Life in Japan As soon as you step off the plane in Japan you will immediately find that compared to your home country, Japan is quite different. Some aspects of the culture may seem unusual and you may have experiences that are not a part of your current daily life. In a short time however, you will realize Japan offers endless possibilities. The same is true here as anywhere, life in Japan will be exactly what you make of it. Opportunities abound for those who wish to travel, learn Japanese or even save money. Settling In Amity does our best to make our teachers' transition into Japanese society as smooth as possible. The staff at your school will assist you in getting settled into your new home. They will help with registering at City Hall, opening up a bank account and even helping you use the appliances in your apartment. Amity teachers live in their own company-provided apartment. The rent is subsidized by Amity to ensure consistent living expenses among our foreign staff. The teacher is responsible for paying all other living expenses, such as monthly utilities. Many people have the impression that living in Japan can be very expensive. On the contrary, life in Japan can be quite affordable. Those who wish to save money, if disciplined, will have no problem doing so. Of course the amount saved depends upon each individual teacher's lifestyle. Explore the Possibilities Japan has much to offer the individual who wishes to broaden his or her personal experiences. The travel possibilities in Japan and in the countries surrounding Japan are inexhaustible. Your students and co-workers will be more than happy to share information with you about the best places to see and explore. Japan is an engaging blend of old and new; it is a country that has thousand-year-old traditions, and yet is also on the leading edge of technology. Only here can you glimpse a woman in a kimono quickly walking and talking on one of the most advanced cellular phones in the world. High-speed trains whizzing smoothly past temples that pre-date the discovery of North America provide another example of the unique Japanese combination of the traditional and the modern. It is an amazing blend of the ancient and the modern. A Family Feel For those who long for things from home, Japan offers many westernized services and products. You will be able to watch American movies, buy English books, and eat in western fast-food restaurants. Supermarkets and department stores selling food and other items from around the world can be found in most medium-sized to large cities. While you may not be able to find the variety of western items to which you are accustomed, with a little effort you can usually find what you desire. Twenty-four hour convenience stores are abundant in Japan, with all the necessary amenities sold in convenience stores in western countries. Your New Adventure The interests of our teaching staff varies greatly, but the cultural opportunities for education, entertainment and growth are diverse enough to satisfy everyone. Getting to know the branch school's Japanese staff members and exchanging cultural information with them is an important part of the experience. Planning group outings with co-workers or friends can be fun and memorable. Teachers who get involved in activities outside of school are nourished by a fuller experience in Japan.