Live in Japan for a Year

When you're flying over the Pacific Ocean, it's too late to turn back. But it is a good time to think about how you got there.

I was nearing the end of my undergraduate degree when it struck me. I had no idea what I was going to do after I graduated. Get a job? Yeah, right. Go to grad school? Later, right now I need a break! Travel the world? Hey, I like the sound of that.

I'd toyed around with the idea of teaching English in Japan for several years. I took two years of Japanese in college, and I even thought about joining the JETT program. So it only seemed natural to do it. Once in a life time opportunity here I come!

I did tons of research and applied to one school, MIL. Also known as Margaret's Institute of Hell on Earth. After a few interviews they hired me, and I made the preparations for my journey. Only when I got to the airport, hugged my family and friends, and turned toward my destiny did I wonder; what have I gotten myself into?

Ride a train? What? But I can't read the map! It doesn't make any sense! I know. I had the same problem. I still know some people who have problems reading Japanese train maps. It'll get easier. Eventually. And maybe you'll learn to love trains as much as I do.

Then you have to get off the train and do what? There aren't really street names in Japan. It's hard to find addresses without landmarks (turn left at the third beer vending machine, sort of thing).

In face, I got so badly lost on my second day in Japan the police had to drive me home. It can't get any worse than that, can it?

Yes, it can.