One of the things that I love about my job teaching English at Smith’s School of English Tsukaguchi (スミス英会話塚口) is the kindness of my students. Let me give you an example of this kindness. Yesterday was Valentine’s Day. It is a Japanese custom for ladies to give some males, including their male teachers, something sweet on that day usually consisting of chocolate. Valentine’s Day in Japan is different from Valentine’s Day in my home country Canada where both males and females exchange gifts to show their love for each other. Anyway, I receive quite a bit of chocolate every year at my English School in Tsukaguchi, Amagasaki. Although I know it is a Japanese custom to do so, I still consider it a very kind thing to do. I have even gotten used to this usual kindness. However, I sometimes see examples of extreme kindness like I did yesterday. A student who didn’t have a lesson on that day came to my English school just to give me some chocolate on Valentine’s Day! Wow! Isn’t that amazing? I am lucky to have the opportunity to teach English in Tsukaguchi to such kind students. Teaching English in Japan is great! (^.^)
Derek
Great Message here Derek, Thank you.
On a cultural note, I grew up in Australia and over there Men buy gifts and cards for Woman and boys for girls. I remember very well the nervousness of approaching “That” girl to give her a card and a small gift. I guess that is another point of difference when I was a child we were not allowed to go giving valentines to just anyone and if we did we could expect some trouble from “The One” Here in Japan the girls just spray the chocolates around to pretty much anyone they respect or like. A lot less jealousy that way.
Whatever the cultural differences I really enjoy and respect receiving those chocolates. That’s right I still get some!
Also got a lot of chocolate from students this year. But don’t forget to give some sweets back next month.
I also received quite a lot of valentine’s goodies- the home made stuff i got from my students was especially amazing- chocolate covered marshmallow, heart-shaped cookies, white chocolate dipped strawberries- delicious!