t was natural that I got interested in occupations where I could use English, as I'd been learning it and had a number of opportunities to speak it since my childhood, though I grew up in Japan. I majored in anthropology and international relations in university. By the time I began to look for a job, I had decided I wanted to work in an international and bilingual environment. At first I thought about working abroad, but I couldn't find anything appealing that would make the most of my abilities. Then, through some friends, I heard about a position at AEON and decided to interview with them. Actually what interested me the most was not teaching English because I'd never thought of becoming a teacher at all, but the other duties in the job description sounded perfect for me. I would be able to work with both Japanese and non-Japanese people, work as a translator/interpreter, help students and other staff members with cross-cultural communication, and be involved in the school's business as well. When I met the representatives of AEON at my interviews, not only was I able to make certain that the position was truly what I was looking for, I found the professional and friendly atmosphere really appealing. Currently I am working as Head Teacher at a branch school in Hachioji, Tokyo. I also have worked at a few other branches. It has been really rewarding and pleasantly challenging to be a Head Teacher. First, it might sound a little weird if I, as someone who originally had no interest in teaching, say that teaching English is the best part of my job, but I do enjoy teaching various kinds of students everyday. It is true that teaching is the best way of learning. I can learn so many things through my students. Also, assisting them with their goals and dreams gives me a tremendous sense of fulfillment. I really thank AEON for training me to be a professional English teacher. As Head Teacher, I am deeply involved in the school's business, too. I get a sense of achievement from my contribution to it. This balance of education and business is one of the things I like about my position. Sometimes they appear to conflict with each other, but in this position I have learned how they are strongly connected. Being aware of the business side of the school, I can be a better teacher by trying to provide the best lessons and customer service to my students for the amount of money they pay. Most of the Japanese teachers at our schools have lived abroad, and I am no exception. I had an opportunity to study abroad in England when I was in university as well as to work abroad in America after I joined AEON. With the challenges I faced in both countries, I can strongly relate to the challenges my non-Japanese coworkers encounter in Japan. My own first-hand experience of living in foreign countries, along with my anthropological knowledge gained in university, enables me to better help them. I am getting profound satisfaction from giving support to them in adjusting to their life in Japan both at work and outside work, bridging the cultural gaps and reducing the language barriers between them and their Japanese colleagues or other Japanese people, and of course helping them understand Japanese culture and people as much as possible. What I think makes AEON different from other language schools is a nice balance of everything it has: professionalism and friendliness; education and business; the company's expectations and the support it gives to its employees; the original method of teaching, Learning and Acquisition; and so forth. In addition to that, we teachers are all very serious about our students' progress and AEON is reputable among students as a school where they can actually improve their English skills. Sometimes those who studied at another language school and couldn't learn much there visit our branch school seeking better quality lessons and join us. I am really happy to be working in a place I can take pride in. Working at AEON, I have made some lifelong friends from different countries. I am looking forward to working with more people who are internationally minded, culturally flexible and sensitive, and serious about teaching and working in Japan. I think AEON provides fantastic opportunities where you can grow in many ways. If you think this is the right opportunity for you, don't wait to apply to AEON!