Timothy Baril

It’s Monday morning. Rain drizzles down. I show up to school wet, dreading a dull day of classes. Lucky for me, it’s just as I fear.
First period grade 9s. I stand next to the chalkboard after a good morning greeting that wouldn’t register on a decibel meter for singing mice. The Japanese teacher teaches. Homework [...]

I’ve officially re-contracted with the JET program to extend my tenure in the Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture school system in Japan. I will be staying at least until Summer 2010.
While I came to Japan for my own experiences, I find myself increasingly motivated by the students I spend time with. I see a system in [...]

JET Programme
Moriguchi-shi, Osaka-fu, Japan
September 2008
Working as a JET - assistant english language instructor
My first weeks at school here in Japan have passed me by. And I cannot adequately express how amazing and different the experience has been. Canadian schools these are NOT.
I was introduced to the school Principal (Koucho-sensei) first. He’s more a symbolic figure [...]

JET Programme
Osaka-fun, Moriguchi-shi
August 2008
I’m jacked up. I turned on the comp and I’m gettin free net. Don’t know where from. Don’t know why, but I’m going to use it.
I’m in Moriguchi-shi now, living in my new apartment. Here’s how the first 7 days have broken down so far:
Day 1 - July 27
Arrival in [...]

I’ve been posted to the city of Moriguchi, in the prefecture (”province”) of Osaka. Osaka is the second largest city in Japan, and historical rival to Tokyo. Moriguchi is a suburban satellite city. I will reside approximately a 30 minute train ride from downtown Osaka. Ironically, sort of exactly the same type of arrangement as [...]