Left by Workawayer (Konstantin) for host
I stayed at the language cafe for about 4 weeks. The workload was reasonable it was only 12 hours a week, and sometimes no one shows up for certain hours so you get extra time off. The work consists of just talking to Japanese people about various subjects, interjecting now and again to correct pronunciation, grammar, etc., as well as teaching new
… read more vocabulary, etc. Generally speaking the students are very nice, and eager to practice their speaking skills. I had some really nice conversations with some of them. The accommodation is fairly decent, there is air conditioning in the room; the toilet, and shower room (separate) are shared however. The fridge is a bit cramped. The chores are fairly easy. Shimada, the owner, is honest and reasonable.
The biggest drawback there, in my opinion, is some of the other "teachers" there. Some of them were very unfriendly, arrogant, or unapproachable, a few made me feel uncomfortable. It definitely is an older crowd there, and they generally aren't the kind of "cool", friendly traveller type of young people you'd might meet at a backpacker hostel. Some of them are fairly nice though, but if you really aren't comfortable living in that type of environment, with some people you don't like all that much, then perhaps it isn't for you. Urawa in Saitama city is fairly calm and peaceful, and relaxed in itself, but going to Tokyo by train about $5 each way, so that's something to be aware of if you're on a budget. There are lots of amenities around the area.
The other good thing though is that most of the time it's very quiet there, and you are able to enjoy your peace and privacy, and maybe avoid people you don't get along with all that well. Considering what I said above, it is a good way to have an extended stay in Japan, and meet some local Japanese people and hear some of their stories.
