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To
anyone interested in experiencing a new culture and broadening their
knowledge of the world, Japan offers a rich and fascinating combination
of the traditional and the modern, where ancient Shinto shrines
and Buddhist temples can be found nestling between futuristic high-rise
buildings. This juxtaposition says a lot about life in Japan today,
where a modern lifestyle blends with the traditional values of politeness,
consideration towards others and mutual respect. The English Village
provides subsidised apartments for all its teachers so that the
cost of accommodation is no more expensive than it would be back
in Britain. Beyond that, it is difficult to make a general comparison
between the cost of living in Britain and Japan, partly because
such a comparison depends on the prevailing exchange rate between
the yen and the pound, and partly because the difference varies
from commodity to commodity. Some items in Japan cost more than
their counterparts in Britain, whilst others cost less. (One striking
example of this lies in the fact that fresh vegetables are more
expensive in Japan than they are in England, whereas a mixed salad
- and food in general - in a family restaurant costs far less. Indeed,
eating out can be astonishingly cheap in Japan.) However, the salary
and completion bonus undoubtedly make it possible for teachers to
save a substantial amount of money during their time in Japan. Obviously,
the precise amount saved will depend on the lifestyle and inclination
of the individual teacher, but the bottom line is that teachers
earn significantly more than they need to live on. For those prepared
to embrace a different culture, Japan is not a difficult place to
live in. You do not need to be able to speak Japanese, but if you
would like to learn, there are ample opportunities for you to do
so. Even in the vast, sprawling metropolis of Tokyo, getting around
is easy, thanks to the low-cost travel provided by the amazingly
efficient and extensive railway network. There are endless opportunities
for you to meet and get to know Japanese people, and if from time
to time you feel the need for a more familiar environment, there
are numerous English-speaking bars and British 'pubs' for you to
choose from. Perhaps the most important quality you need to live
happily in a foreign country is the willingness to be a 'cross-culturalist'.
If you expect the rest of the world to resemble Britain, you'll
be sadly disappointed! If you enjoy and value the differences between
cultures, you'll have a great time!
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