Genma
2003-07-19, 03:05 PM
I am new to this website but I will definately come back to it.
I was wondering if anyone could offer me any educational advice about someone who hasn't graduated HS yet but is determined to go to Japan.
In 7th grade I watched a show called "Pokemon" which really got me into Japan. In 8th grade I started taking twice a week night classes for 2 hours where I learned very very basic Japanese, after about 3 months the class was over. I took another night class that was less effective because it was pretty much a Japanese woman who taught me and 2 others, about 3 hours once a week for 2 months. In 10th Grade I took Japanese 1 and did allright because I had the basics down. Last year (11th) I took Japanese 2 and failed the last 2 quarters. I must admit it was my fault because I started to lose interest, it was quite difficult and the slow progress was frustrating.
About 4 days ago I got back from a trip to Thailand for 4 days, and then to Japan for 4 days. After finally seeing Japan I must admit I am ready to start school and hit the books, my dream of going to Japan has become realized and even though I understood very little of what was going on I knew that once I knew Japanese I would love Japan 10 times more than when I first came. And learning is the funnest (and hardest) part.
Senior year starts for me in September, and I've registered for Japanese 1 (again) at the community college. The "Foresight" is that I am going to Japan, and I am going to teach English, or Translate. The Question I have is which college classes would anyone recommend for teaching english. English, Japanese, and Education are obvious, but I need more. Perhaps Japanese history or culture study classes? Also, I am still deciding whether or not to go to college in Japan, or here and then go to Japan. I don't want my lack of understanding in Japanese to ruin my grades.
I was wondering if anyone could offer me any educational advice about someone who hasn't graduated HS yet but is determined to go to Japan.
In 7th grade I watched a show called "Pokemon" which really got me into Japan. In 8th grade I started taking twice a week night classes for 2 hours where I learned very very basic Japanese, after about 3 months the class was over. I took another night class that was less effective because it was pretty much a Japanese woman who taught me and 2 others, about 3 hours once a week for 2 months. In 10th Grade I took Japanese 1 and did allright because I had the basics down. Last year (11th) I took Japanese 2 and failed the last 2 quarters. I must admit it was my fault because I started to lose interest, it was quite difficult and the slow progress was frustrating.
About 4 days ago I got back from a trip to Thailand for 4 days, and then to Japan for 4 days. After finally seeing Japan I must admit I am ready to start school and hit the books, my dream of going to Japan has become realized and even though I understood very little of what was going on I knew that once I knew Japanese I would love Japan 10 times more than when I first came. And learning is the funnest (and hardest) part.
Senior year starts for me in September, and I've registered for Japanese 1 (again) at the community college. The "Foresight" is that I am going to Japan, and I am going to teach English, or Translate. The Question I have is which college classes would anyone recommend for teaching english. English, Japanese, and Education are obvious, but I need more. Perhaps Japanese history or culture study classes? Also, I am still deciding whether or not to go to college in Japan, or here and then go to Japan. I don't want my lack of understanding in Japanese to ruin my grades.