Jet Programme Series: From Miss to Sensei (Settling into Kunisaki City) - Tasheira Khan
2022/3/21
Jet Programme Series: From Miss to Sensei (Settling into Kunisaki City) - Tasheira Khan
Kunisaki City, Oita Prefecture already feels like a home away from home for me. So far, my interactions have been extremely welcoming, and people are very open and eager to learn about my tiny island and its dynamic culture. Kunisaki is an urban town north of Oita City, nestled on a peninsula on Kyushu Island. I actually live closer to South Korea than I do to Tokyo! In many ways, Kunisaki reminds me of my home in Gran Couva. However, instead of cane fields, I’m now surrounded by rice fields; so, you really can’t win them all. The small-town atmosphere and close-knit relationships I’ve encountered make me sure that this is somewhere I can consider a second home.
Since arriving, I have had the opportunity to experience many sides of Japan in a short space of time. Winter, Japanese New Year and Setsubun (the beginning of spring) in that order. Even though I haven’t seen many places yet due to the pandemic, the few experiences I have had have been incredible. I have gotten to try new foods, experience new adventures, and meet new people while understanding a new culture; and without a doubt, they have all been amazing.
Japanese schools have by far been my biggest culture shock- in the absolute best way possible. I can confidently say that at each school, there is an overwhelming sense of hospitality and warmth that I haven’t experienced before in the workplace. My principals and teachers have shown me so much kindness and are always curious about my country and culture. I have noticed that people are most excited to have someone to practice their English skills with. As I help others practice English, they help me learn Japanese.
My first couple of months in Japan have been a whirlwind of emotions. Aside from starting a new life and job here, I have had to overcome moving from one climate and time zone to another and dealing with the changes that come my way. Even though I have only recently gotten here, I feel like I have already learnt a lot both professionally and fundamentally. I have been able to better understand new cultures as well as how to adapt to new environments and circumstances. I definitely look forward to the excitement that Spring brings and the adventures I know I’m going to have.
JET Series: From Miss to Sensei (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
Since arriving, I have had the opportunity to experience many sides of Japan in a short space of time. Winter, Japanese New Year and Setsubun (the beginning of spring) in that order. Even though I haven’t seen many places yet due to the pandemic, the few experiences I have had have been incredible. I have gotten to try new foods, experience new adventures, and meet new people while understanding a new culture; and without a doubt, they have all been amazing.
Japanese schools have by far been my biggest culture shock- in the absolute best way possible. I can confidently say that at each school, there is an overwhelming sense of hospitality and warmth that I haven’t experienced before in the workplace. My principals and teachers have shown me so much kindness and are always curious about my country and culture. I have noticed that people are most excited to have someone to practice their English skills with. As I help others practice English, they help me learn Japanese.
My first couple of months in Japan have been a whirlwind of emotions. Aside from starting a new life and job here, I have had to overcome moving from one climate and time zone to another and dealing with the changes that come my way. Even though I have only recently gotten here, I feel like I have already learnt a lot both professionally and fundamentally. I have been able to better understand new cultures as well as how to adapt to new environments and circumstances. I definitely look forward to the excitement that Spring brings and the adventures I know I’m going to have.
JET Series: From Miss to Sensei (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives