JET Programme: Experiences
Priyanka Kumar
ALT, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture 2017 – 2019
Moving to Japan and spending two fulfilling years as an Assistant Language Teacher in Nagano was everything I could have hoped for after university. I was considering various career options but knew that I wanted to go abroad and broaden my perspective with new challenges and experiences. After living in Singapore for four years, I found that I had developed a strong appreciation for other cultures and ways of living. I realised then that travelling as a tourist and living abroad were two entirely different things.
The JET Programme was a unique opportunity for me to learn a new language and culture, meet people from all walks of life and make my own impact within a community. Living in Japan appealed to me so much more than merely experiencing the surface of the country as a tourist. Through JET, I was able to actually take part in Japan’s unique cultural traditions. My placement was in Nagano, a prefecture known for its beautiful mountainous backdrop, delicious apples, ski slopes and of course, the charming mascot Arukuma!
I was based in Ueda City as a high school ALT from 2017 – 2019. Although technically a city, Ueda has a relaxed, peaceful vibe and a deep sense of community spirit. I felt that I truly flourished and grew as a person during my time here. I had a basic knowledge of Japanese when I first arrived, but my co-workers and fellow JETs were always ready to help me with issues concerning work and day-to-day living. I was soon able to adapt well to Japanese life, accomplishing daily tasks with ease and overcoming obstacles that I thought were impossible at the beginning! Ueda very quickly became home to me. I loved visiting the beautiful nature spots around the area, such as Bessho-onsen (hot springs area), local temples, shrines and Ueda-Jo (castle ruins).
As I did not have a formal teaching background, I was initially apprehensive about teaching high school. However, I quickly settled into the role and soon enough I found ways to create inspiring and engaging lessons for my students. The students genuinely made my job worthwhile. They had endless amounts of energy (even for high schoolers!) and were always so inquisitive and eager to learn about my life in the UK, likes/dislikes, hobbies and my perspective of Japan.
School life was always filled with activity. Outside of the classroom, I would help English Club prepare for English debate competitions and also joined the Tea Ceremony Club. Club activities in Japan are an important part of school life and I found that I was able to interact with my students more through being a part of a club. It was an eye-opening experience to take part in Japanese tea ceremonies and learn about the rituals surrounding this cultural tradition. I participated in tea ceremonies at school festivals, local tea houses and also volunteered to serve tea at a local community event. I soon became an expert at distinguishing between different sweets and types of tea!
Most JETs will agree that a part of them remains in Japan even after they have returned to their home country. Living abroad poses its own set of challenges but the experience is undoubtedly worth it. Along with gaining important professional and life skills, I was able to travel all across Japan and learn so much about each prefecture’s distinct history and character. In addition, I was fortunate to be able to meet other JETs from many different countries. The JET Programme is very much based on international exchange and I count myself blessed to have made lifelong friendships and connections with people from across the world.
Looking back now, I am grateful to have called Japan home for two years. I will surely visit Ueda again in the future.
Priyanka Kumar
