Program participant doesn’t begin to explain Daniel’s involvement with JET Programs. Daniel’s experience with JET spans three years, during which he taught in Nambu Town located in Aomori, Japan.
Daniel sharing traditions in Japan. Photo by Ashley Houston
Why did you choose to teach abroad? Why Japan?
I’d always wanted to join the JET Programme specifically, since I heard about it in the junior high. My mother is a teacher back at home and I guess that was a big influence on me because teaching has always been a passion of mine, something that I’m sure I will do professionally, even though my main interests lie elsewhere. I grew up in Hawaii, where there’s a huge Japanese influence so it just felt natural to be here.
What made you choose the JET program versus other teaching organizations?
While I’d had my eye on the JET Programme for a long time, I did hear about other programs and organizations along the way, but I think JET is by far the best. Being an employee of the Japanese government/local municipality in JET, I think there is a greater level of job security and a strong support system than other organizations. And the benefits and salary are the best I’ve heard of in this kind of program anywhere in the world.
What were your housing arrangements like?
I live in a two-story, two-bedroom house that’s subsidized by my town, so I pay half the rent it would normally cost. Most of the furniture was provided by the town and they gave me an allowance when I first came to purchase other appliances/household things that I might need. Generally speaking, housing is very different from position to position though. I know someone that is situated in a huge mansion, while others live in an apartment barely larger than a walk-in closet. A lot depends on where your town is and how much money it has.
What was a normal day like as a teacher in Japan?
I start work at 8 a.m. and am free to leave school at 4 p.m. I usually find myself staying at work until 4:30 or 5:00 p.m., depending on how busy I am though. I teach anywhere from two to four classes a day, sometimes at different schools (and different mixes of junior high, elementary, and kindergarten too). At the junior high schools, I work with the main english teachers, building lesson plans and supporting their instructional style, while at the elementary level I am the primary educator. I like elementary school because I have a lot more freedom to teach in my own way and I can develop my own style. I eat lunch with the kids, and try to spend recess and lunch break with them as often as I can.
What was the most unusual experience you had while teaching in Japan?
Nothing really stands out particularly, but I do remember the first time I was witness to corporal punishment in school. Japan has maintained a very traditional style of instruction for a long time, although the law says otherwise, and some teachers still enforce the rules physically. It doesn’t happen very often anymore, because of recent events, but I can still remember how shocking it was.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while abroad?
The hardest thing about living in rural Japan is the really low level of internationalization. It was a real treat explaining that I can speak Japanese or eat sushi for the first few months, maybe even the first year. But now the luster of being a genius for knowing how to use chopsticks has faded altogether and it’s now just insulting to be complimented for something so mundane. I also think finding substitutes for healthy foods is difficult. While a lot of Japanese food is healthy, I wish they had a wider variety of vegetables and starches.
What is the top reason you'd want to go back in Japan and teach again?
The biggest, best, and really the only reason I would ever need to come back to Japan as an instructor are the students. They are fantastic, really the best around, and I could go on and on about how much fun it is to spend time with these kids, but I think your imagination would come closer. They are AWESOME!
How has your experience teaching abroad impacted your life?
If living abroad has taught me anything, it’s that different is not wrong. Japan is such a different country from the United States, or anywhere else I’ve been, but it still works. I think this has very broad applications in life and I try to apply it to my relationships, job, and interests too. Since coming here I’ve come to adopt the philosophy that to broaden your horizons, you have to step past the comfortable.
Would you recommend the JET program to others?
I would definitely recommend JET to other people, and I have in fact. It’s such an experience and a great way to spend a few years of your life in a meaningful way. I think that even folks without any interest in becoming a teacher professionally can benefit from being a JET.
If you could change one thing about your the JET program, what would it be?
I’d like to see more responsibility in the classroom given to JETs. I think Japan works really hard at English education, but are missing out on such a wide knowledge base and variety of talent in their foreign teachers. That being said, I also think it’s important for JETs to receive proper training in English education and that the application process should be much more selective.
What important tips can you give to future JET program participants?
There are so many tips about Japan that I could give you! The most important one though is to come with an open mind. It’s not home and you shouldn’t expect it to be. Also, talk to your teachers before you step into the classroom; make sure they understand what kind of background you are coming from and how involved you’d like to be in teaching, and take the time to understand what they expect from you and what role they see you playing in their schools.
Finally, take the time to build relationships with your students, teachers, school, and community. Devote a good portion of your free time to going to events, club activities, meeting parents, going to community events. At least for your first year, lay the groundwork for future encounters and relationships and you’ll be pretty happy in your life here.
If you could teach abroad again, where would you go, and why?
I’ve been entertaining the idea of teaching in Korea or somewhere in Europe. Right now I’m enjoying my time abroad and don’t think it will end with my time in JET so I’m open to any sort of interesting prospect.
