WATN: Why are you here?

 

Dylan Joseph Walsh/New York City, USA/Kato City/Yashiro SHS and Ono Kougyo

 

Why are you here?

I’ve always dreamed of moving abroad and had a lifelong interest in Japanese culture, food, and language. When I heard about the JET program, it sounded perfect.

 

Why JET?

I was looking at many options to make it to Japan after graduating, but JET seemed the most secure and desirable. It was my plan A the entire time, and I feel enormously thankful and relieved to have been accepted!

 

What are some of your first impressions?

How everything is smaller than in the states hit me right away – literally, in regards to some doorways in my own apartment. Another strange aspect to life here is being gawked at so much. It’s truly an eerie feeling that I will have to get used to.

 

What is one place you would like to visit?

I am dying to get acclimated and go explore the Hyogo triad of Osaka, Kobe, and Himeji. Beyond that, I want to go back to Tokyo as often as possible!

 

One thing you are extremely nervous and/or excited about?

The winter. I was told repeatedly that they don’t heat the school, and the classrooms are frigid! Other than that, I am thrilled to finally have a steady source of income, my own apartment, and vacation days! I can’t wait to see how this year goes.

 

Patty Park/Atlanta, GA, USA/Kobe/Ibukidai Junior High School

 

Why are you here?

I studied abroad in Japan two years ago and had such an amazing time! I traveled around the country and went on tons of adventures, saw many beautiful sights, and made wonderful friends. Even though I was here for a year, I regretted not seeing the entire country, so I wanted to come back and see the rest of it.

 

Why JET?

I heard about JET from friends who had participated in the program and they always spoke highly of it. I did some research later on and I felt like JET was the most organized organization related to teaching English in Japan, so I decided to apply!

 

First impressions?

I love it! I’m constantly reminded of how wonderful and beautiful life is whenever I see the ocean, the fields, the mountains, and skies here. I especially love being in Kobe since the community here is so warm and welcoming. I’ve only been here for a month, but the friends I’ve made so far are already like family and the teachers at my school take great care of me. I can’t put into words how grateful I am. I really feel like I’ve won the jackpot!

 

One place you would like to visit?

Hokkaido! I heard that the scenery is great and the food is even better!

 

Extremely nervous and/or excited about?

I am extremely nervous and excited to meet my students! I’ve been worrying whether they will like me or not these days. In any case, I will work hard to continuously improve my relationship with my students and I hope they will grow to love English more!

 

Rachel Beaman, but most call me Rackelle or Rackle (think tackle like in rugby)/ Brisbane (technically Pittsworth), Australia/ Akashi/ Akashi-nishi SHS.

 

Why are you here?

I found out about the JET programme when I was about 15 years old. I was going through a bit of an anime craze (since reduced to a healthy level of interest) so I wanted to travel to the home of my obsession and get paid for it too. I also came for a holiday and really fell in love with the place which cemented my desire to come and work here. I love the people, the food, the hustle and bustle of it all and it is something completely different. I don’t like to stay in the same place for too long and JET seemed like a fun change. 7 years later I finished my degree and applied immediately and now here I am living the dream.

 

Why JET?

Well apart from being the first website to show up on Google that also didn’t look like a scam, I liked its history and the fact that it had ties to the government, something that I thought would translate well on a resume when I got back. Additionally I’m a teacher by trade, so I figured a job like this would stop my skills from getting rusty while I was away.

 

First impressions?

Ugh, I thought I’d get to leave this humidity in Brisbane. Ugh, no aircon, but at least I have two fans and a big balcony. Oooooh does that have Hello Kitty on it? I want 60. This isn’t what I thought I ordered. Oh well, it still tastes good. Thank the Lord above for Google translate. God I hate that Frozen movie.

 

One place to visit?

Okinawa.

 

Extremely nervous and/or excited about?

I was really worried about my Australian humour not translating properly. Us Aussies are notoriously dry and can sometimes come off cruel even when that is usually never what we intend. That being said my fears were unfounded; I had them laughing first day in. I think I’m excited about everything, but mostly I just can’t wait to meet my students.

 

Rosalind Scoular/Saint Louis, MO, USA/Ono/JHS

 

Why are you here?

I came to Japan to continue learning about Japanese culture and traditions, improve my Japanese language skills, and create cross-cultural ties.

 

Why JET?

I chose JET because I want to do more than teach English; I want to build relationships and foster cross-cultural understanding of American and Japanese culture in my JET location and when I return home to the United States.

 

First Impressions?

One of my first impressions is the care Japanese society puts into preserving history, culture, and the environment.

One place to visit?

I would like to visit Himeji Castle.

 

Extremely nervous and/or excited about?

I am very excited to have the opportunity to travel within Japan and learn more about different regions of the country.

 

Skye Shields/Hobart, Tasmania, Australia/Sanda/SHS.

 

Why are you here?

I visited Japan on my graduation trip, after studying rice for two years. On that trip I fell in love with the country and decided I had to come back, but when I did, it should be to live rather than just another holiday.

 

Why JET?

JET was actually the only programme I applied for to get to Japan. Thank goodness I got in!　I enjoyed tutoring at the international college I was at, so I knew that teaching English would be a good way to live in Japan, even though I am a scientist.　I was also interested in the cultural exchange part of the programme. There seemed to be a lot to give to and a lot to get out of JET.

 

First impressions?

I’ve never been to Japan in summer before. So when we first arrived in Tokyo, I was amazed that summer could be green, in Australia everything would have been dead and brown.　Now that I am at my school I have realised why people say the best part of being a JET is the students. Mine are a noisy bunch, but my first impression is they are just wonderful.

 

One place to visit?

If I had to pick just one, it would be Himeji Castle. But really, everywhere, I’d especially like to visit the JETs I befriended from Tokyo Orientation, who are now scattered across Japan.

 

Extremely nervous and/or excited about?

I am nervous about the fact that I cannot currently speak Japanese. But, I am excited that by the end of my JET experience I could be somewhat capable with the language.

 

Thomas O’Brien/Poulsbo, Washington, USA/Kobe/JHS

 

Why are you here?

I am here to help students learn the English language as an ALT and broaden their knowledge of both the language and the culture from my home country, the United States of America.

 

Why JET?

I first learned about JET from my cousin who participated in JET back in the early 2000s and currently lives in Morioka teaching English at a small university. When I visited him back in 2009, he told me JET was one way to return to Japan. I enjoyed my time in high school visiting Japan and decided after graduating from college that I would apply for JET. During college, I found I really wanted to teach mathematics. With this path, I can live in Japan for up to 5 years and gain teaching experience in the process.

 

First impressions?

My first impressions are very positive. It’s only been a few weeks and already I have met many people both from the ALT community and even some from the local community where I live. I have already joined a local soccer team and I look forward to seeing more of my community and the city.

 

One place to visit?

I would like to venture north and northwest and explore the parts of Japan I have not visited. Also places like Sapporo further north. I also want to travel to Australia and New Zealand.

 

Extremely nervous and/or excited about?

I am extremely excited to dive further into the Japanese language and improve my language skills so I can communicate with everyone I meet. This will allow me to explore not only Kobe but other parts of Japan where English is not as common.

 

Whitney Pitman/ USA/ Kobe/ Suma Tomogaoka High School

 

Why are you here?

I am here to teach English at Suma Tomogaoka High School and explore the culture and language of Japan

 

Why JET?

JET allowed me to explore my passion of working with kids and my curiosity of the Japanese culture and language.

 

First impressions?

I have been to Japan before, but never Kobe. I am overwhelmed at how clean the city is, how nice everyone is and the amazing food I’ve had the privilege of trying!

 

One place to visit?

I want to visit Big Buddha in Nara and lots of onsens.

 

Extremely nervous and/or excited about?

I am nervous to teach, but also excited to meet all the students.