JET Program

Things No One Tells You About Being An Expat

Being an expat is one of the most interesting experiences of your life. It can make or break a lot of things, teach you humility and new life lessons, or contribute to some of the most traumatic experiences of your life. I’m not going to sugar coat anything because that’s who I am. There are […] Read more…

How To Get A Job On The JET Program

Participating in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program was one of the best experiences of my life. I truly believe living abroad makes you a more well-rounded, adaptable, and tolerant person. It teaches you life skills you wouldn’t otherwise learn in your own home country. Living abroad makes you acquire critical thinking and solution […] Read more…

Things You Need To Know About Moving Abroad

Thinking about moving abroad? While moving to a new country sounds like an exciting and wonderful adventure, it can also come with it’s own set of struggles and burdens. As someone who lived abroad for eight and a half years, I know a thing or two and can impart on you some valuable advice. Some […] Read more…

How To Get a Job Teaching English in Japan

So you want to teach in Japan? Great! Teaching English in Japan can be one of the most exciting choices of your life. You’ll get to completely immerse yourself in a different culture and experience a country so different from your own, it’ll be a unique opportunity. But you must be wondering where to start. […] Read more…

What’s It Like Living in Japan?

This is a blog post I’ve always wanted to write. Many people on social media have always asked me, “What’s it like living in Japan?” And the question is, where do I even begin on telling someone what a three year experience in Japan was? I spent the majority of my very young 20s on […] Read more…

How To File Taxes While Living Abroad | Taxes for Expats

If you’re wondering how to file taxes while living abroad, then I highly recommend Taxes for Expats. You probably have questions like, “How do I file US taxes from abroad?” Luckily for us, Taxes for Expats has been preparing expat returns for over 25 years for clients in 175 countries. Living abroad is a fun […] Read more…

Twelve Things I Miss About Japan

For a really long time friends and family would ask, “Do you miss Japan? What do you miss about Japan?” For a while, I kept my silence because I could never really think of anything that made my heart ache. Honestly, I never thought I’d be writing this blog post admitting that, yes, there are […] Read more…

Spain versus Japan | Teaching Abroad

This week’s guest post comes from my handsome successor, Nick, who took my place in Okinawa. He just started his blog, so be sure to show him some love! You’ll really enjoy Nomadic Nick because he’s doing what I should have done when I first moved—properly documenting his experiences and giving advice on his travels. […] Read more…

JET versus GEPIK

Applying to teach abroad may be a daunting task. If you’re looking for the easy way to come over, programs like Interac or working at Eikaiwas in Japan sound good for the most part. If you’re considering Korea, you might go the Hagwon route, but know that not all Hagwons are created equal. Like all […] Read more…

JET Program: Tokyo Orientation FAQ

Going to Japan for the first or [insert number here] time can be a wonderful, exciting and joyous time. If you’re reading this post, you’re most likely new to the rodeo so Gina Bear is here to help answer your questions and make your transition to the Land of the Rising Sun easier. Like you, […] Read more…

Cultural Fatigue in Japan

I’m taking a break from my helpful posts to discuss some very real topics. This post is kind of a damper, but cultural fatigue in Japan needs to be discussed. A new country isn’t always going to be perfect and sometimes you will get worn down. I looked up a great article about Cultural Fatigue on Vagabond […] Read more…

Advice for Moving to Japan

Last time, I posted a Japan Thrival Guide on what to do before, after, and while in Japan. I think as someone who lived in Japan for three years, there are some things I wish I knew before arrival. A new country means lots of changes, but we also shouldn’t forget some of our own […] Read more…

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