Hey Hey!
Since moving to Hario, I have started looking for job opportunities to get me out in the community and meeting locals. Ideally, I would get to be a librarian here in Japan, but the base library isn't hiring so I thought the next best thing would be to teach English to Japanese kids! That's when I learned about the Tomodachi Factory. This company is a part of the Dutch theme park, Huis Ten Bosch, which is conveniently located a mile from Hario Housing, so I can literally walk to work! Here's a little intro video for the Tomodachi "Fun First" Program:
On Wednesday, July 21, I attended a training event for Tomodachi Factory, where I toured Huis Ten Bosch and learned about the many interactive programs offered. Japanese schools bring their students to Huis Ten Bosch on field trips, where the students enjoy a day in the park and have a chance to practice their English with instructors at the Tomodachi Factory. The programs offered range from one-on-one discussions with students to group scavenger hunts around the park, and are marketed to kids from 5 years old up to community college level. Being a Tomodachi Factory instructor will allow me to meet local kids, help them with their English, and get my "teaching fix" during this time abroad, all while giving me the flexible schedule needed for traveling once Bryan gets home! I can't think of a better job!
Tomodachi means "friend" in Japanese and I can't wait to meet new friends next month once I officially start!
Wish me luck!
-Katie
Such a great opportunity, Katie! Proud of you, girl, and wishing you much success! The kids will fight over who gets to practice their English with you!😄
You’re gonna learn as much from the kids there as they learn from you! Maybe you’ll meet some families that need a babysitter. That way you could build relationships with folks that live in Japan like Gram did in Okinawa. The park looks beautiful! I’m so excited for this new adventure. Folks there have no Idea how blessed they are to have you!!
How awesome!! Sounds like the perfect job! Can't wait to hear more about it. And what's up with the Dutch theme.
Looks like the perfect job for you. You will be able to learn some Japanese too. Proud of you. Kids will love you and it will be fun too. Sounds like you will be getting all your exercise in to. Pups may not be to happy not being included in the quest. They think they are part of the package now.