JET Programme Series: My Unseen Curriculum: Lessons Learnt, JET Earnt - Jeremy Dipsingh
2026/4/24
It all started ten years ago. I was introduced to Japanese instruments, particularly the kokyū and the koto. I wanted one so very badly. But, I guess those instruments didn’t want me, they wanted me to take out a loan, as the costs are so expensive to import.
But it was fine just listening to the music on YouTube. Luckily, the koto became more popular globally, and I started hearing that foreigners were going to Japan and taking classes. Oh, except me. Let’s not forget about the expenses, now. Nevertheless, I tried not to give up hope.
Then, one day, something magical happened. Like it was straight out of a fairy tale. Do you remember the one where the little girl was going into the woods to see her granny and a wolf appeared? And he was wearing glass heels, I think, and he was trying to sell beans? Plus there were those other things? Well, the same thing happened to me… only vastly different. I started learning Japanese at UWI St. Augustine. The next thing you know, people started telling me about the JET Programme. Then applications were submitted, an interview was had, and suddenly I found myself popping champagne towards being a successful JET hire.
Now, I find myself moving, across the entire world, to teach kids the joys and horrors of English in Fukui-ken, Japan. Is this my happily ever after?
My name is Jeremy, and I've always been an artsy kid, thriving on all things theatrical and out-of-the-box as my go-to for de-stressing. So, naturally, I graduated with a major in Business Management, so I can either help you solve complex problems or confidently tell you that we’re broke. But that fades next to my violin—s, Mr. Sweets and Saoirse. They weren’t just instruments; they were an avenue to wonderful experiences of performing with the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Philharmonic (TTYP) Orchestra. In our little time together, The TTYP family helped me grow, in both my craft and as a person, as we championed positivity in our community. From my mentors, who pushed me to the point of no return, to the friends that I've made along the way. Slowly I learnt what being a violinist meant—having a monstrous level of dedication, patience, and confidence.
This very orchestra became my unexpected gateway to teaching experience. I’ll never forget being asked to instruct young violinists during our workshops; it was an offer I couldn't refuse. Literally… With my poker face dry like microwaved KFC chips, I managed a reluctant, “Sure…” Panicking, I thought, “WWBD—What Would Beyoncé Do?” Naturally the answer was: Walk into that class with confidence and strength! Stepping in front of the classroom, I surprised even myself. I found myself taking charge and teaching passionately, stretching myself to meet my students' different needs. Thank you, Beyoncé!
After this opportunity, I felt like a different person. My interest in teaching piqued, and another passion where I can support and encourage young minds into growth and success began whilst remaining creative, fun, and albeit, a little kooky. Thank you, TTYP family!!
Nevertheless, just like many people, I'm also largely built by my mistakes, losses, and fears, always telling myself that maybe I'm not good enough. A defining moment was the loss I faced at the Japanese Speech Competition; I nearly walked away from the language for good. But thanks to the unwavering support of those around me, I am reminded that true growth is never about winning, it's about what I can take from these experiences and become stronger. So, I got up and dusted myself off, and for that same academic year, I won the award for top in Japanese Year 2 at UWI.
Every person, every experience didn’t happen by chance. It was all preparing me, perhaps for this moment, to take a chance and apply to the JET Programme that I’ve heard so much about. Reigniting my dream of learning Japanese instruments, opening doors to authentic cultural immersion like visiting many historical sites and, the big one, dramatically improving my Japanese.
Cue in the Statement of Purpose! I gave that statement everything: my passions, my love, my hate, and my beauty sleep! Even my friends and families’ beauty-sleep. With this strong support from everyone pushing me, I spared no time ensuring that it was perfect and that it represented me to its fullest. A huge thank you to my friends and family!!!
“Good morning, congratulations, you've passed the interview!” Writing this now, it still feels like a fever dream. I remember being told, “You can scream now.” I was on cloud nine and wasted no time popping the bottle of bubbly that’s been in the fridge for who knows how long. It felt like a huge weight was lifted, but that was only the beginning. Months later I got another email. “Dear Jem, you’ve been placed in Fukui prefecture.” A place I’ve never heard of before. My immediate reaction was, “Oh wow, that’s really!… Where is that?”. I immediately started googling. The same YouTube that I enjoyed listening to the emotional, tranquil melodies and timbre of Japanese instruments transformed into the University of Crash Courses. I was learning everything about the ‘Dinosaur Prefecture’, their dialect, the rich traditional crafts, and more. The volume of experiences waiting for me felt overwhelming, in the best possible way.
Despite me leaving to teach students English and about my hometown memories, I still see myself going to Japan as a student excited to learn and grow from my future students, coworkers and community. I believe that everything and everyone in my life prepared me for an adventure like this, and I am going to take full advantage of it.
JET Programme Series: My Unseen Curriculum: Lessons Learnt, JET Earnt - Jeremy Dipsingh
But it was fine just listening to the music on YouTube. Luckily, the koto became more popular globally, and I started hearing that foreigners were going to Japan and taking classes. Oh, except me. Let’s not forget about the expenses, now. Nevertheless, I tried not to give up hope.
Then, one day, something magical happened. Like it was straight out of a fairy tale. Do you remember the one where the little girl was going into the woods to see her granny and a wolf appeared? And he was wearing glass heels, I think, and he was trying to sell beans? Plus there were those other things? Well, the same thing happened to me… only vastly different. I started learning Japanese at UWI St. Augustine. The next thing you know, people started telling me about the JET Programme. Then applications were submitted, an interview was had, and suddenly I found myself popping champagne towards being a successful JET hire.
Now, I find myself moving, across the entire world, to teach kids the joys and horrors of English in Fukui-ken, Japan. Is this my happily ever after?
My name is Jeremy, and I've always been an artsy kid, thriving on all things theatrical and out-of-the-box as my go-to for de-stressing. So, naturally, I graduated with a major in Business Management, so I can either help you solve complex problems or confidently tell you that we’re broke. But that fades next to my violin—s, Mr. Sweets and Saoirse. They weren’t just instruments; they were an avenue to wonderful experiences of performing with the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Philharmonic (TTYP) Orchestra. In our little time together, The TTYP family helped me grow, in both my craft and as a person, as we championed positivity in our community. From my mentors, who pushed me to the point of no return, to the friends that I've made along the way. Slowly I learnt what being a violinist meant—having a monstrous level of dedication, patience, and confidence.
This very orchestra became my unexpected gateway to teaching experience. I’ll never forget being asked to instruct young violinists during our workshops; it was an offer I couldn't refuse. Literally… With my poker face dry like microwaved KFC chips, I managed a reluctant, “Sure…” Panicking, I thought, “WWBD—What Would Beyoncé Do?” Naturally the answer was: Walk into that class with confidence and strength! Stepping in front of the classroom, I surprised even myself. I found myself taking charge and teaching passionately, stretching myself to meet my students' different needs. Thank you, Beyoncé!
After this opportunity, I felt like a different person. My interest in teaching piqued, and another passion where I can support and encourage young minds into growth and success began whilst remaining creative, fun, and albeit, a little kooky. Thank you, TTYP family!!
Nevertheless, just like many people, I'm also largely built by my mistakes, losses, and fears, always telling myself that maybe I'm not good enough. A defining moment was the loss I faced at the Japanese Speech Competition; I nearly walked away from the language for good. But thanks to the unwavering support of those around me, I am reminded that true growth is never about winning, it's about what I can take from these experiences and become stronger. So, I got up and dusted myself off, and for that same academic year, I won the award for top in Japanese Year 2 at UWI.
Every person, every experience didn’t happen by chance. It was all preparing me, perhaps for this moment, to take a chance and apply to the JET Programme that I’ve heard so much about. Reigniting my dream of learning Japanese instruments, opening doors to authentic cultural immersion like visiting many historical sites and, the big one, dramatically improving my Japanese.
Cue in the Statement of Purpose! I gave that statement everything: my passions, my love, my hate, and my beauty sleep! Even my friends and families’ beauty-sleep. With this strong support from everyone pushing me, I spared no time ensuring that it was perfect and that it represented me to its fullest. A huge thank you to my friends and family!!!
“Good morning, congratulations, you've passed the interview!” Writing this now, it still feels like a fever dream. I remember being told, “You can scream now.” I was on cloud nine and wasted no time popping the bottle of bubbly that’s been in the fridge for who knows how long. It felt like a huge weight was lifted, but that was only the beginning. Months later I got another email. “Dear Jem, you’ve been placed in Fukui prefecture.” A place I’ve never heard of before. My immediate reaction was, “Oh wow, that’s really!… Where is that?”. I immediately started googling. The same YouTube that I enjoyed listening to the emotional, tranquil melodies and timbre of Japanese instruments transformed into the University of Crash Courses. I was learning everything about the ‘Dinosaur Prefecture’, their dialect, the rich traditional crafts, and more. The volume of experiences waiting for me felt overwhelming, in the best possible way.
Despite me leaving to teach students English and about my hometown memories, I still see myself going to Japan as a student excited to learn and grow from my future students, coworkers and community. I believe that everything and everyone in my life prepared me for an adventure like this, and I am going to take full advantage of it.
JET Programme Series: My Unseen Curriculum: Lessons Learnt, JET Earnt - Jeremy Dipsingh