Challenge yourself

Since I was 16, I dreamed of moving to Japan and experiencing everyday life here. I’ve always admired Japanese culture, and I knew that simply visiting as a tourist wouldn’t be enough. I wanted to truly immerse myself, improve my Japanese, and push myself beyond my comfort zone in order to grow both personally and professionally.

Living and working in Japan has given me the chance to reflect deeply on myself and the direction I want to take in life, all while discovering places and experiences most tourists never get to see. I’ve faced challenges I never thought I could overcome, from navigating daily tasks in another language to adapting to new cultural expectations. But through these experiences, I’ve grown into a stronger, more confident version of myself — one who is more open, resilient, and adaptable than ever before.

Beyond my day-to-day teaching and school life, I’ve also been fortunate to travel around Japan and visit places that had been on my list for years. Being able to finally tick them off feels incredibly rewarding. To name a few, I currently live in Mie Prefecture, which has allowed me to explore one of Japan’s most sacred and historical sites, Ise-jingū. Visiting such an important shrine, which isn’t widely known to tourists, gave me a rare opportunity to connect with Japan’s cultural and spiritual side on a much deeper level.

I’ve also ventured into neighboring prefectures, such as Wakayama, where I spent a weekend visiting Nachi Falls — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Standing before the waterfall, with the ancient temple in the background, was absolutely breathtaking and one of those moments that remind you why living here is such a privilege. Traveling to smaller cities and towns has shown me a quieter, more authentic side of Japan, one that you simply don’t experience in major cities. These local discoveries, from hidden shrines to charming family-run restaurants, have made me fall in love with Japan even more.

Through Interac and my school, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to not only teach, but also to connect with my students, coworkers, and the wider community. These connections have helped me learn about Japanese culture in a way that goes far beyond textbooks or travel. Every day in the classroom brings its own challenges and rewards, from the joy of seeing a student gain confidence in English, to the fun of sharing cultural exchanges where both sides learn something new.

This journey has not only taught me how to be a better teacher, but also allowed me to build valuable life skills such as communication, adaptability, and cultural awareness. It has shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and I know I will carry these lessons and memories with me into whatever comes next.

Looking back, moving to Japan with Interac has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has given me the chance to live the life I dreamed about as a teenager, while also pushing me to grow in ways I never expected. For anyone considering this path, I can confidently say that it is more than just a job, it’s a life-changing experience that will stay with you forever.