Jet Programme Series: Kobe City – Adventures of an Island Girl in a Port City - Neelam Ramkaran
2022/7/6
Jet Programme Series: Kobe City – Adventures of an Island Girl in a Port City - Neelam Ramkaran
It’s been over 2 months since I’ve moved to Kobe. I’ve gotten many questions since then about the changes and transitions to life in Japan. Despite the journey having its ups and downs, Kobe has truly become my new home.
There’s lots of familiar things here. One of my more recent discoveries is an Indian restaurant in Sannomiya which gives me a taste of home whenever I crave it. There’s an abundance of beaches as well, reminiscent of the warmth of Sweet T&T.
Having said this, I’ve wholeheartedly embraced the changes that come with moving halfway across the world. Although the Trinidadian presence in Kobe is strong, I’m the only one currently living in my community. This came with its own difficulties, however there was also a sense of accomplishment and independence in establishing connections here upon arrival. It would be remiss of me to not mention some of the new experiences that I’ve had. I’ve now been to izakayas, karaoke rooms, I’ve pet a ferret at the beach (a story worthy of it’s own essay), I’ve fed deer at Nara, I’ve been to the Pokemon Centre in Osaka and so much more.
With regards to work, I teach fulltime at an elementary school. On one hand, working with young kids is always fun as I have a bit of creative liberty when planning their lessons. On the other hand, they WILL make me run around with them at any given chance (my poor calves ;_;) My favourite part about my job is that the kids always seem genuinely happen to see me. Both my students and colleagues always show interest in communicating with me as well, even if we have to struggle through some broken Nihongo and English.
Cultural exchange is also one of the main purposes of being a JET participant. At school, I incorporated aspects of Trinbagonian culture into my self-presentation and some lessons to the students. I also shared some local treats with my colleagues as omiyage. Even within my neighbourhood, I’ve made an effort to attend small events such as community meetings and language exchanges. Equally, I’ve been learning more and more about Japanese culture. I’ve continued studying the Japanese language, and I use every opportunity I can to visit historical and cultural sites.
I hope that, as more time passes, I can continue sharing my culture, as well as learning about Japan. After all, this is just the beginning!
JET Series: Kobe City - Adventures of an Island Girl in a Port City (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
There’s lots of familiar things here. One of my more recent discoveries is an Indian restaurant in Sannomiya which gives me a taste of home whenever I crave it. There’s an abundance of beaches as well, reminiscent of the warmth of Sweet T&T.
Having said this, I’ve wholeheartedly embraced the changes that come with moving halfway across the world. Although the Trinidadian presence in Kobe is strong, I’m the only one currently living in my community. This came with its own difficulties, however there was also a sense of accomplishment and independence in establishing connections here upon arrival. It would be remiss of me to not mention some of the new experiences that I’ve had. I’ve now been to izakayas, karaoke rooms, I’ve pet a ferret at the beach (a story worthy of it’s own essay), I’ve fed deer at Nara, I’ve been to the Pokemon Centre in Osaka and so much more.
With regards to work, I teach fulltime at an elementary school. On one hand, working with young kids is always fun as I have a bit of creative liberty when planning their lessons. On the other hand, they WILL make me run around with them at any given chance (my poor calves ;_;) My favourite part about my job is that the kids always seem genuinely happen to see me. Both my students and colleagues always show interest in communicating with me as well, even if we have to struggle through some broken Nihongo and English.
Cultural exchange is also one of the main purposes of being a JET participant. At school, I incorporated aspects of Trinbagonian culture into my self-presentation and some lessons to the students. I also shared some local treats with my colleagues as omiyage. Even within my neighbourhood, I’ve made an effort to attend small events such as community meetings and language exchanges. Equally, I’ve been learning more and more about Japanese culture. I’ve continued studying the Japanese language, and I use every opportunity I can to visit historical and cultural sites.
I hope that, as more time passes, I can continue sharing my culture, as well as learning about Japan. After all, this is just the beginning!
JET Series: Kobe City - Adventures of an Island Girl in a Port City (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives