December 2, 2005 Source: St. Mary's University:
http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2005/2-12-2005.html Want to teach in Japan? Then click here Two Saint Mary's University representatives from the International Activities Office, Heidi Taylor and Rebecca Fitzgerald, recently visited Seiko Gakuen Bilingual School in Tokushima, Japan to discuss details of the program through which young Canadians gain international teaching experience. The deadline for the 2006-2007 academic year has recently been extended. Seiko Gakuen is a private school with 600 students from kindergarten to high school. Fifty per cent of the courses are taught in English and the other fifty percent are in Japanese. Teachers are provided with a private bachelor apartment located on campus along with a monthly salary. The employer pays for airfare and the visa application. Teachers are expected to prepare lesson plans for diverse subjects and to organize teaching materials in English. Other duties include participating in home room and extracurricular activities, decorating and cleaning the classrooms with students, writing report cards, checking student assignments, as well as other related tasks. Professional development is provided through teacher-training sessions, opportunities to observe other classes, feedback from Japanese colleagues and assistance from the Head Teacher. The school is located in a suburb of Tokushima City on its own self-contained campus. A cafeteria is available for lunch on campus, the nearest convenience store is five-minutes by bike, while the nearest grocery store is a ten-minutes by bike from campus. Medical services are available nearby. Tokushima is a bicycle-friendly city, so most teachers purchase second-hand bicycles with which to explore. Indeed, one teacher recently arrived from Saint Mary’s reported that "I can’t say enough about the amazing interconnection the city has with the natural environment." Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. The interview process is a two stage process and is currently underway. The successful applicant will be a native speaker of English and have: - Bachelor’s degree. (Alternatively, a senior- year student who is able to demonstrate that they can earn academic credit for the experience in Japan.) - Strong interest in education and in teaching children - Demonstrated interest in Japanese culture and language - Previous work or volunteer experience which required punctuality, responsibility, harmonious relationships with co-workers, maintaining an orderly work space. Useful, but not required: - Experience teaching or tutoring - Experience of travel or living in another culture - Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language If you are interested in pursuing this international education experience, please submit a resume and cover letter to: Heidi Taylor
International Activities Office
Saint Mary’s University
Halifax, NS
B3H 3C3
Tel: 902 420 5260
Fax: 902 420 5530
Email: international.intern@smu.ca Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. -30- For More Information: Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca
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