JET Programme Series: Across the Pacific & into the unknown - Emmanuel Ramroop
2023/11/24
Across the Pacific & into the unknown - The start of my new life on Ukujima Island
December 14th, 2022 remains a day that will forever be etched into my memory; a day in which a then 22 year-old version of myself, didn’t quite realise would be the start of a new chapter in my ongoing book of life. This is the day I embarked on a venture into the unknown, a day which marked the beginning of my experience as a Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme participant.
After eight long months of waiting—what can only be described as an eternity—I can finally say with confidence that I am drawing near to my target destination. At the end of August, I will be journeying to Japan to begin this new chapter of my life, where I shall assume the role of an Assistant Language Teacher on the small island of Ukujima in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Before getting too ahead of myself, you’re probably wondering who I am. My name is Emmanuel Ramroop, a now 23 year-old native of Sangre Grande, and a recent graduate of the University of The West Indies’ St. Augustine Campus. Here I read for a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies paired with a minor in Psychology, having crossed the stage with first class honours in late October of 2022.
I am absolutely enthralled to have been afforded the opportunity to participate in the JET Programme. The prospect of engaging in grassroots-level cultural exchange that bridges the gap between Japan and Trinidad & Tobago, is an undertaking that I am quite eager to be a part of. From working with students to make their English language learning experience more enjoyable, to educating members of the general populace about the unique cultural heritage of Trinidad & Tobago, it is without doubt that these experiences will lend not only to the growth of the local community I’ll be based in within Japan, but also to myself as individual, and in my future endeavours beyond JET.
The programme further serves as an opportune moment to expand my horizons beyond the Caribbean region. Whether this is achieved through exploring various facets of Japan’s rich and varied culture, learning the Japanese language, or visiting places that I have never been to before, being bestowed with the opportunity to immerse oneself in the heart of Japanese society, remains a true once-in-a-lifetime experience that I can’t wait to share during my tenure.
I’d like to say thank you to Ambassador Matsubara & Madame Matsubara, and all of the helpful staff at the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad & Tobago who worked towards making this venture possible. To my supervisor at the Sasebo Board of Education and predecessor from Ukujima Island, both of which have been working around the clock to answer all my questions and make my transition to Japan as smooth as possible, thank you very much. Last and certainly not least, a special thanks goes out to my family for supporting me throughout this entire process, and also to Mr. Rajalal, the JET Programme coordinator for 2023, for his continued efforts in ensuring the success of all 23 participants as we start our new lives in Japan over the coming weeks.
JET Series: Across the Pacific & into the unknown (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
December 14th, 2022 remains a day that will forever be etched into my memory; a day in which a then 22 year-old version of myself, didn’t quite realise would be the start of a new chapter in my ongoing book of life. This is the day I embarked on a venture into the unknown, a day which marked the beginning of my experience as a Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme participant.
After eight long months of waiting—what can only be described as an eternity—I can finally say with confidence that I am drawing near to my target destination. At the end of August, I will be journeying to Japan to begin this new chapter of my life, where I shall assume the role of an Assistant Language Teacher on the small island of Ukujima in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Before getting too ahead of myself, you’re probably wondering who I am. My name is Emmanuel Ramroop, a now 23 year-old native of Sangre Grande, and a recent graduate of the University of The West Indies’ St. Augustine Campus. Here I read for a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies paired with a minor in Psychology, having crossed the stage with first class honours in late October of 2022.
I am absolutely enthralled to have been afforded the opportunity to participate in the JET Programme. The prospect of engaging in grassroots-level cultural exchange that bridges the gap between Japan and Trinidad & Tobago, is an undertaking that I am quite eager to be a part of. From working with students to make their English language learning experience more enjoyable, to educating members of the general populace about the unique cultural heritage of Trinidad & Tobago, it is without doubt that these experiences will lend not only to the growth of the local community I’ll be based in within Japan, but also to myself as individual, and in my future endeavours beyond JET.
The programme further serves as an opportune moment to expand my horizons beyond the Caribbean region. Whether this is achieved through exploring various facets of Japan’s rich and varied culture, learning the Japanese language, or visiting places that I have never been to before, being bestowed with the opportunity to immerse oneself in the heart of Japanese society, remains a true once-in-a-lifetime experience that I can’t wait to share during my tenure.
I’d like to say thank you to Ambassador Matsubara & Madame Matsubara, and all of the helpful staff at the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad & Tobago who worked towards making this venture possible. To my supervisor at the Sasebo Board of Education and predecessor from Ukujima Island, both of which have been working around the clock to answer all my questions and make my transition to Japan as smooth as possible, thank you very much. Last and certainly not least, a special thanks goes out to my family for supporting me throughout this entire process, and also to Mr. Rajalal, the JET Programme coordinator for 2023, for his continued efforts in ensuring the success of all 23 participants as we start our new lives in Japan over the coming weeks.
JET Series: Across the Pacific & into the unknown (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives