Like many of us on the JET Programme, I wanted to experience something completely new and aspired to live and work abroad. The JET Programme represented a unique opportunity for me to do this and Japan had always held a certain allure. At the time, I underestimated just how inimitable an opportunity it would be. Prior to JET, I had never visited Japan. I had almost no Japanese linguistic ability. My understanding of Japanese culture was a highly (mis)informed repertoire of things; kimono, sumo, karaoke, sushi, manga etc. I had a romanticized mental picture of what it would be like, one that would not look so out of place in a Gwen Stefani music video.Clueless, but enthusiastic I like to think.

As a city dweller from England, it is fair to say that I was pretty anxious when I found out about my JET placement in rural Tottori prefecture in western Honshu.With a limited knowledge of what to expect, all I could envisage now were rice fields and fishing boats. When I arrived, all these things existed. But so did an overwhelming natural beauty that I was not prepared for. Coming from the south of England, which is almost entirely flat, I found myself mesmerized by the mountainous panorama seen from my window. Living three minutes from the ocean was also a welcome adjustment to make. Now, after almost two years on JET, the word rural does not scare me one little bit.

As the resident Brit in my Junior High, the students take pride in sharing their knowledge of British rock music with me. I will never forget my double-take when a second year boy approached me on my way home one day and asked: ‘Mr. Alex, what is your favourite ‘Kaiser Chiefs’ song?’ Sharing a common interest in music has undeniably strengthened the connection I have with my students. I have lost count of the number of times I have been handed a piece of paper with the lyrics to a song jotted down for my approval (of course, I endeavour to correct any English errors!).

The rapport I have with the teachers has also developed over time. Everyone was friendly from day one, but it took a while to feel like more than just the token ALT here. Through continued enthusiasm and commitment, I am treated like a regular member of the staff. I have my own responsibilities, a valued opinion and I get to be creative everyday. This is more than I can say about some of the graduate jobs I had experienced before JET. If you were to ask me about job satisfaction, my answer would be: ‘Yes thanks. Got it’. I have heard people talk about this word ‘internationlisation’ and the JET programme with a wry look on their face. Yet, for me it absolutely describes what I do on a daily basis.

As I write this, the school year is about to close, tomorrow in fact. Last week was the third-years’ graduation ceremony. Now, I am not a particularly emotional person by nature, but the whole affair took hold of me and I found myself holding back some unexpected tears. I had already been warned that Japanese style ceremonies tend to pull on the heart strings. Take it from me… it is true! As I watched the students I’ve taught for almost two years come of age, I felt really proud. As an ALT, I have seen them grow up and become more adult in their actions and behaviour. Individual personalities have begun to shine through and have had a lasting impression on me. With all that we encounter on the JET Programme, these are my defining moments. I feel privileged to have had an influence on bright young people with even brighter futures. When I recently told a fellow teacher that I would be leaving in the summer, she cried. I wouldn’t say it was the reaction I was hoping for, but it served as a bitter-sweet testimony of my time here at Daiei Junior High. I cannot quantify what I have gained from the JET programme. Without doubt, every situation is different here. Herein lies the charm of the JET programme; the opportunity to experience something incredibly unique.