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…
How To Survive Summer in Okinawa
Summer in Okinawa can be amazing. The color of the water becomes alive with the sparkling reflection of the sun, the fish are more vibrantly colored, and the sun is that much stronger. While many of us want to be beach bums or bunnies, we have to keep in mind Okinawa is closer to the […] 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…
Japan Thrival Guide
Before coming on JET, most of us are young, bright-eyed and bit naive about our next adventure. If you’d like more information on the JET Program, check out the JET section of my blog. I lived in Mexico for 3 months with my family over summer vacation as a child, but I had no idea what Asia was about. […] Read more…
How To Apply to Teach in Korea from Overseas
This blog post is dedicated to on how to apply to teach in Korea from overseas and how to do the paperwork in a timely and headache free manner. Doing this process from overseas can be frustrating and may end up making you give up. I want you to know you’re not alone. I went […] Read more…
What Makes Japan a Difficult Country to Live In?
For someone who has been living in Japan an extended period of time, you begin to ask yourself, what makes Japan a difficult country to live in? Sometimes living in Japan is difficult. In fact, sometimes Japan is one of the hardest countries to live in the world. Before coming on JET, I believed I would […] Read more…
Why is Dating Hard for Foreign Women in Japan?
Dating is hard anywhere. Why is dating hard for foreign women in Japan? Throw in a new culture, language, and country and BAM. You’ve got a recipe for confusion. In my experience, dating in Japan is hard. Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely attracted to Japanese guys! I think they’ve got great hair and eyes, […] Read more…
How to Prepare to Leave JET
For JETs that are choosing to leave Japan and venture into their next step, I have compiled a list of things to make your transition easier. Leaving is a hard decision and the leaving process is even harder. The transition out is a sad one and Japan will forever be a part of you. The […] Read more…
How To Celebrate the New Year Japanese Style!
Everywhere in the world, we have unique ways of celebrating the New Year. For those who have been in college, we can reminisce happily on the drunken debauchery of the ringing in the New Year with annoying party favors and smudged mascara. (Or if you’re just that good, you looked flawless.) Bringing in 2013, I […] Read more…
How Being an Expat Changed Me
Being an expat is one of the hardest and most rewarding experiences of your life. You encounter hardships like culture shock, rejecting, accepting or assimilating to your new culture, and communication barriers. The list of hardships is long, but the rewards are longer. As an expat, you learn to get creative. You build a foundation […] Read more…
Where am I Going on My Next Adventure?
My time as a JET is shortly coming to an end. I have decided to extend putting my time left at seven months. Now, it seems like a long time, but the way I see it, it’s really not. I will be preparing for my next adventure… Korea. Blog Posts You Might Like Advice For […] Read more…