had always wanted to become a public school teacher in America but also wanted an adventure. I was interested in Japan and found out that AEON offers an environment where I get to coach and teach by interacting with the students at a personal level. That's why I decided to come to Japan. I felt like I would get to see the country with my own tour guides - my students! Besides, I had nothing to lose. My first impression of Japan was that it was busy and professional. Lots of things did surprise me at the beginning. Pizza ingredients were really interesting! People were walking around in suits on the hottest day of summer, and none of them dared to ask if they could wear something lighter. At first, I got used to my surroundings by riding my bike around the neighborhood. Then I started exploring using the train system. Public transportation is incredibly efficient here - very punctual to say the least. You just have to go out and get lost a couple of times and not be afraid. I was never ''culture shocked,'' but many things raised an eyebrow more than once. The food, the manner of the people, and living arrangements are all different from my home, but when you move to a different country, you have to expect not to understand what is going on all the time. My school is in Oyama in Tochigi prefecture, so it's quite different from Tokyo. Oyama is in between the city and the rural area. It seems smaller, with more of a relaxed atmosphere. I met people through school at first. I started having dinner with students of all different levels of English. I met friends of other teachers and made a couple of friends on my own through the places I frequented. There are also hangouts frequented by other foreign residents. All you have to do is ask. AEON had the apartment ready for me when I got to the school. I was very pleased with it. I expected my apartment to barely fit my body, but it wasn't bad at all! I didn't have a washer in my apartment in Michigan, but I have my own here. In Japan, the toilet is separated from the shower room. I had all the cooking utensils, a burner, refrigerator, a little balcony, and the outgoing teacher left some stuff for me in the apartment. I don't have a telephone line in the apartment, so I go out to the Internet cafe to check e-mail. AEON brings enough resources, but you just need to add some luxuries to color it in yourself! I am surrounded by my interests and hobbies here. If you are wiling to make an effort, you can get involved in anything you enjoyed back home. Just hop on the train, and it's there! Plus you will find some clubs that are totally Japan. I have a friend who is learning Kendo and another taking up Sumo! I go to the gym in the mornings. Convenience stores could be your best friends. Things are sometimes not cheap, but the pay compensates, so I think it equals out. I'm not a tourist who has to leave tomorrow; I can immerse myself because I live here, too. I would recommend that new teachers bring any personal items they're debating about. Your students will be very curious about you and your interests. You will want to share that with them, especially some pictures. It's important to be open-minded and be easygoing. You should not get paranoid about the way people look at you. I would say that AEON has a great support system. It's a symbiotic relationship. AEON wants you to succeed and be happy. If you are happy, your students will be happy which will make AEON happy. Everybody wins!