JET Programme Series: Every Situation is Different – Reegan Samlal
2023/12/23
It’s been four months since my arrival in Japan and my experience thus far has been surprisingly free of any of the vicissitudes of moving to a new country, my transition into my new life has been smooth and my initial concerns regarding the dauting amount of unknowns were quickly relieved. I cannot speak highly enough of the swiftness and efficiency of the Board of Education, CLAIR and those associated with the transitioning of JETS into their new lives. Those of you, like me, perturbed by the paperwork or seemingly overwhelming amount of changes that will occur due to participation in the JET Programme, please rest assured , everything has been structured to make the process as trouble free as possible.
Since arriving to my placement in Koto ward, Tokyo, I have wasted no time in exploring my environs. I visited Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, climbed Mt.Takao, shopped at Akihabara and Ginza, ascended the Tokyo Sky Tree, and ate raw whale. Pertaining to the desire which led to my participation in the JET Programme, I have been studying the Japanese language in my free time at work and home, while attending Japanese classes. It has significantly improved my listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities to an extent beyond my initial expectations and while I have a long road ahead of me the little progress, I have made makes the endeavour seem less insurmountable.
My experiences as an ALT are just as exciting. The teachers and students at the high school where I am placed are a joy to interact with. There are nine JTEs ( Japanese Teachers of English) each with their own goals and desired roles for the JETS making teaching with each of them a unique, enjoyable, and learning experience. The school being a science and technology high school, the student population consists of 80% boys who often invite me to play football and baseball. Everyone has been kind and welcoming to me, making me want to fulfil my duties as an assistant language teacher and cultural ambassador to the best of my abilities.
I can only foresee a single demerit to moving to a new society. One thing you may find significantly different between Trinidad and Tobago and here are the social ties, you may already be aware of this, but I think it best that you be forewarned. While it may differ depending on your placement it is well known that you may experience some isolation or solitude. While your coworkers will be friendly and polite do not expect any interaction outside of that which your duties dictate. If you are extroverted you may experience some distress, again I believe this is no need for concern there are systems in place and measures you can undertake to overcome these,
“ If you pray for rain, you should be prepared to deal with the mud”.
It’s a matter of perspective, isolation can be a gift, use your time wisely. Either way I believe participating in the JET Programme will be an unforgettable experience, one you will not regret.
JET Series: Every Situation is Different (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
Since arriving to my placement in Koto ward, Tokyo, I have wasted no time in exploring my environs. I visited Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, climbed Mt.Takao, shopped at Akihabara and Ginza, ascended the Tokyo Sky Tree, and ate raw whale. Pertaining to the desire which led to my participation in the JET Programme, I have been studying the Japanese language in my free time at work and home, while attending Japanese classes. It has significantly improved my listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities to an extent beyond my initial expectations and while I have a long road ahead of me the little progress, I have made makes the endeavour seem less insurmountable.
My experiences as an ALT are just as exciting. The teachers and students at the high school where I am placed are a joy to interact with. There are nine JTEs ( Japanese Teachers of English) each with their own goals and desired roles for the JETS making teaching with each of them a unique, enjoyable, and learning experience. The school being a science and technology high school, the student population consists of 80% boys who often invite me to play football and baseball. Everyone has been kind and welcoming to me, making me want to fulfil my duties as an assistant language teacher and cultural ambassador to the best of my abilities.
I can only foresee a single demerit to moving to a new society. One thing you may find significantly different between Trinidad and Tobago and here are the social ties, you may already be aware of this, but I think it best that you be forewarned. While it may differ depending on your placement it is well known that you may experience some isolation or solitude. While your coworkers will be friendly and polite do not expect any interaction outside of that which your duties dictate. If you are extroverted you may experience some distress, again I believe this is no need for concern there are systems in place and measures you can undertake to overcome these,
“ If you pray for rain, you should be prepared to deal with the mud”.
It’s a matter of perspective, isolation can be a gift, use your time wisely. Either way I believe participating in the JET Programme will be an unforgettable experience, one you will not regret.
JET Series: Every Situation is Different (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives