Why Do So Many Foreign Teachers of English in Japan Complain?

The teaching of English in Japan by foreign teachers is a topic that often raises numerous questions about cultural differences, job expectations, and overall satisfaction. It is common for foreign educators to enter Japan's cultural landscape with high aspirations, only to encounter a variety of challenges that can lead to dissatisfaction. This article explores the reasons behind such complaints and provides insights into the experiences of these teachers.

Cultural Adjustment

Adapting to a new culture can be one of the most significant challenges for foreign teachers in Japan. Differences in communication styles, work ethics, and social norms can create friction and frustration. For many, the initial period of adjustment is filled with learning these new expectations and norms. This cultural shock can contribute to a sense of isolation, which can exacerbate feelings of dissatisfaction.

Job Expectations vs. Reality

Another major reason for complaints is the often substantial gap between expectations and reality. Many foreign teachers arrive with high hopes for their roles, but upon arrival, they find that their responsibilities, autonomy, and the level of support differ significantly from what they anticipated. Limited teaching autonomy, a lack of mentoring, and poor school support can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction.

Isolation and Loneliness

Isolation is another common complaint among foreign teachers, particularly those in rural areas or those who struggle to make local friends. Loneliness and a sense of being cut off from both social networks and cultural integration can contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction. This isolation can be further exacerbated by difficult language barriers, which can make it challenging to communicate effectively with locals and participate fully in daily life.

Work Conditions and Expectations

Substandard work conditions, including long working hours, low pay, and inadequate housing, can also contribute to negative feelings toward the job. In addition, the wage expectations for foreign teachers in the past were often much higher, and the abundance of English teachers now makes for a saturated market. These factors combined can lead to a sense of frustration and dissatisfaction.

Unmet Educational Standards

Many foreign teachers in Japan are not professional instructors, which can lead to a gap between their abilities and the high expectations of Japanese students. The standard of English education in many eikaiwa (English conversation schools) is often poor, with untrained staff using outdated and ineffective teaching materials. Furthermore, these schools seldom improve their curriculums or value teachers who offer valuable suggestions for improvement.

Unfair Compensation and Lack of Appreciation

The feeling of being underpaid and undervalued is another significant source of dissatisfaction among foreign teachers. Schools often pay their staff peanuts despite the massive investment of time, energy, and effort required to teach. Moreover, the turnover of staff is high, and schools rarely make an effort to retain talented teachers. This lack of appreciation and support can contribute to a sense of futility in one's efforts.

A Culture of Denial and Suppressing Complaints

Complaints in Japan are often perceived negatively. Public complaining is seen as a sign of weakness, and individuals are encouraged to maintain a positive and outwardly normal demeanor. This cultural pressure can dissuade foreign teachers from voicing their concerns, further aggravating the issue. Moreover, the overwhelming majority of textbooks used in these schools are either useless or inadequate, leaving teachers in almost all schools unprepared to teach the specified subjects effectively.

Thus, the accumulation of these factors contributes to the complaints of foreign teachers in Japan. However, it is important to recognize that many foreign teachers also have positive experiences, finding the teaching of English in Japan enriching and rewarding. The balance of these experiences often depends on individual circumstances and perspectives.