TEFL Courses & Certification in Asia

I recently moved to Tono, Iwate in Japan. Nothing can really prepare you for small town living in a foreign country but it has definitely been a great experience. My first day in Tono was quiet, I ventured out to find the grocery stores and furniture stores on foot since my car hadn't arrived. There is this musical alarm that goes off in the town at 6am, 8am, 12pm and 6pm. I felt like I was living in a Ghibli movie for a moment. Many of the town people were excited and intrigued to see me. They would stop me at the store and ask me why I was visiting Tono, they were very surprised that I had chosen to teach in the countryside when Japan has so many great cities. It was a little difficult at first without a car but once I got my car only the sky was the limit! I visited neighboring cities like Hanamaki, Kitakami and Shiwa to visit their thrift shops which include furniture and clothing items. (Side note: Japanese thrift shops are top tier). I had a whole week to get settled before school started. I found out I had 6 schools (5 elementary and 1 junior high). I took the time to drive to the schools and familiarize myself with the road and entrances. As an American driving in the left side of the road on the right side of the car was something to get used to. My first day was lovely, I went to the JHS and they had an assembly so I could introduce myself to the school. The students cheered and sang me a song, we took pictures for the school newsletter and once it was over I went to the teachers room and familiarized myself with the schedules and map. I did not have lessons that first day but I attended the students cheering practice and club introductions to get to know them better. The elementary schools were similar on the first day, I made an introduction PowerPoint where I showed pictures of my family, hometown, favorite foods, and even had them sing and clap along Deep in the Heart of Texas. My experience in the countryside has been very positive, I joined a foreigner Japanese class to practice my Japanese. I am looking forward to the spring festivals and the cherry blossoms. I hope the rest of the year is filled with the same positive and happy energy everyone seems to have here in the countryside.

Has been to Europe, but never been to, let alone lived in Asia. Vietnam was great, and the team that helped me, not just on my way there, but also while I'm Vietnam was great as well. Brand new experience, that was playing heavy on my mind, but I know I made the right decision.