Expat Life: Japanese Living In Toronto

English Schools and Homestays - How to learn the best English

Since so many CJST members are in Toronto on a temporary basis (studying English, working, or both), we’ve decided to create a new column for you. We plan to address issues that often arise--like how to job-hunt effectively; how to find a good doctor or lawyer; how to apply for permanent residency. In this issue of the CJST News we present our thoughts on English schools. The following advice is courtesy of Liz Williams, a popular English teacher here in Toronto. Liz has the added benefit of having taught in Japan, and brings a good perspective to what Japanese students should look for in an ESL program.

If you’re in the market for a new school, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Look for a school that places a limit on the percentage of students from one country. You’re likely to practice more if there are only a few other Japanese people in your class.
• Look for a school that organizes extracurricular social activities. Some schools offer organized activities two or three nights a week; others plan only a few cursory trips to the Eaton Centre. If the school has a social director you’re more likely to find yourself going to a Leafs game, skating at Harbourfront, skiing in Quebec or gambling in Niagara Falls.
• If your plans include a stint in a homestay, make sure that the family you’re placed with speaks English as their first language. There are many stories of students placed in homes where the family speaks English to the student but reverts to their mother tongue when conversing amongst themselves. Not a great way to learn!
• If possible, sign up for pronunciation courses. Since many of the sounds used in English are not used in Japanese, Japanese students are at a disadvantage (compared to Germans or Spanish speakers, for example).

Liz Williams also recommends that the Japanese students "make the leap out of the chair in the classroom." She points out that "the Japanese students are always the quietest in the class - they have to learn to speak up!" Gambatte!

(--Martha Wilson)

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