On Monday, February 28th a Welcome Back reception was hosted at the Japanese Consul-General’s official residence for Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme participants who have recently returned to Australia following completion of their contracts.
The returning Aussie Samurais of grassroots internationalisation gave their individual speeches about their journey in Japan, at times with their witty Japanese, as they shared their triumphs and experiences to the assembled guests.
Year 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the JET Programme. However, some might ask, what is the JET Programme really?
The JET Programme or The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme is a Japanese government initiative that is run by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; the Ministry of International Affairs and Communication; and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with Japanese local authorities since 1987. Participants currently come from a total of 36 countries. As of July 1st, 2010, 4,334 participants were employed on the programme while the numbers of participants are expanding every year.
Job types on the programme include Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in Japanese primary, junior high and high schools; Coordinators for International Relations (CIR) in local governments and boards of education, and Sports Education Advisors (SEAs). Work placements vary from major cities to small cities as well as farming and fishing villages throughout Japan.
◇JET Programme
URL: http://www.jetprogramme.org/
The night began with Acting Consul-General Kotake’s welcome speech, followed by the speeches of JET Programme Returnees, along with the participants of the Assistants to Teachers of Japanese (AJT) Program. The ATJ Program is a Victorian Government run initiative placing Japanese university graduates in Victorian schools as assistant Japanese language teachers. The AJT participants enthusiastically shared their joy and love for their teaching experience in Australia.
Attendants mingled and enjoyed chatting about their lives in Japan after the reception speeches.
“I want to visit Japan again”
“I miss my school, students, and friends in Japan!”
“I want to become a translator in the future”
Every JET participant expressed their own version of “Love for Japan”.
Among all, the married couple Damon and Christina made an outstanding impression.
Meet Christina (Left) who came from America and Damon (Right) who returned to Australia after teaching in Japan.
The couple’s love stemmed from their romantic encounter during the JET Programme.
“Christina fell in love with me at first sight!” Damon cheekily commented with a smirk on his face. “That’s not true!” followed the immediate protest of Christina with smiles in her eyes.
The welcome back ceremony came to an end amidst laugher, as we were entertained by the standup comedian-like international married couple.
A country loved by many, Japan
Today is a day that even this writer felt an overflowing sense of pride for being Japanese.
Translated by Kitty
