown or taunting or anything but this happened every night over a period of months. They reported it to the police but no follow up that they were aware of.
Went to Korea
November 3 1996
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First Wedding Party in Japan George!
Nov 10, 1996 - Nov 11, 1996
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First wedding party with George. Wrong side of the taxi story!
Met Angela
June 29,1997
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She currently lives outside Tokyo with her husband Toshiya. We are in regular contact on FB.
Met Mike
Oct 29,1997
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A buddy who has become a lifelong friend. He currently lives in NY and works as a professional translator.
Went to Winter Olympics in Nagano
Feb 14,1998
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Saw Canada play the U.S. Wayne Gretzky, Patrick Roy, Steve Yzerman and more!
Lived in Fushimi
April 2, 1998 - February 28,2003
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I lived in two different apartments during this time but they were only a 10 minute walk from each other. One was a 1 bedroom small place and the other was more like a house.
Met Aya
Oct 21,2001
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Met my lovely wife Aya at Universal Campus, Fushimi Branch
Grandfather's Funeral
January 2002
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At home funeral. Cremation ceremony
Our Wedding
Oct 6,2002
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Add photos
Aya lived in my apartment in Fushimi
October 7,2002 - March 1, 2003
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Lived with Aya and her Dad
March 1, 2003 - April 10, 2010
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Add pictures and photos
Aya is pregnant with Casey
December 2003 - August 2004
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My wonderful son! Add pics
Aya is pregnant with Nina
March 1,2007 - November 1, 2007
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Professional Events
Notes that were important for me professionally.
Training at Toza Ltd Head Office in Osaka
January 12, 1996 - January 19, 1996
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A one week training period at Head Office and other campuses around the Kansai region
Worked in Southern Osaka branch of Toza
january 21 1996 - April 1, 1996
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Traveled approximately 3 hours a day on the train to get to work because of a mix up with staffing. Taught 9 40 minute lessons a day
First Paycheck
Feb 25, 1996
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Nearly 6 weeks after arrival. Pay days are only once a month!
Worked at Kusatsu Branch
April 10, 1996 - April 5, 1997
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I worked mainly at the Kusatsu Branch of Toza
Head Teacher of Kusatsu Branch
January 6, 1997 - April 5, 1997
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Worked at Kyoshin, Ltd
May 1, 1997 - March 30, 2003
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https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2czRzCOV7yDWHlhakk1MUxRUVk/edit
1. Started getting Japanese bonuses 2. Curriculum Developer 3. Trainer 4. Head of English Department
Went to Okinawa Company Trip
August 1, 1997
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Went to Hong Kong Company Trip
May 1, 1998
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Went to Hokkaido on Company Trip
July 1, 1999
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Went to Hawaii Company Trip
july 3, 2000
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Highland English
March 1, 2004 - April 1, 2010
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Wore many hats!
Private Lessons at Home
April 1, 2004 - February 28, 2005
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Advertised private lessons at my residence. Built a base of students.
Teaching Philosophy
How my thoughts on teaching have evolved.
How is Language Aquired?
January 10, 1996 - January 10, 2013
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Since my arrival in Japan this has been an constant part of my thinking. What combination of factors results in language acquisition? How do they differ from person to person? Factors such as age, time, effort, personality, experience, learning methodology, purpose, motivation, and innate talent.
Open Minded
January 14, 1996 - February 15, 1996
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At this stage I tried to soak up exactly what would be required of me to be a successful professional in Japan. Everything was turned on its head quickly
Focus on Grammar
February 15, 1996 - May 15,1997
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Based on the textbooks, the teaching philosophy at Toza and my own weaknesses I threw myself into learning the nuances of English grammar.
Focus on textbooks and curriculum planning
May 16,1997 - February 28, 2003
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Frequent meetings with companies like Pearson, Longman and Oxford as well as Book Fairs, ESL professional development seminars as well as Kyoshin desire for textbook based lessons kept my focus on the textbook and a curriculum that fit the company's desired outcomes for students
Highland English Method
march 1,2003 - April 1, 2010
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A. Determine their purpose for studying
B. Determine the effort they are willing to put into their study.
C. Determine their history of self-study.
D. Develop Individual Program on whether English is a Hobby or Purposed for them.
E. Put them in a class based on their ability level and purpose.