One of the biggest things TAB has given me has actually been a stronger sense of confidence in myself. Living in Japan has involved constantly figuring things out: transportation, language, schools, food, unfamiliar expectations, and all kinds of little situations that I would normally never think twice about at home. There hasn’t always been someone there to explain exactly what to do. And somehow, we’ve figured it out. Having my cohort here has made a huge difference too. It has been really nice having people to lean on while still being pushed to become more independent. Our trip to Rebun…
The language barrier has probably been one of the hardest parts of living in Japan. My Japanese is very limited, so everyday tasks sometimes require a surprising amount of effort. Reading a yogurt container, figuring out a restaurant menu, understanding a sign, or trying to work out what someone is asking me can become its own little puzzle. By the end of some days, I’m genuinely tired from it. It has given me a small glimpse into something I want to remember as a teacher. I obviously don’t want to pretend that spending a few months in Japan is the…
One of my favourite parts of visiting schools in Japan has honestly been lunch. I’ve had the chance to eat with students, and I’ve loved seeing how much responsibility they have during the school day. Students help serve food, organize things, clean up, and look after one another. There is a real sense that the classroom is a small community rather than simply a place where students come to receive instruction. The students I’ve met have also been incredibly respectful, but what interests me most is how intentionally that culture seems to be built. It doesn’t feel like respect and…
One thing I’ve really loved about living in Japan is how easy it is to get around without a car. I walk so much more here, and public transit makes it possible to go almost anywhere pretty easily. Something that has stood out to me is how many older people I see out walking, shopping, taking trains, and just participating in everyday life. It feels different from Calgary, where so much of the city can feel built around driving. Hokkaido also gets plenty of snow, so being here has made me question the idea that Calgary’s weather is the main…
Well, here I am in Iwamizawa! Coming to this smaller city has definitely shifted my daily routine from taking buses and trains to walking almost everywhere. I have noticed that there are fewer trains and buses available, which has encouraged me to explore the city on foot. Don’t get me wrong, though! I am really enjoying the peacefulness of this city. Instead of hearing police cars and fire engines, I mostly hear the sound of the wind. It has been a nice change of pace! Now, off to the school! One of the highlights of our school visits has been…
