JET Programme Series: A New Chapter Begins in Kushiro, Hokkaido - Cherille Lewis
2026/5/8
A year ago, I would have laughed at the idea of moving to Kushiro, Hokkaido, a place I’d never heard of. Yet here I am, beyond thrilled and full of anticipation for this next chapter in my life. Japan has always piqued my interest; the culture, the traditions, the language, the quiet beauty of everyday life and now, I get to experience all of it firsthand.
I first heard about the JET Programme through the UWI’s Centre for Language Learning (CLL) social media page after they shared an informational flyer about the said programme. What struck me was the timing of it all. Just a few weeks earlier, I had returned from a trip and was actively exploring ways to live, work, or study abroad so seeing the “call” for application submissions felt like a sign from God. Still, applying was daunting as the programme is extremely competitive, and I wasn’t sure I’d get in, especially not on my first try. But I took a leap, and I am so grateful I did.
Coming from a legal background and having practiced as an Attorney-at-Law for a few years, one might assume my path was set, but I’ve always carried a deep desire to immerse myself in a different culture, to teach, to learn, and to grow beyond the familiar. The JET Programme has gifted me the rare chance to do just that, and I couldn’t be more thankful.
As someone raised in a close-knit and extremely sheltered home, I know this experience will challenge me in the best ways. I’m stepping out without my usual safety net, and that excites me. I look forward to immersing myself fully in the Japanese culture and I hope to do so by joining clubs, helping with English contests, exploring sports, and connecting with the community around me.
I’m especially looking forward to experiencing Japanese festivals and traditions which are all so different from what we have here in Trinidad and Tobago. And of course, the food! I’m a big foodie and can’t wait to dive into Japan’s culinary world. Language learning, professional growth, and full cultural immersion are all major goals for me. I hope to leave Japan not only with amazing memories, but with a deeper appreciation of its people and culture.
Coming from the Caribbean, Japan can seem like an impossibly far-off place, but it’s not and I want others to know that it can be attainable. I hope to help bridge the gap between Trinidad and Japan, not just for myself, but for other young people who dream of more.
To my family, and my incredible friends, thank you for reading every draft of my statement of purpose, for listening to my endless talks about the application process, and for being there during that long, anxious wait between submission and shortlist. Your support meant everything. Thank you to the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago for the opportunity to be a part of this programme.
Finally, and most importantly, to God, without whom I am nothing, THANK YOU.
Japan, here I come!
JET Programme Series: A New Chapter Begins in Kushiro, Hokkaido - Cherille Lewis
I first heard about the JET Programme through the UWI’s Centre for Language Learning (CLL) social media page after they shared an informational flyer about the said programme. What struck me was the timing of it all. Just a few weeks earlier, I had returned from a trip and was actively exploring ways to live, work, or study abroad so seeing the “call” for application submissions felt like a sign from God. Still, applying was daunting as the programme is extremely competitive, and I wasn’t sure I’d get in, especially not on my first try. But I took a leap, and I am so grateful I did.
Coming from a legal background and having practiced as an Attorney-at-Law for a few years, one might assume my path was set, but I’ve always carried a deep desire to immerse myself in a different culture, to teach, to learn, and to grow beyond the familiar. The JET Programme has gifted me the rare chance to do just that, and I couldn’t be more thankful.
As someone raised in a close-knit and extremely sheltered home, I know this experience will challenge me in the best ways. I’m stepping out without my usual safety net, and that excites me. I look forward to immersing myself fully in the Japanese culture and I hope to do so by joining clubs, helping with English contests, exploring sports, and connecting with the community around me.
I’m especially looking forward to experiencing Japanese festivals and traditions which are all so different from what we have here in Trinidad and Tobago. And of course, the food! I’m a big foodie and can’t wait to dive into Japan’s culinary world. Language learning, professional growth, and full cultural immersion are all major goals for me. I hope to leave Japan not only with amazing memories, but with a deeper appreciation of its people and culture.
Coming from the Caribbean, Japan can seem like an impossibly far-off place, but it’s not and I want others to know that it can be attainable. I hope to help bridge the gap between Trinidad and Japan, not just for myself, but for other young people who dream of more.
To my family, and my incredible friends, thank you for reading every draft of my statement of purpose, for listening to my endless talks about the application process, and for being there during that long, anxious wait between submission and shortlist. Your support meant everything. Thank you to the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago for the opportunity to be a part of this programme.
Finally, and most importantly, to God, without whom I am nothing, THANK YOU.
Japan, here I come!
JET Programme Series: A New Chapter Begins in Kushiro, Hokkaido - Cherille Lewis