Have a little more free time on your hands than usual? Looking for some ways to learn something new, or pick up some new skills? Here are some websites to help you find some ways to pass the time and gain something from it!
Language learning and Japanese!
Language learning doesn’t always have to be from a text book – why not delve into some online learning and make it interactive?
- NHK’s Japanese Course – Free structured Japanese courses from NHK with videos and more!
- Memrise – An abundance of flashcard courses, great for learning vocabulary
- Duolingo– An adorable way to practice and learn grammar!
Expand your knowledge!
Want to pick up an online course to expand your skills? These sites offer free courses developed by a number of reputable institutions. Broaden your mind while gaining new ideas and employable skills all from the comfort of your desk. Some offer to accredit your course with a certificate for a fee at the end, should you wish to!
Creative Software and Coding
If you’re more creatively minded and want to pick up some digital design tools, you don’t need to pay out for expensive software! There are a number of fantastic open-source projects that have fantastic communities and websites full of tutorials. It’s also a great time to pick up on some coding skills.
- Blender – tutorials here!
- Inkscape – tutorials here!
- Code Academy – offers basic courses for free to get you started!
Expand on your Teaching Skills
While waiting for classes to resume, why not brush up on some teaching methods for a fresh new year?
There are free resources to help you expand on your methods, or alternatively you could sign up for an online TEFL course – why not hop into the Facebook group and chat with other JETs who can recommend courses they have taken?
- Cambridge Online Teacher Development – courses to help you improve your teaching
Media and more!
If you’re looking for something a little more passive but still want to learn, why not watch a documentary, presentation or consume some Japanese media to get some practice in?
- Documentary Heaven– links to documentary videos covering a wide range of topics
- TED – a diverse selection of presentations
- Shonen Jump – Currently offer free access to a number of comics online (Japanese)
Get Creative
Want to do something more hands on? Why not grab a sketchbook, and learn how to draw? Or pick up some new paper crafting skills? The sky is your limit!
- Draw A Box – Step by step drawing classes, covering the basics and beyond!
- Paper Crafting – this website has numerous links to free paper crafting activities! (Japanese)
- HitRecord – A creative community where you join collaborative projects
Brush up that resume!
Time to update that resume with all your new skills and experience! Why not browse some guides and advice articles, and use a free template to prepare for your next adventure?
- Indeed – resume writing tips article
- Monster – articles, guides and free templates (UK based)
- Word Templates – free resume and cover letter templates from Microsoft