A life changing journey

Working as an English teacher in Japan has been one of the most unexpected and rewarding chapters of my life.

It actually began as a second career after my children finished university, and honestly, I never imagined I would find so much joy and fulfillment in this path.

My experience started with when Interac offered what we often describe as a “caravan-style” teaching job. Each day, I traveled to different public schools, bringing English activities to students across various communities. Every morning felt like preparing for a new adventure. Moving from school to school helped me meet diverse groups of children, teachers, co-teachers and environments. It also taught me flexibility, creativity, and how to quickly build connections with students who had never met me before.

After awhile, my role shifted toward teaching at public kindergartens. This transition opened a completely new world of learning—not only for the children, but also for me. Teaching younger children required more than just language instruction. It meant discovering English through play, curiosity, and nature. Some of our most memorable lessons didn’t happen inside a classroom but outdoors, where learning became a shared exploration.

One of the most beautiful parts of my experience has been exploring nature with the children. Together, we learned how to carefully search for insects and observe small living creatures. I vividly remember the excitement of watching baby dragonflies emerge, observing frogs hopping near ponds, and witnessing caterpillars slowly transform after hatching from tiny eggs. These moments became opportunities to introduce new English words naturally while also nurturing the children’s curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. Seeing their eyes light up during these discoveries reminded me that education is not only about textbooks but also about wonder and shared experiences.

Choosing this career later in life turned out to be a blessing I never expected. Teaching English in Japan has given me more than professional growth—it has given me daily joy, meaningful relationships, and countless heartwarming memories. The children’s energy, honesty, and enthusiasm create an atmosphere that makes every day special.

There has never been a day when the children did not leave me with a smile. Whether it is their cheerful greetings, their excitement when they understand a new word, or their laughter during our activities, their happiness is truly contagious. They have taught me patience, presence, and the simple joy of celebrating small victories.

Sharing special moments each day deepen relationships, gaining children's trust, paving way for them to be comfortable in hearing, learning and even responding in English.

Looking back, becoming an English teacher in Japan was not just a career change—it was a life-changing journey. It has shown me that it is never too late to discover a new passion and that sometimes the most unexpected opportunities can become the most meaningful.