(May 9, 2011) - Mike Perrin went to college just 30 minutes away from home, so it was no surprise that after college he felt the need to "cut the umbilical" and get away. And he did, in a big way, by moving to Japan.

Mike spent four years teaching English to Japanese kids, ages 1 to 15, in Kyoto and Tokushima. He studied English in college, at the University of South Florida, and he loves writing and grammar. (He writes poetry in his spare time, and likes going to local poetry competitions.) Mike feels the role of a teacher is very important in society today, and he hoped to be a positive influence on his students.

Teaching foreign language also provided another dimension. "The experience made me more of a citizen of the world. It was nice to see how other people lived, and I believe it fosters an open mind." Mike also used his new home base of Japan as a jumping-off point for further travel: Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and even Greece, where he earned a Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate from Via Lingua in Crete.

When it came time to return to the U.S., Language Stars was a perfect opportunity for Mike. "I think the kids here at Language Stars are going to experience the same thing I did. Language learning not only opens doors, but opens their minds." Mike now helps Language Stars manage its school-based programs, and he's co-directing this summer's new Campo Del Sol summer overnight camp.

The recent earthquake and subsequent events have certainly affected Mike. "Luckily, nobody I knew was affected adversely by the events there. A few friends send me pictures of damage in their homes. For the areas that were affected, I feel a very strong connection. Japan was a home away from home during those years, so it definitely affected the way I felt. I wish I could be there to help."

Mike encourages anyone, especially younger people, to live abroad for a time if they have the opportunity. "I highly recommend it. There are so many programs, and it's a great way to expand your mind."