I wrote this text for the end-of-year examination meant for graduating students last year. The Japan Exchange Programme still reaps dividends even though my time on it ended almost a decade ago. You may try the questions to check your comprehension haha. Sending happy sats to @BTCFC whose girlfriend is on the same path. xP

From an early age, I dreamt of working overseas. This was the driving force behind my decision to become an English teacher. When the opportunity arose eight years ago for me to be an Assistant Language Teacher in Japan for a year, I eagerly embarked on a new life in Japan without hesitation.

I still vividly recall how overwhelmed I felt on my first day in Japan. While looking at the recycling schedule at my apartment, panic overtook me. I did not know the kinds of rubbish I could throw away on specific days of the week. I also did not know whom to ask for help. I felt a lump in my throat. Would I be able to survive the year in Japan? Despite the initial difficulties, I managed to figure out things and felt at ease after some time.

In the schools that I taught in, my Japanese colleagues welcomed me with open arms. Recognising that I had been an English teacher in Singapore, they respected my ideas and encouraged me to conduct out-of-the-box activities to engage their students. I did, and the students told me they enjoyed my lessons. Such positive feedback boosted my confidence as a teacher in a foreign land.

In addition to relishing how I could be innovative in my job, I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with my students. The primary school children were very outgoing. They would rush up to me and clamour to hold my hand, making me feel like a pop star! The secondary school students, on the other hand, were reserved. Nonetheless, I managed to break the ice with them. Over time, they became more comfortable in my presence and started sharing their joys, troubles, and even crushes with me.

My fun time did not end after work. Motivated to immerse myself in the Japanese culture, I joined a local dance group to learn yosakoi (a Japanese dance style). My dance mates were incredibly talented and hardworking. They practised the dance steps diligently, aiming for nothing but perfection. What struck me most was how patiently they guided me to master the steps. They even invited me to dance alongside them on stage during weekends and public holidays.

A year flew by in the blink of an eye, and before I knew it, it was time to return to Singapore. My time in Japan enabled me to grow significantly. Not only did I learn to teach English to foreign learners, but I also deepened my appreciation of the Japanese culture, especially yosakoi. It had been daunting to venture into the unknown, but I was thrilled that my childhood dream came true.