JET Programme Series: My “Tokyo” JET Experience - Christenne Lyons

The JET program, for me, is a great opportunity to see past the typical images of anime, technology and sushi, most often associated with Japan. Gaining a deeper, more genuine understanding of modern and traditional Japanese culture, as well as the urban and rural realities of Japan is my primary aim for participating in this program.
 

I am employed as an ALT at a high school near the heart of Tokyo Metropolis, in what is easily described as the educational capital of Tokyo. A few minutes train ride or walk is all it takes to access to Tokyo’s most famous cities and sightseeing spots such as; Tokyo Dome, Ueno Park, Nezu Shrine and the Tokyo Imperial Palace Grounds. The students at my school are studying English at the intermediate to upper-intermediate level. The English course content mainly consists of academic English, with a focus on scientific and sociological topics. It’s sometimes difficult with such challenging content, as we often have to teach a bit about certain scientific topics or social issues that are unfamiliar to the students. However, given my background in science, I enjoy it. It feels great to help the students bridge the gap in understanding between English and Japanese.
 

Tokyo, as many may know, is one of the largest and most populous metropolitan cities in the world. Coming from Trinidad, Tokyo was a big change for me. It took me several months to get used to life here. Life in Tokyo is not easy. Squeezing into cramped trains every morning amidst the crazy rush hour foot traffic was, at first, not easy (I've since mastered it as an art-form). However, there were many enjoyable elements of settling down into Tokyo as well. Learning how to live in a small, self sufficient apartment and getting to explore all the unique, affordable furniture and space-organizing solutions available is one example and an adventure in itself.
 

The Tokyo JET program is quite unique. We first underwent a two-week orientation and training program, during which we participated in a mandatory 'home-stay' for 10 days. I was placed with a young family in Yokohama, who were eager to teach me about their city, take me to Pikachu parades and learn more about Trinidad. After the orientation, there is very little hand-holding. What was an off-again, on-again relationship with language study suddenly turned into a language boot camp. From dealing with day-to-day situations, registering my residency at the relevant authorities, setting up banking to staring in complete shock at the food on the grocery shelves whose labels I could not understand, settling into life here had many challenges.
 

Facing those challenges have already yielded one very good benefit; I took and passed the JLPT at the N3 level in December, just five months into my stay. That success has encouraged me to spend more time studying Japanese, so that I can communicate with the people around me more fluently and be able to discover more of Japan by lowering the language barrier.
 

I’ve been learning about the Japanese society, language and culture now for well over 14 years and feel like I’ve only just began to scratch the surface. My initial serving of culture shock and relocation adjustment is now giving away to excitement and a sense of wonder. I can’t wait for what the future has in store, and what new gates my own personal advancements in language learning will open. So, cheers to this adventure. It’s filled with ups and downs, challenges and sweet, sweet triumphs. I cherish every moment as a chance to learn and grow.

Christenne Lyons
JET (Japanese Exchange & Teaching) Program Assistant Langauge Teacher
Tokyo, JAPAN


JET Series: My "Tokyo" JET Experience (Japanese Embassy's Facebook ) 


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