Learn Japanese Working At a Resort in Japan
http://www.careerfeed.net/articles/8730/1/Learn-Japanese-Working-At-a-Resort-in-Japan/Page1.html
Adam Claydon-Platt
Jobs in Japan aren't just limited to teaching - do something you enjoy doing, and share your hobbies with people from another culture! Make the most of your time in Japan working in resort jobs.
http://www.boobooski.com/index.html By Adam Claydon-Platt
Published on 07/20/2009
There are many ways to learn a language. Some go to school, some stay at home and read books, and others try to make friends and chat online. But the best way to learn a language is to go to the country, surround yourself with local people in a fun environment, and the learning will come naturally!
There are many ways to learn a language. Some go to school, some stay at home and read books, and others try to make friends and chat online. But the best way to learn a language is to go to the country, surround yourself with local people in a fun environment, and the learning will come naturally!
A great way to improve your Japanese is by working in ski jobs in Japan. Working in a ski resort in Japan gives you the chance to live, work, and breathe with Japanese people. Every day, you'll be interacting with others of a similar age and interests - a love of the snow! You'll meet great new people, gain a unique insight into authentic Japanese culture, and most importantly, learn Japanese. If you make a little effort to get to know the local Japanese staff there, you'll find your Japanese sky-rocketing before your eyes.
Working using a foreign language is possibly the fastest way to improve your ability. Having to pay attention to your job being explained to you, and the personal pressure you'll feel to do the best job that you can, will result in you always listening intently to anything your co-workers say. Especially in Japan, where the work ethic is so entrenched in everyone, you'll find that the Japanese take so much pride in their job, that you'll also start to feel that way. In turn, you'll find motivation from your co-workers to perform exceptionally in your duties.
There are many different types of ski jobs that you can do. The positions you'll be eligible for depend on your Japanese speaking ability. The positions listed below are in ascending order (easiest to hardest) of Japanese ability required:
1. Ski Jump
Working hours: A typical day starts at 7:30am and finishes at 5:00pm (1-1.5 hour unpaid lunch break). Overtime work is called 'nighter' - hours are 5:30pm - 9:00pm.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include clearing away snow after a big dump. Setting up guide ropes leading up onto the jump boarding ramp or steps.
Regular duties: Helping customers safely board the lifts/steps to the top of the ski jump. Giving verbal instruction to customers who aren't familiar with ski jump facilities. In the event of heavy snowfall, lift paths may need to be cleared. A physically demanding position. A good job for true beginners to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
2. Lifts
Working hours: A typical day starts at 7:30am and finishes at 4:30 or 5:00pm (1-1.5 hour unpaid lunch break). Overtime work is called 'nighter' - hours are 5:30pm - 9:00pm.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include clearing away snow from around the boarding ramp onto the lift, and wiping off snow that has settled on the lift seats overnight. Guide ropes leading up onto the lift boarding ramp will sometimes need to be erected.
Regular duties: Checking customer tickets and clipping if required. Helping customers safely board the lifts - giving verbal instruction to customers who aren't familiar with riding lifts. Stopping lifts in case of emergency. On snowy days lift seats will need to be regularly cleaned (brushed) before customers sit down. In the event of heavy snowfall, lift paths may need to be cleared. A physically demanding position. A good job for beginners to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
3. Restaurant
Working hours: A typical day starts at 6:00am and finishes at 10:00pm. An average 9 hour shift (1 hour unpaid lunch break) covers two out of three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping/vacuuming your work area each morning. Most restaurants operate on a 'cashless' ticketing system - negating the need to fill cash registers with the days 'float'.
Regular duties: Serving drinks and dishes to customers at their tables, clearing them away after customers have finished, and wiping down tables in preparation for the next customers. Some of the ski resorts have self-serve facilities, whereby customers serve themselves (leaving only the clearing of tables for restaurant staff). Showing customers to tables and taking orders. Restaurant work may sometimes includes the serving of food onto dishes for customers, and even simple food preparation duties, such as making hotdogs, sandwiches or pizzas. A good job for beginners to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
4. Ski Rental
Working hours: A typical day starts at 8:30am and finishes at 5:30pm (1 hour unpaid lunch break). Overtime work is called 'nighter' - hours are 5:30pm - 9:00pm.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping your work area each morning, and filling cash registers with the days 'float'.
Regular duties: Helping customers with any queries and offering recommendations about ski equipment (eg. skis, snowboards etc). Briefing customers on the safety and handling of equipment. Taking customer details (name, address, contact numbers) when organizing rental equipment. Ringing up customer rental charges on the cash register and controlling cash inflows-outflows (great care needs to be taken in giving the correct change to customers). Helping customers choose appropriate sized equipment (according to body weight and height, etc.). Adjusting stances on skis/boards to suit boot sizes. Waxing of skis/boards and general maintenance of equipment. Collecting rental gear from customers at the end of each work day and checking stock levels to make sure all rental equipment has been returned. Closing and balancing cash registers at the end of the work day. A good job for beginner-intermediates to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
5. Ski Instructor
Working hours: A typical day starts at 8:30am and finishes at 5:30pm. The average 9 hour day (1 hour unpaid lunch break) includes two sessions of 2 hour lessons (total of 4 hours teaching each day).
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping your ski school each morning.
Regular duties: Taking customer details (name, address, contact numbers) who wish to join ski classes. Helping customers organize rental equipment if required. Each day consists of 2 by 2 hour lessons. Outside of the lessons, you may be required to help ski rental with equipment preparation or collection at the end of the day, or other various duties. A good job for intermediates to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
6. Ski Patrol
Working hours: A typical day starts at 6:30am and finishes at 10:00pm. Your shift (which may be split) will usually be about 9 hours (1 hour unpaid lunch break) during this period.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping your Patrol centre each morning. Checking ski-run conditions to make sure slopes are safe - includes erecting safety fences and warning signs around dangerous zones. Checking avalanche-prone areas.
Regular duties: Dealing with injured customers by attending to injuries with basic First Aid, and delivering customers to ski patrol centre for ambulance pick-up. Cautioning customers who may be breaking resort rules. A good job for intermediates to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'. Helping customers with queries on the slopes.
7. Gift Shop
Working hours: A typical day starts at 8:30am and finishes at 5:30pm (1 hour unpaid lunch break). Overtime work is sometimes available between the hours of 5:30pm - 10:00pm.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping your work area each morning, and filling cash registers with the days 'float'.
Regular duties: Helping customers with any queries, and offering recommendations about gifts and cakes. Ringing up customer purchases on the cash register and controlling cash inflows-outflows (great care needs to be taken in giving the correct change to customers). In limited cases, gift-wrapping may be required. Closing and balancing cash registers at the end of the work day. A good job for beginner-intermediates to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
8. Bellhop
Working hours: An average shift is 9 hours (1 hour unpaid lunch break). Shift times may vary greatly throughout the month. A typical day starts anywhere between 7:00am and 12:00pm and finishes 8 or 9 hours later. Overtime work is applicable to shifts exceeding 9 hours.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping your work area each morning.
Regular duties: Taking care of customers' baggage and delivering baggage to rooms (no tipping in Japan). Guiding customers to the front desk for check-in and helping with any other queries. A good job for intermediate-advanced speakers to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: As the initial contact point with customers entering the hotel, greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello' is crucial.
9. Ticket Sales
Working hours: A typical day starts at 8:30am and finishes at 5:30pm (1 hour unpaid lunch break). Overtime work is sometimes available between the hours of 5:30pm - 9:00pm.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping your work area each morning, and filling cash registers with the days 'float'.
Regular duties: Selling customers tickets and helping with any queries. Ringing up customer purchases on the cash register and controlling cash inflows-outflows (great care needs to be taken in giving the correct change to customers). Closing and balancing cash registers at the end of the work day. A good job for beginner-intermediates to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
10. Slope Concierge
Working hours: A typical day starts at 8:30am and finishes at 5:30pm (1 hour unpaid lunch break).
Morning preparation: None
Regular duties: This position was created to assist with queries and give information to customers out on the slopes. Skiing around and offering help to customers who look lost or need help with something. Guiding customers to facilities. Pro-actively approaching customers and offering assistance. Checking on customers to make sure they aren't injured, and contacting patrol if required. Cautioning customers who may be breaking resort rules. A good job for intermediate-advanced speakers to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
11. Information/Concierge
Working hours: Shift start times may vary throughout the month. A typical day consists of a 9-hour shift (1 hour unpaid lunch break) anywhere between 7:00am and 9:00pm. Overtime work is available.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly organizing your work station each morning.
Regular duties: Taking care of customers' enquiries and offering recommendations about events / restaurants / sights / facilities etc. A good job for intermediate-advanced speakers to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello' is crucial.
12. Hotel Front Desk
Working hours: An average shift is 9 hours (1 hour unpaid lunch break) . Shift times may vary greatly throughout the month. Reception is open 24hrs and shift times can fall anytime during the day. Shifts are rarely split - you will be working a 9 hour block. Overtime work is applicable to shifts exceeding 9 hours.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping your work area each morning.
Regular duties: Helping customers check-in and check-out. Taking the occasional reservation and answering the telephone (putting telephone calls through to other departments). Helping customers with any queries about hotel facilities etc. and offering recommendations about services. Ringing up customer bills on the cash register and controlling cash inflows-outflows (great care needs to be taken in giving the correct change to customers). A good job for intermediate-advanced speakers to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
A great way to improve your Japanese is by working in ski jobs in Japan. Working in a ski resort in Japan gives you the chance to live, work, and breathe with Japanese people. Every day, you'll be interacting with others of a similar age and interests - a love of the snow! You'll meet great new people, gain a unique insight into authentic Japanese culture, and most importantly, learn Japanese. If you make a little effort to get to know the local Japanese staff there, you'll find your Japanese sky-rocketing before your eyes.
Working using a foreign language is possibly the fastest way to improve your ability. Having to pay attention to your job being explained to you, and the personal pressure you'll feel to do the best job that you can, will result in you always listening intently to anything your co-workers say. Especially in Japan, where the work ethic is so entrenched in everyone, you'll find that the Japanese take so much pride in their job, that you'll also start to feel that way. In turn, you'll find motivation from your co-workers to perform exceptionally in your duties.
There are many different types of ski jobs that you can do. The positions you'll be eligible for depend on your Japanese speaking ability. The positions listed below are in ascending order (easiest to hardest) of Japanese ability required:
1. Ski Jump
Working hours: A typical day starts at 7:30am and finishes at 5:00pm (1-1.5 hour unpaid lunch break). Overtime work is called 'nighter' - hours are 5:30pm - 9:00pm.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include clearing away snow after a big dump. Setting up guide ropes leading up onto the jump boarding ramp or steps.
Regular duties: Helping customers safely board the lifts/steps to the top of the ski jump. Giving verbal instruction to customers who aren't familiar with ski jump facilities. In the event of heavy snowfall, lift paths may need to be cleared. A physically demanding position. A good job for true beginners to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
2. Lifts
Working hours: A typical day starts at 7:30am and finishes at 4:30 or 5:00pm (1-1.5 hour unpaid lunch break). Overtime work is called 'nighter' - hours are 5:30pm - 9:00pm.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include clearing away snow from around the boarding ramp onto the lift, and wiping off snow that has settled on the lift seats overnight. Guide ropes leading up onto the lift boarding ramp will sometimes need to be erected.
Regular duties: Checking customer tickets and clipping if required. Helping customers safely board the lifts - giving verbal instruction to customers who aren't familiar with riding lifts. Stopping lifts in case of emergency. On snowy days lift seats will need to be regularly cleaned (brushed) before customers sit down. In the event of heavy snowfall, lift paths may need to be cleared. A physically demanding position. A good job for beginners to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
3. Restaurant
Working hours: A typical day starts at 6:00am and finishes at 10:00pm. An average 9 hour shift (1 hour unpaid lunch break) covers two out of three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping/vacuuming your work area each morning. Most restaurants operate on a 'cashless' ticketing system - negating the need to fill cash registers with the days 'float'.
Regular duties: Serving drinks and dishes to customers at their tables, clearing them away after customers have finished, and wiping down tables in preparation for the next customers. Some of the ski resorts have self-serve facilities, whereby customers serve themselves (leaving only the clearing of tables for restaurant staff). Showing customers to tables and taking orders. Restaurant work may sometimes includes the serving of food onto dishes for customers, and even simple food preparation duties, such as making hotdogs, sandwiches or pizzas. A good job for beginners to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
4. Ski Rental
Working hours: A typical day starts at 8:30am and finishes at 5:30pm (1 hour unpaid lunch break). Overtime work is called 'nighter' - hours are 5:30pm - 9:00pm.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping your work area each morning, and filling cash registers with the days 'float'.
Regular duties: Helping customers with any queries and offering recommendations about ski equipment (eg. skis, snowboards etc). Briefing customers on the safety and handling of equipment. Taking customer details (name, address, contact numbers) when organizing rental equipment. Ringing up customer rental charges on the cash register and controlling cash inflows-outflows (great care needs to be taken in giving the correct change to customers). Helping customers choose appropriate sized equipment (according to body weight and height, etc.). Adjusting stances on skis/boards to suit boot sizes. Waxing of skis/boards and general maintenance of equipment. Collecting rental gear from customers at the end of each work day and checking stock levels to make sure all rental equipment has been returned. Closing and balancing cash registers at the end of the work day. A good job for beginner-intermediates to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
5. Ski Instructor
Working hours: A typical day starts at 8:30am and finishes at 5:30pm. The average 9 hour day (1 hour unpaid lunch break) includes two sessions of 2 hour lessons (total of 4 hours teaching each day).
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping your ski school each morning.
Regular duties: Taking customer details (name, address, contact numbers) who wish to join ski classes. Helping customers organize rental equipment if required. Each day consists of 2 by 2 hour lessons. Outside of the lessons, you may be required to help ski rental with equipment preparation or collection at the end of the day, or other various duties. A good job for intermediates to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
6. Ski Patrol
Working hours: A typical day starts at 6:30am and finishes at 10:00pm. Your shift (which may be split) will usually be about 9 hours (1 hour unpaid lunch break) during this period.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping your Patrol centre each morning. Checking ski-run conditions to make sure slopes are safe - includes erecting safety fences and warning signs around dangerous zones. Checking avalanche-prone areas.
Regular duties: Dealing with injured customers by attending to injuries with basic First Aid, and delivering customers to ski patrol centre for ambulance pick-up. Cautioning customers who may be breaking resort rules. A good job for intermediates to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'. Helping customers with queries on the slopes.
7. Gift Shop
Working hours: A typical day starts at 8:30am and finishes at 5:30pm (1 hour unpaid lunch break). Overtime work is sometimes available between the hours of 5:30pm - 10:00pm.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping your work area each morning, and filling cash registers with the days 'float'.
Regular duties: Helping customers with any queries, and offering recommendations about gifts and cakes. Ringing up customer purchases on the cash register and controlling cash inflows-outflows (great care needs to be taken in giving the correct change to customers). In limited cases, gift-wrapping may be required. Closing and balancing cash registers at the end of the work day. A good job for beginner-intermediates to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
8. Bellhop
Working hours: An average shift is 9 hours (1 hour unpaid lunch break). Shift times may vary greatly throughout the month. A typical day starts anywhere between 7:00am and 12:00pm and finishes 8 or 9 hours later. Overtime work is applicable to shifts exceeding 9 hours.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping your work area each morning.
Regular duties: Taking care of customers' baggage and delivering baggage to rooms (no tipping in Japan). Guiding customers to the front desk for check-in and helping with any other queries. A good job for intermediate-advanced speakers to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: As the initial contact point with customers entering the hotel, greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello' is crucial.
9. Ticket Sales
Working hours: A typical day starts at 8:30am and finishes at 5:30pm (1 hour unpaid lunch break). Overtime work is sometimes available between the hours of 5:30pm - 9:00pm.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping your work area each morning, and filling cash registers with the days 'float'.
Regular duties: Selling customers tickets and helping with any queries. Ringing up customer purchases on the cash register and controlling cash inflows-outflows (great care needs to be taken in giving the correct change to customers). Closing and balancing cash registers at the end of the work day. A good job for beginner-intermediates to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
10. Slope Concierge
Working hours: A typical day starts at 8:30am and finishes at 5:30pm (1 hour unpaid lunch break).
Morning preparation: None
Regular duties: This position was created to assist with queries and give information to customers out on the slopes. Skiing around and offering help to customers who look lost or need help with something. Guiding customers to facilities. Pro-actively approaching customers and offering assistance. Checking on customers to make sure they aren't injured, and contacting patrol if required. Cautioning customers who may be breaking resort rules. A good job for intermediate-advanced speakers to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.
11. Information/Concierge
Working hours: Shift start times may vary throughout the month. A typical day consists of a 9-hour shift (1 hour unpaid lunch break) anywhere between 7:00am and 9:00pm. Overtime work is available.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly organizing your work station each morning.
Regular duties: Taking care of customers' enquiries and offering recommendations about events / restaurants / sights / facilities etc. A good job for intermediate-advanced speakers to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello' is crucial.
12. Hotel Front Desk
Working hours: An average shift is 9 hours (1 hour unpaid lunch break) . Shift times may vary greatly throughout the month. Reception is open 24hrs and shift times can fall anytime during the day. Shifts are rarely split - you will be working a 9 hour block. Overtime work is applicable to shifts exceeding 9 hours.
Morning preparation: Primary duties include briefly sweeping your work area each morning.
Regular duties: Helping customers check-in and check-out. Taking the occasional reservation and answering the telephone (putting telephone calls through to other departments). Helping customers with any queries about hotel facilities etc. and offering recommendations about services. Ringing up customer bills on the cash register and controlling cash inflows-outflows (great care needs to be taken in giving the correct change to customers). A good job for intermediate-advanced speakers to learn Japanese.
Additional duties: Greeting customers with a nice smile and a friendly 'hello'.