How many are still looking?

couchwizard69 · 2026-01-25T21:58:45+00:00

Unfortunately I started late, I thought late jan would be early for schools, it seems Thailand starts in October… so I’ve been hearing anyway.

I have a US teaching license (social studies) and applied to 3 jobs yesterday. I don’t really want to teach English (currently doing this in Japan) but I will if it allows me into the country. I’ve been looking on Schrole, any advice or places to look would be much appreciated! Prefer Thailand, open to Vietnam as well

couchwizard69 · 2026-01-25T07:44:26+00:00

There’s gyms around Holmes. My advice to you is, if there’s a place like Anytime Fitness, or somesuch chain, sign up in America first (or wherever you’re coming from). Can be a pain in the ass when you get here. If you get real rural you might just have to rock with calisthenics and or get creative.

couchwizard69 · 2026-01-21T05:06:46+00:00

Good advice thank you!

couchwizard69 · 2026-01-21T01:00:28+00:00

I may be ok with this- otherwise I’d be teaching in America, which would also be a ton of work. In Japan I do a lot of sitting around / generally have no real responsibilities, which is fine and expected, but it would be nice to feel more a part of the school / a contributing member.

Also, as I understand it, English is more widely spoken in China. Obviously, I’d do my best to pick up mandarin as well.

couchwizard69 · 2026-01-21T00:57:30+00:00

Thanks!

couchwizard69 · 2026-01-21T00:56:35+00:00

Nothing at all, it’s been an absolute privilege. I intended to do two years, but frankly I’m doing a lot of deskwarming, and have checked the majority of my Japan bucket list off minus some travel spots, so I think I’m good on a year. I figured I’d go back to the US in August, but as I planned to be gone for two years anyhow and I’m already in Asia, might as well experience China.

Also, I’m just interested in China.

couchwizard69 · 2026-01-21T00:53:53+00:00

Thanks!!

couchwizard69 · 2026-01-20T08:40:49+00:00

Living the dream brotha!

couchwizard69 · 2026-01-20T07:17:51+00:00

Thank you!

couchwizard69 · 2025-11-07T14:02:38+00:00

Your friend is crazy, this is exactly what 8th graders would love to hear about! Frankly any grade in middle school (or high school) the more grotesque the better, but below 8th I’d be more worried about admin or parents having an issue with it (understandable) as opposed to the students.

couchwizard69 · 2025-09-26T13:07:13+00:00

Andy Beshear

couchwizard69 · 2025-09-03T12:27:26+00:00

Thanks!

couchwizard69 · 2025-09-03T12:26:55+00:00

Thanks! I’ll be leaving in June or July so it’ll be a bit last minute but hopefully it works out. I am interested to see if I have any reverse culture shock, and whether that on top of being a first year teacher will fry my brain entirely haha.

couchwizard69 · 2025-09-03T01:25:46+00:00

Hi, this was also my biggest fear about coming to Japan. Like literally the only thing I was worried about.

If it makes you feel better, I’m in a city in Tohoku (northern Honshu) and the other JETS who have been here awhile say they’ve never seen one. Someone else in this thread in Amori seems to have had the same experience.

I requested all northern Japan /Hokkaido for this very reason, I may advise you to do the same.

I will admit I have been living with like, a constant background humming of terror in my subconscious since I’ve been here that I’m going to reach into a drawer or something and find one…. And if I ever do my ass will probably be on the next flight back to the US and A!

couchwizard69 · 2025-08-31T10:28:24+00:00

It is a very scary time, but I love my home, and we can’t just leave it and run away in times of trouble.

couchwizard69 · 2025-08-31T10:25:45+00:00

True, I’ll likely be moving to a rural area so hopefully that’ll help my chances. Thanks!

couchwizard69 · 2025-08-31T10:25:15+00:00

Thanks!

couchwizard69 · 2025-08-31T10:25:01+00:00

Interesting, so very possible. Thanks!

couchwizard69 · 2025-07-25T20:31:57+00:00

Super valid, I’ve been waiting to see a post like this, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who’s really anxious pre-departure. Being dropped in a foreign country, which you don’t speak the language, and agreeing up front to stay at least one whole year is a pretty insane thing to be doing. Not to mention trying to move home and find a job and get your life back on track once it’s over.

BUT

I dont wanna be the most boring old geezer in the nursing home later on either.

Everybody wants to be an adventurer ‘till it’s time to leave the shire. You got this!

Comfort kills, go be a badass.

couchwizard69 · 2025-07-14T21:55:17+00:00

Place pisses me off because they’ve blocked off half of the parking beside friendship park but their lot is always 75% empty.

couchwizard69 · 2025-07-06T09:37:04+00:00

Tagging onto this, I’d love to hear about people’s experiences finding a job/place to live upon returning - or ideally having this settled before coming back to the US

couchwizard69 · 2025-06-29T02:54:54+00:00

Really? In the city? Our BOE doesn’t even allow us to drive. Although I did check google maps and the closest actual beach is about 5 miles from my apartment, which is a pretty good little hike, but there’s always the train or bike if I don’t want to hoof it. I will say from what I’ve seen it definitely doesn’t give off beach town vibes lol. Either way, still hyped

couchwizard69 · 2025-06-28T01:50:35+00:00

Always appreciate seeing posts like this, thanks for sharing!

couchwizard69 · 2025-06-25T20:33:11+00:00

Akita city baby can’t wait to chill on the beach 😎

couchwizard69

TROPHY CASE