The first month has flown by for the Toowoomba Assistant English Teachers (AETs) since they've taken up their positions in Takatsuki, near Osaka in Japan. It's all seemed like a blur to them all as they've been busy finding their feet, in not just their new jobs but also in a new city and country with a different language.

During this time they have settled into their apartments and started decorating them to make it more like home, mastered riding a bike, set up a bank account and mobile phone accounts, navigated the streets of Takatsuki, undertaken two weeks of intensive training and started their role as Assistant English Teachers at over 40 different primary schools. One of the many challenges for the AETs in the early days is getting to know all the teachers, students and the many people involved in the sister city programs.

On the first day after arriving in Japan, the AETs were warmly welcomed by Mayor Hamada at City Hall. In mid-April the AETs put their sales hats on and took part in their first Ambassador role by manning the Takatsuki International Association stall at the local flea market. The day was a success, with each AET taking home 700 yen (about $8.60).

Many of the AETs have been getting to know the area and have been exploring the sights and shopping of Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto. Penny and Kim have tested their fitness levels on the hike to Daimonji Mountain in Kyoto.

All of the AETs are enjoying the opportunity to live in Toowoomba's Sister City and experience another culture. But more importantly they are able to share a fun time with the students as they learn English.