Almost one year in Japan
My experience moving to Japan with the support of TravelGrad and their partner, Xplore Asia, has been mostly positive. They provided assistance with the application process for my teaching position and arranged my housing, which helped make the transition smoother. They were responsive to questions, including practical matters like setting up utilities upon my arrival. When I was exploring the idea of moving to Japan, TravelGrad was friendly and informative during initial phone calls, offering advice on choosing a country and teaching options. While their support was helpful, there were occasional moments where more detailed guidance would have been appreciated, particularly regarding cultural or professional expectations in Japan. These came naturally once I had arrived, so it wasn’t a large problem. Overall, I feel fortunate with my placement and have built strong friendships, which have significantly enriched my experience. Living here has sparked a newfound appreciation for 御持て成し (omotenashi), the Japanese concept of hospitality and mindfulness. That said, the adjustment has been a whirlwind, and it’s worth noting that personal growth and lifestyle changes come as much from adapting to a new environment as they do from external support. There’s only so much that can be expected, but with that said, TravelGrad gets you where you want to go.
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