The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program allows recent graduates the opportunity to expand cultural knowledge by being assistant English language teachers to native Japanese teachers in Japan. The program provides opportunities for participants to expand their cultural knowledge, strengthen their resume, and save money. An informational presentation about the JET program was held at BYU–Hawaii on Oct. 2.
The JET Program was founded in 1987 to bring fluent speakers of English into Japanese schools to help their students better learn English, says its website.
Chiaki Iwasa, a senior from Japan majoring in university studies explained, “Foreigners can learn more about Japan. Because I’m Japanese I want more people to learn about Japan, and my schools always had JET participants who helped me study English so I think that this program really helps people.”
Lisa Sakamoto, a representative from the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu gave the presentation. She explained to students how to apply and what the job would be like if they are accepted. “The JET Program has a lot of benefits that aren’t all seen right away,” said Sakamoto. “It looks good on your resume if you can say that you’ve lived and worked abroad.”
She said the JET Program has inspired students to continue studying the Japanese language for future endeavors.
In the JET Program, students help prepare lessons and teach students English so they may be more effective communicators in the language, said Sakamoto.
Officials at JET help participants to find housing and participants are encouraged to immerse themselves in the culture and to even learn the Japanese language. Katsuhiro Kajiyama, Professor of Japanese and JET coordinator for BYUH, explained more benefits of the JET Program.
Participants can save money to pay off student loans or attend graduate school, learn about Japanese culture, and learn the Japanese language through the free Japanese classes provided by the program.
Kevin Holley, a senior from South Korea majoring in supply chain resources who attended the meeting said, “It can lead to finding better jobs and opportunities in Japan through networking.” Holley is taking Japanese classes on campus and leaning towards taking the opportunity to participate in the JET Program when he can.
Iwasa, Sakamoto, and Kajiyama all gave the same advice to students wishing to participate in the JET Program: be excited and adaptable with an open mind. Be prepared and do research into Japan. Additionally, look into specific areas students are assigned to teach in. Do mock interviews to help with confidence when that stage of the application process arrives, and put any kind of leadership roles, teaching experience, or work with children or youth on the appropriate part of the application. “Every little qualification counts,” said Sakamoto.
For those interested in participating in the JET Program contact Kajiyama at katsuhiro.kajiyama@byuh.edu.