Jet Programme Series: JET-ting to Japan - Sheanelle Pariag
2021/12/21
Jet Programme Series: JET-ting to Japan - Sheanelle Pariag
Hi guys, my name is Sheanelle Pariag and at 30 years old I’m beginning this new decade in a new country on an entirely new Adventure. It seems pretty scary, right? When I told my family and friends of my plans to travel to Japan a common word used to describe me was “brave”. I didn’t really think of myself as brave before but then I really thought about this step I was about to take- moving clear across the world with no family just around the corner and a huge language barrier to navigate. Yet, in all the books I love to read, some of the best experiences and people you meet come from taking such a leap of faith.
And faith indeed it took! I had always had an interest in Japan, their culture: language, dress, architecture and more. I remember, as a teen, I got it into my head to teach myself Japanese. I tried and admittedly failed pretty quickly. When I was studying Communication Studies and Literatures in English at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, I heard about the JET Programme. Now, years later, in the midst of a pandemic I found myself thinking about the JET Programme again. This time was different. This time felt right, like it was thing I needed to do. I applied and before hearing back about an interview I enrolled in Japanese classes through the Centre for Language Learning at UWI. Later, before I heard any confirmation about a placement I registered for the second part of the Japanese language course. There were twists and turns along the way but my faith in God to direct my life is a huge part of who I am and His peace in pursing my application to the JET Programme was a warm, cozy blanket.
When I applied, I had to identify three placement areas of preference. I didn’t want to go for the main touristy places so I did my research on the areas I was sent. I knew that it was difficult to actually be placed in the areas you picked but here I am heading off to Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture- one of my choices and now, my new home. I had grown up watching Samurai X as a child and learned that Akita has an old samurai village that you can visit! Imagine my delight! Nature was also important to me and I’ve always loved poui season in Trinidad so you can of course guess that I’d want to see the Japanese cherry blossom trees in full bloom and…you guessed it, Akita has some of the best spots for viewing cherry blossom trees. Also, if the word “Akita” sounds familiar to you, it’s because you’ve probably heard of the Japanese dog breed of the same name. I’m a huge dog lover and there will be lots of opportunities to interact with these Akita dogs, famously known for their loyalty.
In winter there’s the Kamakura festival and in autumn there are lots of magnificent places to view the changing colours of the leaves. There’s something to see and do in every season. Finally, since I was applying to teach in Japan, I researched the education system and the Akita Board of Education caught my eye. They emphasized a holistic approach to student development and encouraged inquisitiveness and an eagerness to learn about other cultures beyond their own. I was pretty excited when I read
about this. While I was coming to Japan to teach English and experience the Japanese culture, I couldn’t wait to share what was interesting about my own as well and discover how we could bond over both shared and dissimilar cultures. This mutual sharing and learning is what the JET programme supports.
For a girl who grew up in south Trinidad and later moved to central, my younger self would never have imagined that I’d actually be where I am today but God saw it and He’s been helping to prepare me and order my life to take me to here and beyond. Hindsight is 20-20 but as for the future, my plans are to remain open to the new experiences and opportunities that may come my way. I don’t have it all figured out but then again…maybe I’m not supposed to.
JET Series: JET-ting to Japan (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
And faith indeed it took! I had always had an interest in Japan, their culture: language, dress, architecture and more. I remember, as a teen, I got it into my head to teach myself Japanese. I tried and admittedly failed pretty quickly. When I was studying Communication Studies and Literatures in English at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, I heard about the JET Programme. Now, years later, in the midst of a pandemic I found myself thinking about the JET Programme again. This time was different. This time felt right, like it was thing I needed to do. I applied and before hearing back about an interview I enrolled in Japanese classes through the Centre for Language Learning at UWI. Later, before I heard any confirmation about a placement I registered for the second part of the Japanese language course. There were twists and turns along the way but my faith in God to direct my life is a huge part of who I am and His peace in pursing my application to the JET Programme was a warm, cozy blanket.
When I applied, I had to identify three placement areas of preference. I didn’t want to go for the main touristy places so I did my research on the areas I was sent. I knew that it was difficult to actually be placed in the areas you picked but here I am heading off to Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture- one of my choices and now, my new home. I had grown up watching Samurai X as a child and learned that Akita has an old samurai village that you can visit! Imagine my delight! Nature was also important to me and I’ve always loved poui season in Trinidad so you can of course guess that I’d want to see the Japanese cherry blossom trees in full bloom and…you guessed it, Akita has some of the best spots for viewing cherry blossom trees. Also, if the word “Akita” sounds familiar to you, it’s because you’ve probably heard of the Japanese dog breed of the same name. I’m a huge dog lover and there will be lots of opportunities to interact with these Akita dogs, famously known for their loyalty.
In winter there’s the Kamakura festival and in autumn there are lots of magnificent places to view the changing colours of the leaves. There’s something to see and do in every season. Finally, since I was applying to teach in Japan, I researched the education system and the Akita Board of Education caught my eye. They emphasized a holistic approach to student development and encouraged inquisitiveness and an eagerness to learn about other cultures beyond their own. I was pretty excited when I read
about this. While I was coming to Japan to teach English and experience the Japanese culture, I couldn’t wait to share what was interesting about my own as well and discover how we could bond over both shared and dissimilar cultures. This mutual sharing and learning is what the JET programme supports.
For a girl who grew up in south Trinidad and later moved to central, my younger self would never have imagined that I’d actually be where I am today but God saw it and He’s been helping to prepare me and order my life to take me to here and beyond. Hindsight is 20-20 but as for the future, my plans are to remain open to the new experiences and opportunities that may come my way. I don’t have it all figured out but then again…maybe I’m not supposed to.
JET Series: JET-ting to Japan (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives