JET Programme Series: From one Paradise to Another - Reneé Ramkissoon
2026/4/14
At 22 years old, I found myself lost and confused as to what exactly I wanted in life. I completed secondary school and University with honors and was struggling to find a job in any field. But, deep down I knew I wanted to make a difference and find my purpose in this life. However, after searching and searching for a job with no avail I gave up all hope and decided I needed a break to find myself.
So, I spent almost a year doing different things along with my friends and family. I experienced a lot of things culturally by participating in carnival celebrations, and even religious traditions such as Holi or Phagwa. I even went hiking, visiting the Maracas Waterfalls and even the Moruga Cocoa Estate. I fell in love with my island and in this moment, I wished I had someone or some way to share these marvelous experiences with.
Little did I know that scrolling randomly one day on Instagram, in search for a new opportunity, I stumbled upon a post about the JET Programme and after extensive research and YouTube videos on other people’s experiences, I fell in love and decided this was the perfect choice.
I could feel it in my heart and soul that I have a purpose here, and I can make difference in some way by sharing my culture, knowledge, and any guidance that I can offer to students. While It may be overwhelming, I am grateful and excited to start my new journey. I have experience teaching languages to students and I have my own unique ways of making activities fun which would encourage students to learn English.
I am truly excited to experience a Japanese classroom and their lifestyles. It may be strict, challenging and nerve wrecking but I am willing to learn as I always strive to be respectful and ambitious. Not only would this opportunity be a cultural exchange, and encourage students, neighbours or teachers to venture outside their safe space and experience new cultures but it would assist in my personal growth. I can’t wait to see what a year in Japan has in store for me!
JET Programme Series: From one Paradise to Another - Reneé Ramkissoon
So, I spent almost a year doing different things along with my friends and family. I experienced a lot of things culturally by participating in carnival celebrations, and even religious traditions such as Holi or Phagwa. I even went hiking, visiting the Maracas Waterfalls and even the Moruga Cocoa Estate. I fell in love with my island and in this moment, I wished I had someone or some way to share these marvelous experiences with.
Little did I know that scrolling randomly one day on Instagram, in search for a new opportunity, I stumbled upon a post about the JET Programme and after extensive research and YouTube videos on other people’s experiences, I fell in love and decided this was the perfect choice.
I could feel it in my heart and soul that I have a purpose here, and I can make difference in some way by sharing my culture, knowledge, and any guidance that I can offer to students. While It may be overwhelming, I am grateful and excited to start my new journey. I have experience teaching languages to students and I have my own unique ways of making activities fun which would encourage students to learn English.
I am truly excited to experience a Japanese classroom and their lifestyles. It may be strict, challenging and nerve wrecking but I am willing to learn as I always strive to be respectful and ambitious. Not only would this opportunity be a cultural exchange, and encourage students, neighbours or teachers to venture outside their safe space and experience new cultures but it would assist in my personal growth. I can’t wait to see what a year in Japan has in store for me!
JET Programme Series: From one Paradise to Another - Reneé Ramkissoon