The work ‘karaoke’ is Japanese and means, literally, ‘fake orchestra.’  Thus, while other Asian nations avidly partake in this past time, Japan, as the progenitor of the activity, represents the ultimate in karaoke culture.  There are two aspects to karaoke that result in its prominence in Japanese culture: the private karaoke room and soul-crushing social obligations. 

First, the private karaoke room – this concept is ingenious.  Truly, who wants to get up in front of a bunch of drunken strangers in a dark bar and emote your heart and soul into a stirring rendition of The Carpenters ‘Superstar?’  In a shower – yes.  In the car – perhaps, with the windows up.  Hunkered in a group of swaying inebriated classmates at a 1971 high school reunion – of course.  Still, the draw of karaoke is the fully orchestrated score, the back-up singers, the mic and none of the previously mentioned situations allow a person to fully inhabit the role of rocker. 

Cue the private karaoke room!  Bring a group of your nearest and dearest friends, sign up for two hours of all-you-can-drink (nomihodai in Japanese) singing, and watch as all your inhibitions melt away…  See, when you’re with friends they will either love and support all your singing efforts, or completely and blatantly ignore you.  In the latter instance you don’t have to feel guilty about ruining anyone’s evening with your warbling, because they are your friends, and they have to like you regardless, and anyway they knew what they were getting into.  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the all-you-can-drink aspect of the karaoke room.  With it, a group of six people can sing for three hours, without it you may end up in a fetal position in the corner while other squeal and bang on tambourines.

Now, not all karaoke excursions in Japan are with your nearest and dearest friends.  There are high expectations, nay rules, to socializing within the workplace in Japan.  This really applies to what I suppose would be called ‘white collar jobs’ in the States and what is referred to as ‘Salaryman’ status in Japan.  Someone in this work environment is required to spend all day with his or her coworkers and then continue the day at a local bar or izakaya.  Here hours of eating and drinking make way for other pursuits, the most innocent of which is karaoke.  As a teacher in Japan, I was not expected to join in on these marathon nights of drinking.  However, it was expected that at least once, if not twice, in every three month class we would all get together and eat, drink, and sing.  It did not matter if my class was upper management at Texas Instruments, a class of grandmothers, or a local soccer team – there would be singing.

The music is deafening, a disco ball is showering everyone with shards of colored light, and I have just been brought a drink that comes with half of a grapefruit – I inhale my surroundings and wonder where the hell I am. 

First look up on your net for the cheapest and easiest way to gain a TESOL certificate cost is relatively small around $3-500 and worth every penny. You can do these on the net, but if you have no teaching experience it is well worth going and attending the course - mine took 3 days. Most of the Asian countries are screaming for English speaking teachers. If you are willing to pay extra for your certificate a lot of companies actually offer a posting for you! It really is that simple! If you aren't willing to pay the extra there are countless sites to post your resume that the schools pick from! Or you can of course write directly to the schools.

If you are already a teacher in your own country I can't begin to tell you how it feels to walk into a classroom and have every student wanting to learn! The best part is it really is all fun and games!

I am currently teaching in a small town (400,000 people) in eastern China… The people are amazing. I am the only foreigner in this town and while the rock star status they grant you can be a little daunting at times, it is worth it beyond all measure!

I signed on for 3 months and have now been here 15months and intend on a further 3 years. The people, culture and food (well most of the food) are all gorgeous. Although with the food I work on the policy, if I have to ask what it is - I don't want to know - so just enjoy it.

It doesn't matter if you are 20 or 70, in fact the older you are the more they prefer, you will love this way of life.

Get out there and get learning, after my posting here I am intending on Africa next and hopefully one day the middle east (when things have settled a little and I'm not likely to get shot for teaching English).

How to Reduce the Affects of Culture Shock when You Arrive in a New Country: Establish a Regular Routine Outside the Classroom

As a new EFL teacher you will have a regular routine you must follow for work purposes. But more is required to help make the adjustment than knowing you must be in school at 8:30am each day. To help reduce the affects of culture shock, you will need to work on building a routine outside the classroom as well. Perhaps you can buy your daily newspaper from the same corner shop on your way to work. As you do so, you will get to know the local traders in your area and you will start to fit in more easily than a tourist who is here today and gone tomorrow.

How to Reduce the Affects of Culture Shock when You Arrive in a New Country: Beware of Pessimistic Expatriates

As tempting as it may be to spend all of your free time with fellow expatriates, this will not always make you feel better as you get used to a new country and way of life. Think of how you usually feel when you spend time with pessimistic friends and then consider what it will do to your self confidence if you surround yourself with expatriates who cannot find a single good thing to say about their host country. These feelings can soon rub off on you too, rather than help you adjust to the stresses of culture shock.

How to Reduce the Affects of Culture Shock when You Arrive in a New Country: Keep in Touch with Family and Friends

To begin with, you will not know anyone when you first arrive in the new country, which can be a very lonely time. One way in which you can help yourself is to make sure you keep in touch with your family and friends from back home. They can help to provide you with the love and encouragement you need during this difficult time.

The main thing to keep in mind is to try and stay positive and not focus so much on the negative aspects of living in a foreign country. Think of why you moved abroad to begin with and how you have been able to expand the breadth of your teaching experience by doing so. This can help you to adjust to your new surroundings and overcome culture shock sooner rather than later.