Summer 2022 Leavers
Conversations with Leavers by Lauren Zasucha
Alongside the arrival of Japan’s sweltering summer come the dreaded goodbyes with our beloved leavers. While some are packing their bags to return home, others will only be a hop, skip, and shinkansen ride away. 5 leavers (4 ALTs, 1 CIR) have imparted to us their wisdom about life on the JET program. Read on to hear their stories!
Clare Braganza (ALT)
From: Hampshire, UK
Placement: Nihonmatsu
Time on JET: 3 Years
1. Why did you initially apply for the JET program?
I was finishing university and had visited Japan once before on holiday, but I really wanted to try living there long term and really experience the country. I'd already studied German and lived abroad, so moving to Japan didn't seem too daunting, and I'd fallen in love with the language and culture a few years earlier. I also had experience teaching English as a foreign language, which I found super rewarding and fun. All in all, JET seemed like the perfect choice to combine what I loved.
2. What has been your favorite part about your job?
Working with children. I teach at middle schools (at one point 7, but usually 2 schools) and I adore the kids. They're so full of energy, and you get some real characters. I especially love when I walk into the classroom and students scream my name and wave, which can also happen when I'm out and about. It makes me feel like such a celebrity! Even on the most exhausting days, seeing the kids smile and enjoy my activities makes it all worth it. Of course, not all students are so enthusiastic about English, but the majority are very 'genki' and really brighten up my days.
4. What has been your favorite part about living in Japan?
The nature and outdoor activities. Fukushima is blessed with lakes, mountains, and beaches, which can be enjoyed all year round. I've loved skiing with my friends all winter, then hiking, camping and wakeboarding through the summer. After a week inside school, getting fresh air on the weekends always cheers me up. For anyone who's just arrived, I recommend driving up the Bandai Skyline before dawn and watching the sunrise from atop Azuma-Kofuji crater. Usually, you can see the sun appear from a sea of clouds over Fukushima City. It's the most beautiful sight I've ever seen.
5. Can you tell me how you grew or what you accomplished on the program?
Going from a student to a teacher was a big shock at first, but teaching really improved my confidence and public speaking skills. I'd always baulked at the idea of standing up in front of an entire room of people, but now I can launch straight into a lesson and take the lead without any nerves. I've also learnt to think on the spot, and not freak out when a JTE suddenly asks me to take a lesson 5 minutes before it starts! Apart from confidence, I've also become adaptable and more tolerant. Like any country, Japan has many flaws, but I've learnt to accept them and compromise.
As for what I've accomplished, I came with basic Japanese but passed N3 last year (N2 has been a long slog...). I also got the chance to work with the local tourism branch, taking monitor tours and getting interviewed by them. It felt great to see my article on Nihonmatsu's website.
6. Is there anything you wish you could have done differently during your time in Japan?
I wish I'd coped with the pandemic better. Back in March 2020, I was suddenly told to 'work from home' for two months. I didn't have to do any work at all, not even check in with my BOE. Instead of sticking to a schedule, I ended up doing barely anything, studying zero Japanese, and losing sight of why I'd come to Japan in the first place. I'm a stronger, more confident person now (taking up running has definitely helped my wellbeing) but I wish I could go back and speak to my 2020-self.
7. What one piece of advice do you have for current and future JETs?
Get yourself out there. JET can be exhausting and it can be easy to run out of steam, but remember why you came here, remember that initial excitement, and make the most of your time with the students, as well as your time off. Say yes to every opportunity, and don't be afraid to reach out to friends and family if you're not doing too well.
8. What are your post-JET plans?
Back to being a student! I studied English and German at university but always wanted to pursue a Masters, plus getting your foot in the door of the publishing industry is hard when you've been abroad for three years. I'm going to start a Masters in Publishing and Creative Writing.
9. In your opinion, what is the superior conbini?
Ooh, controversial! It has to be Lawson. It's my local conbini (my former students work there) and I love their special meals section and desserts.
Gavin Honke (ALT)
From: Hawaii, USA.
Placement: Yanaizu
Time on JET: 9 months.
1. Why did you initially apply for the JET program?
I wanted to improve my Japanese and experience more of Japan.
2. What has been your favorite part about your job?
Interacting with the children.
3. What has been your favorite part about living in Japan?
Being from Hawaii, I've never really experienced living in a place with such drastic changes between seasons, so the seasonal differences are my favorite part (although some seasons are definitely inferior to others lol).
4. Can you tell me how you grew or what you accomplished on the program?
I feel like I've definitely improved my Japanese to some extent, and become slightly more independent. I'm also a socially anxious person, so being forced to do some things on my own in a language I'm not fluent in has definitely done something to me.
5. Is there anything you wish you could have done differently during your time in Japan?
Not wreck my car.
6. What one piece of advice do you have for current and future JETs?
For better or worse, the expectations placed on you are not particularly high, so just roll with it. It's totally fine to completely fail, reflect and try to do better next time.
7. What are your post-JET plans?
Move back in with my parents, find a job, and get more piercings 😈.
8. In your opinion, what is the superior conbini?
Mini Mart lmao
Erika Csanyi (ALT)
From: Canada
Placement: Aizuwakamatsu
Time on JET: 5 years
1. Why did you initially apply for the JET program?
I wanted to teach English in Japan.
2. What has been your favorite part about your job?
The students. They're so funny. And my teachers: I've got a great group of not only English teachers but of all subjects at my junior high. They've been so welcoming.
3. What has been your favorite part about living in Japan?
I love speaking Japanese, so that's part of it. I'm a language nerd, and also I've been big on Japanese culture for a long time, so even watching tv is fun for me.
Traveling around and seeing new things was a big part of why I enjoyed Japan so much before the pandemic.
But I think the best part is the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. The variety of backgrounds of people on the JET program/in Japan is the best. The fact that we all ended up here, at this time, at this place, is a miracle, and I've made the best friends of my life thanks to the JET program.
4. Can you tell me how you grew or what you accomplished on the program?
I've definitely grown in confidence as a teacher since I've been here. Also as a person. Moving across the world by yourself and going to a new place isn't easy.
5. Is there anything you wish you could have done differently during your time in Japan?
Maybe been a bit more outgoing. I didn't branch out of the ALT community much until recently. I think trying to become friends with JTEs or other Japanese people through different hobbies is important. (though there's not much going on here in Aizu lol)
6. What one piece of advice do you have for current and future JETs?
Keep on trucking! It's a super fun job. Your teachers are busy, but they should be able to make time for you. Make them make time, or do what you can to work around their schedule (though I'm the type to stay after work, which is something everyone should avoid lol but it's part of Japanese work culture)
7. What are your post-JET plans?
I'll be working as a CIR.
8. In your opinion, what is the superior conbini?
Seven eleven or bust.
Maggie Bullen (ALT)
From: Sydney, Australia
Placement: Iwaki
Time on JET: 8 months
1. Why did you initially apply for the JET program?
I graduated university at the end of 2020 when most of Australia was under strict lockdown. The JET application deadline was approaching and I decided to apply last minute. On a whim, more than anything else. I had lived and worked in Japan before and had had wonderful experiences here. When I applied, it was because I had a feeling that this could be the next right step for me. It felt like something I could be good at - a way to connect with other people. I didn't think it through much, I just went with my gut.
2. What has been your favorite part about your job?
The kids. Definitely. When I first started this job in November last year I was overwhelmed by the number of classes I had, and the number of students I would be teaching. I was placed at 5 different elementary schools - working with over a hundred teachers (none of whose names I could remember at first) and over 1000 students aged between 5-12. I had no experience with kids and for the first two months I was exhausted every day! But slowly I got to know the kids better, I built relationships with them, and I learnt how to match their 'genki-ness'. They soon became my favourite part of the job. Every day with these kids is different. They are so funny, creative, and inquisitive. I love it when they tell me about their lives: What their favourite animals are, what their favourite food is, why they do/don't like certain things. And I love the questions they ask me. 'Have you ever eaten stringy cheese?' 'Do you like triangles?' 'What's your favourite colour and why?' Nothing phases them.
3. What has been your favorite part about living in Japan?
This is my 7th time in Japan, and my 3rd time living here. So I love lots of different parts about living in Japan! The food, the friendly people, the beautiful nature, riding my bike everywhere. But my favourite part about living in Fukushima and experiencing 'small town Japan' has been the everyday customs and greetings. I love how everyone says 'konnichiwa' and bows to you wherever you go (I do it too now!) and how the kids at school shout 'sayonara' to the teachers when they leave.
4. Can you tell me how you grew or what you accomplished on the program?
I have definitely grown as a teacher! I joined this program with almost no teaching experience and throughout my time here I have learned how to respond to students' needs, how to work as a team with other teachers, and how to move on from activities that weren't working (a surprisingly important skill!).
5. Is there anything you wish you could have done differently during your time in Japan?
I wish I would have bought a heater/thermal underwear sooner! That would have made the cold Tohoku winter much more manageable!
6. What one piece of advice do you have for current and future JETs?
Schedules and lesson plans change all the time. Being flexible and learning to 'go with the flow' at school and in Japanese life will make your time on JET a lot more enjoyable! So, my advice is 'let go of control and enjoy the ride'.
7. What are your post-JET plans?
I'm planning on staying in Japan for a month post JET to visit friends. And to go to Summer Sonic Festival in Tokyo at the end of August! Then I'm off to England to see family...after that, I don't know what. We will see!
8. In your opinion, what is the superior conbini?
7/11. Purely because they have the ham and cheese wraps I like!
Youki Wiens (CIR)
From: Vancouver, Canada
Placement: Fukushima City
Time on JET: 4 years
1. Why did you initially apply for the JET program?
I always wanted to work in Japan after graduating university. I thought that by being a CIR, I would be able to do translation work while also improving my business Japanese skills as well.
2. What has been your favorite part about your job?
As a CIR, I've been able to do so many different kinds of work and travel to so many places in the prefecture. While it's been busy, I really enjoyed meeting the wonderful people here in Fukushima.
3. What has been your favorite part about living in Japan?
I've visited Japan many times before when I was younger but never Fukushima. And so, my favorite part about living in this prefecture has been visiting all the amazing places! There's still a lot of stigma surrounding the region after the nuclear disaster. But after 4 years, I was able to see how much the area has recovered and progressed. That has been the most memorable experience for me.
4. Can you tell me how you grew or what you accomplished on the program?
Back home in Canada, I was pretty shy. But after living on my own in Fukushima and working as a CIR, I feel like I've gotten more independent and confident. Now I'm okay speaking in front of others and I actually enjoy meeting new people too!
5. Is there anything you wish you could have done differently during your time in Japan?
I wish I took more time off so I could travel around the country! There are still so many places I want to visit in each season.
6. What one piece of advice do you have for current and future JETs?
My advice would be to always try new things and challenge yourself. Living and working in another country can be difficult, but through the JET Programme, you’ll definitely grow as a person while also discovering so many cool things in Japan.
7. What are your post-JET plans?
I'll be working in Tokyo at CLAIR, in the international exchange division. I plan to stay in Japan and work here long-term.
8. In your opinion, what is the superior conbini?
7/11!!
A huge thank you to the leavers that shared their experiences. Wherever life takes you, know that you are always a Lucky Islander.
See you!