I had always known that I wanted to become a teacher, but after so many years of school, I felt I needed a little more practical experience and wanted to travel at the same time.  I decided to teach in Japan, knowing very little about its language and culture.  To say I was overwhelmed upon my arrival is a bit of an understatement, but perhaps not knowing much about this country helped make this an even better learning experience.

All the people I've encountered at Amity - from recruiters and trainers, to the manager and staff at my own school - have been nothing but helpful and supportive.  Everyone in the Amity community seems to look after one another, which makes the transition of moving into a new country easier and so much more comfortable.

Teaching here has been a joy for me.  I'm gaining a unique teaching experience that I would never have the opportunity to do back home.  It is wonderful to see my students progressing so much in the little time that I've spent with them, and as a teacher, it's nice to know that I am making an important contribution to their education.  The job does present many challenges, but it only makes the experience more worthwhile and rewarding.

Japan is such a beautiful country, and its people are among the most friendly, hospitable and generous that I have ever met.  There are so many different festivals to attend, and so many cultural traditions to participate in, it's hard to know where to begin, or how to get it all done in the span of a year!

I've been fortunate enough to see the snow-covered mountains of Hakuba, the bright lights and busy streets of Tokyo, and the small rural roads of Kurashiki.  I've been to a few festivals and have been invited into the homes of Japanese families for dinner.  I've had fun embarrassing myself at numerous karaoke clubs with people from around the world.  There are many people who just go to Tokyo and say, "Yeah, I've been to Japan," but it's only after living here that you can really see and experience Japan to its fullest.