Haha I'm afraid of what I would do for my midlife crisis! I'd probably spend WAY too much money on something.
hey Ran Kizama ... I'm new to the forum, never posted or know anyone here at IA.
Just came across your thread, and i completely understand your predicament about leaving this place (ATL, USA.. same thing). Basically I lived in Seoul most of my years, with some stints in Boston, MA, Columbia, SC and Fort Bragg, NC. I been here in ATL since '98 straight from SK to Tech, and honestly, I think about going back everyday ever since.
Just wanted to say that there are many possibilities for anyone with a drive and passion for other cultures and have a multi-cultural background. Most of my friends go back to SK after graduation to teach english because of the benefits of pay, living, and taxes (from my understanding, as an american citizen you get 2 years tax free or up to ~80k). So there are benefits to going overseas, not only to gain financial foothold in your life, but to experience something that you only can really only do when you have the opportunity while you are still young.
Here are some links to sites that cater to native English-speaking citizens (whether USA, UK, Australia, etc) to find jobs teaching english in asian countries.
The first link is specifically for S. Korea: www.worknplay.co.kr
This other link is for jobs posted for most of the far east (possibly Japan): www.eslcafe.com
Good luck with your ambitions, and hopefully you find what you are looking for in life.
not sure i'd advise nate to teach english in japan. from what i've been told by ppl that's lived/worked there for a short while, those that teach english in japan that are foreigners are typically looked down upon for some reason....obviously ur experience could be different but just a thought u should know it hasn't been all peaches and cream for others.
Being a foreigner (esp. American) in Japan, Korea or any of the asian countries that have a major US military presence does bring out a lot of tension and disrespect for foreigners, and sadly, mostly Americans.Originally Posted by shagwAg3n
With all the controversy surrounding American foreign policy these days and just plain old stupid people, no matter what creed or background, (who are usually American soldiers stationed in the country) that cause problems that are just ridiculous to the people of the country, be it Okinawa, or Seoul (rapes, murders, and plain old arrogant American attitude) just does not put a good light on foreigners in general.
So yes, I can imagine circumstances in which someone who is a foreigner that teaches English is 'looked down upon', but not because he/she is a foreign English teacher, but a foreigner in general. But I believe, all in all, people judge other people based on character and personal experiences.
Don't get me wrong, not trying to say that 'all' Americans stationed in asian countries are 'arrogant' or 'stupid', but some do get away from the cuckoo's nest and put a bad label on everyone who is a foreigner, and these days, its mostly toward Americans.
I'm an army brat who has been through it... but the bottom line... as long as you treat people with respect, it will be returned to you.
Thanks for the advice seoulcivicSI. I've been considering that route ever since I got out of the Army. I've actually been in college to learn how to become a teacher so I could teach overseas. While this is going well for me, I think that I'm wanting something a little more than just a job. Maybe a life experience? Maybe I'm just a hopeless romantic or something. Either way, I just wanted to say thanks for the words and that I have considered that route.
Also, thanks to SniperJoe for the Rosetta Stone language software! This is a $100+ learning program. Should help A LOT.
Last edited by Ran Kizama; 02-21-2007 at 01:21 PM.
whoa, someone hooked u up w/rosetta stone software? details asap!
Yeah, he just walked up and handed me a CD.
Joe: "Here ya go man. Rosetta Stone. That pack has about 2,000 or so languages or something. Should help you out a bit."
Me:
waitaminute, that don't sound right...rosetta stone software is language and level specific? he just handed u ONE disc w/"everything" on it? i'm suspicious...
Wow man, I just came across this thread. Gatta hand it to you for following through with what you really really want to do. Enjoy yourself man...hope everything works out well and that you find what you're looking for.
It's a 4.7GB DVD-R so I can't open it on my work computer. I'll throw it into my laptop tonight and let you know.
Thanks VooDooXII!
holy shiat! hook me up with a copy? seriously...
Then again, nothings ever promised. You might think you have the whole world on your shoulders here, but whats promised in Japan? To other countries, the U.S is considered a paradise. But to us, there's no "paradise" here.
You're going there with 4k in your pocket and i don't think that is enough. What if you don't find a job in time and all that money is used up on the cost of food and shelter? Then you'll be out on the streets crying to your parents back here for money or a one way ticket back.
To me, you have no clue on what you're doing but just a narrow view of what you want to do. Find a place to live first before you leave and find out what type of jobs are in the area. The saying goes, " you only live once, live it to the fullest." But what if you die of starvation or become a bum trying to live your life to the fullest LOL!. Better to be safe than sorry!
I feel the same way you do at times...but i thought about moving to Arizona, just not JDM/Anime land where i know i can't adapt to a whole new environment. Good luck!
don't think backpacking across japan would be especially expensive, he'd really have to stick to the cheap buses and food stands though to save money.
I'm not expecting anything to be promised. I understand that.
$4000 in the pocket and an extra $500 a month coming in. Food is relatively cheap if you eat on a budget and I'm not too concerned about shelter. Tourist Hotels in Japan are around $25 a night should I choose to stay at one. If not, I'll just take a nap or something every here and there to keep my strength up. Public bath houses are relatively inexpensive for personal hygiene and laundry mats for keeping my clothes in decent shape.
That is indeed a possibility, but I'll take my chances.
To be honest, you're absolutely right. I have no idea what I'm doing. At least I know how to not know what I'm doing.Again, I'm not really going to find a place to live as much as I'm just looking for my life in general. Whether that consists of actually finding a home over there, or just coming to some inspirational self-discovery is yet to be determined. I gotta be honest, I have no idea what it is that I'm looking for but I'll know it when I find it.
It's worth the risk IMO.
Some of us just dream differently from others.
Thanks for the analyzation BLk92DA.
True! Well, minus the bus part.
The subway and train systems are really cheap. Also there are books that list where all the hostels are. I backpacked/trained alot thru Europe, and starting on Asia now.
i was born in Augusta, Ga and lived there all my life until i was 18. I, then, moved to atlanta and lived there until last year. i Got sick of life. Same as a you feel. i just needed "more". I'm in Suwon, Korea right now teaching English and just traveling around. i've been here for 6 months and i feel like i made the right decision. Just do it. You won't regret it. There's so much beauty and wonder out there that one place just cant give you. One country for that matter. I know people understands that there is more things to know than whats in the borders of their country. But once you really go out and travel to different countries and experience different cultures and meet different people from all over the world. Only then you will realize how much people is missing from life. I hope you find what you are looking for. Take care. Goodluck.
Wow man you got my respect for stepping up and taking action towards what you want to do in life. Instead of being the type of person that will just bitch to people about how they don't like the life there living. With that said I wish you good luck, and I hope you find what your looking for in life. Remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Thanks guys, and sorry for the late reply. Been too tied up to check the thread. With the Yaris pending sale, and some of my other items being sold, I may be able to leave before April. If I can get there earlier than planned as to see the cherry blossoms, then that would be ideal. Too bad I have to withdraw from spring semester to do it. Oh well, I can always pick college back up later. Even though I plan on paying him back for the tuition (Approx. $1200) Dad's gonna be pissed. (^_^);
christ man, at least finish the semester, not a big fan of ppl who don't finish what they started....especially when moneys been dropped for u
I dunno, it's still up in the air. The money will be repaid to my father if I do drop. I'd just like to beat the summer.
school gets out like 1st week of may anyway, is 1 month worth over a grand to u?
Not sure, maybe.
Passport came in today!Money is in the bank and I'm pretty much prepped to go. Just gotta get some new hiking shoes and book a flight.
Also, decided to stick it out in school this semester. Should be leaving 1st or 2nd week of May even though I wanted to go sooner.
good for u, asshat.
Don't feel bad Wayne. Even though I'm leaving, Yousef still loves you.
i can't wait til ur bitchass leaves, and take the terrorist w/u will ya?
Nah, that's okay. Maybe JM will take him.i can't wait til ur bitchass leaves, and take the terrorist w/u will ya?
Passport came in today!
Also, decided to stick it out in school this semester. Should be leaving 1st or 2nd week of May even though I wanted to go sooner.
good shit man.. and good call on finishing out the semester...
i don't know you and i'm unfamiliar with your situation or reasons for doing it, but at least you're doing something. i'm kinda the same way, i'm not loving the lifestyle here. financially it's amazing, but from a social standpoint i'm fucked till i'm 21. parties are great and all that, but clubs and bars are even better, and i don't get to do that here. kinda pisses me off how back at home a 14 year old is slamming shots in a club, while im in the u.s. and can't even get into a pub to have a beer cause i'm not 21(you know, because this is the land of the free. oh wait)
point is, i see exactly where you're coming from. although i wouldn't do anything nearly as extreme. just seems like you haven't thought it completely through. plus, your immune system probably isn't ready to be homeless in america, much less backpacking through the japanese countryside. you go out there and spend a few months in the country and end up getting bit by one of those giant centipedes, or a pit viper, or a mosquito with encephalitis, and then what? you're fucked.
but you have your mind set on it, so best of luck.
Why don't you leave and go back to where 14 year olds can "slam shots" and slam some with them if it "pisses" you off here. Dummy. Later, QD.
FOR MORE INFO, CLICK THE PIC!!!
maybe the positives out weight the negatives
drinking age really should be 18 though imo... 14yr olds drinking is ridiculous though lol
2005 Ford F-150 FX4 Supercrew
I hope you feel better tomorrow.
Cheer up buddyyyyyyyyyyy!
that's what fake ID's are for...
because having enough money to buy bread outweighs the benefit of being able to go clubbing you dick. as much as i'd love life to be as simple as you make it out to be, it isn't. hence why ran is going to japan with 4k in his pocket and his life on his back.
@guy above: yeah i guess, but i haven't seen any in the atl area that are made well and scan, and i don't trust those sites where i have to wire money to germany.
otheredit: @lucky sc, the lifestyle over there is comletely different, and as such the mindset is uncomparable to the one here. that and people over there aren't idiots with alcohol like a lot of kids are here.
Last edited by disrupt; 03-19-2007 at 04:10 PM.
Good luckman. Hope you find what you are looking for.
neons are sloooow.
except for the black ones
lol, that post is a month old! Thanks for the wishes though. I'm feeling much better now. Especially since there's only like a month left.I hope you feel better tomorrow.
Cheer up buddyyyyyyyyyyy!
You're right and that could be the case, but if that is the case, quit goddamn bitching about all the shit you can't do and be glad of what you can do. People come here for a reason and obviously that wasn't a factor in their arrival so why make it a problem now that they are here? If it's worth enough attention to bitch about it, then go back if it means that much to you. Later, QD.
FOR MORE INFO, CLICK THE PIC!!!
Wow, you're coming here for a better life and yet you want to complain about something so small and has no bearing in life and I'm the dick? You got your shit wrong, dummy. Think(if possible) before you post. Later, QD.
FOR MORE INFO, CLICK THE PIC!!!
you can't understand where i'm coming from because you grew up in a completely different culture. in america it's all about money, while over there, it's all about enjoying yourself and not worrying about money. both are extremes, and neithier is perfect, but apparently the benefit outweighs the cost here. it does have a bearing on my life, since i like to enjoy myself while i'm young and have the chance. what good is money if it's sitting in my bank account and i'm sitting on my ass at home bored out of my fucking mind because i don't feel like hitting up another party for the 9th week in a row and am too young to go to a club or bar.
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