One of the perks of working at private schools is that they usually have English camps every year. Although the timing of the year depends on the school, it is commonly done around April, July or October. These camps are kind of like intensive English courses, mixed with spending time outdoors. Students will generally be split into small groups, with a native English teacher in charge of each group. English classes are obvious staples. Generally a couple of hours of formal classes each day,...

There is a term called gogatsubyō (May Blues) in Japan. It refers to the widespread lack of motivation and feeling of depression people feel when returning to work or school after the Golden Week holidays in early May. It supposedly stems from the stress of adjusting to new April routines to new schools or jobs, then the sudden return to routine after a long, relaxing break causes a sharp drop in energy and motivation. You might be feeling the same way right now, day one back at work......

I am sure all of us look forward to our weekends off after a hard week at school. However, more and more private schools in Japan are...