he first time I came to Japan, I came for the experience of living and working abroad, and I worked for a different English Language Company. I really loved that experience (being in Japan and teaching), but I wasn't very happy at the other company, so after finishing my contract I returned to Australia. However I really wanted to be back in Japan, so I researched other English schools, and that was when I learnt about AEON. After my previous experience I was a little apprehensive, but as soon as I started talking to my recruiter I felt so much better about applying. She was so friendly, warm and professional that I went ahead with my application and was really happy to be offered a position. I liked the fact that AEON had regular vacations, public holidays off, and financial rewards for teachers who complete their contracts. I also chose AEON because of the help they offer with so many things like visas, housing, extensive training and because of the other opportunities available to those who wanted to stay. I guess it boiled down to the fact that I felt that AEON was committed to quality and really looked after their teachers. I started as a teacher at a branch school, where I was teaching a mix of adults and kids. After being a Branch Teacher I became an Emergency Teacher where I had the opportunity to work at different schools. This was a real eye opener in terms of how schools were influenced by the area they were in and therefore the kinds of students that went there. I had always imagined all of the schools to be very similar to my first one, but it actually showed me that a great deal of flexibility and adaptability were necessary for meeting student needs. Also it was so much fun meeting so many people and living in different areas. I had expressed interest in joining the Education Department, as I had done training in Australia and wanted the opportunity to further develop those skills, so when a position became available I was invited to join the Education Department as a result of my interest and prior performance. In this position I am involved in training both new teachers after they first arrive to help prepare them to go to their schools, and also experienced teachers to update their knowledge and present new information. We are also involved in training the Japanese teachers through lesson demonstrations and observations. When we are not training, we update and improve our trainings, and visit schools to answer teacher questions and to help them in the classroom. Naturally there are meetings, paperwork, and other office duties to help keep things running smoothly, but our focus is on training, teaching, and helping teachers. One of the most challenging things has been becoming more professional. Part of the challenge comes from the differences in work ethic between Australia and Japan, and part is related to my position in the company. Of course all teachers are expected to be professional, but as a representative of AEON and a role model for the foreign teachers coming in, I have to be that little bit better. Also, there was a remarkable amount of information to learn, especially as now my view is not just of one branch school but of the bigger picture. While this is still ongoing for me, I have had a lot of support from my coworkers. As for living in Japan, it is getting much easier to buy large sizes in clothes and shoes -- especially if you live in the big cities -- and most foods, too. However, vegans will find it tough. I really like working for AEON. The things that I felt when I was doing my research are basically true, but especially now that I am in the Head Office, I can see how everyone from the President down are all dedicated to looking after their staff and students, being successful through being professional and friendly, as well as always looking at ways to do better. We demonstrate this by updating materials, conducting lots of trainings, and offering support to the different schools. I think a good candidate needs to possess the following qualities: open mindedness and a willingness to adapt, a genuine passion for teaching, the ability to learn quickly, and the desire to enjoy life in Japan. However, while teachers are of course here for the experience of living in a foreign country, if they are not sincere about teaching and working, they will not be successful. I think the biggest challenge for a lot of teachers (me included) is to meet the high expectations AEON has for its employees. However, whatever country you work in, the employer has expectations, so this is not different. Teachers should know that this is not a working holiday. This is an opportunity to learn, live, work, develop as a person, and have a great experience. However, to get all of that out of it you need to make a commitment to work. Actually, the teachers who do that are the happiest people here.