Serendipity

Japan is a beautiful country with many secrets and the culture is huge on politeness and being on time. If you cannot adapt to being an alien in a foreign land with all it's laws and social codes then you're in for rude awakening. My experience with Interac is summed in one word, serendipity. I had no idea what to expect and found myself in love with life as a Sensei, and Japanese resident.

From my first phone interview, I was pretty much hand held for the entire process up to my departure. Of course, I asked to be hand held because I'm not afraid to ask for help when I'm not confident and I always show gratitude to everyone that is patient with me and kind.

Before I filled out any applications, I did my research and read about the company and the culture so I would not be completely culture shocked. I even went to Japanese Exchange classes where they taught me the magic words in Japan. In Canada, the magic word is "please" but in Japan, they have more and they really are magical!

While there, I learned to document everything especially in an email. If something was unclear, I would ask other ALTs then call my office or set up a time to stop by, bring little snacks and have a face to face discussion. With resolving problems, it can be tricky but it is necessary. You must push your best to go in with a good attitude and various solutions to any problems you have expecting nothing. Some things cannot be helped but that should not deter you from wanting be a great teacher and person.

Many of my problems were common and yes, it's expensive to live in Japan but that's where you have to be creative like finding an awesome roommate or buying your own furniture if you're renting a futon, etc.

There are always disgruntal and unhappy people who can find anything to complain about and it's not easy to stay away from them without isolating yourself which is unhealthy social behavior. However, there was a handful of ALTs and Interac staff that were really supportive and willing to help. No matter where you are in the world, you can attract more bees with honey than you can with vinegar because the world owes us nothing.

I went to Japan with goals of enriching the lives of my students with positive leadership. I had Cedric as my trainer who speaks over 50 languages fluently and was one of the inspiring teachers I had ever met. I had no idea how much personal and professional growth teaching in Sendai, Miyagi with Interac would be. From my main school life at Miyagi Daiichi Koko to my very early morning starts at the Children's Hospital and my Special Needs school, my students and senseis taught me to fall in love with life each and every day.

I really had no idea what to expect but decided to keep an open mind. To my surprise, the opportunity and care Interac gave me as Sensei in Japan is an experience that I highly recommend and so grateful to have discovered.

Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu! \(*^^*)/