Remember your first days and months in Japan? We invited current JETs to describe their experiences, and they answered. Here’s our first submission.
By Lester Carreon, Nobeoka, Miyazaki
In the beginning, I felt apprehensive about starting my new life in Japan. However, once I arrived in Nobeoka, I started seeing things in a different light.
I discovered that the people in my city are very friendly and welcoming. I can say “konnichiwa” and expect one back in return every time. The weather is nice and warm in my city.
In terms of teaching, I only teach at a single academic high school. I am lucky enough to be placed at a school where students are eager to learn English. However, there are some students who still prefer staring at the ceiling than listening to a lesson. I enjoy my job thoroughly.
One of my hobbies is dancing. Recently, I made friends with Japanese dancers at the local university. Although they do not speak any English we communicate through other means. I am having a great time learning the Japanese language, culture, and dance moves from my new friends.
Overall, my life in Nobeoka is fantastic. The food is delicious, the people are kind, I formed a strong bong with my fellow Nobeoka ALTs, and the Japanese landscape is breathtaking. However, not everything in my life is super amazing. I experience some downsides every now and then, but I never let it get to me completely. I try to take culture shock head on. For example, all I need to do is look outside my window and see a picture perfect view of a Japanese countryside to cure homesickness. Students calling out my name and saying hello to me is enough to motivate me in the morning. Little moments like these make me feel thrilled to be in Japan.