Some said they’ll miss doubles, while others are excited to try sushi and ramen. But they all share one common goal: representing the region with pride in Japanese classrooms.
Twenty participants from the Caribbean – 18 Trinbagonians and two Grenadians – are currently in Japan serving as cultural ambassadors and English Language Educators through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme.
The JET Programme, which was established in 1987, promotes cultural exchange and supports English language education in Japanese schools at the elementary to high school levels.
Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Professor Prakash Persad, commended Japan for this Programme, saying it will be mutually beneficial to all countries involved.
“I think this is an excellent programme where our Caribbean people, Trinidad and Grenada in this instance, get exposed to Japanese culture. It’s a good fusion. The Japanese are very disciplined, serious people. We are very creative, relaxed people. They are creative also. So I think this makes both sides benefit from it, you know, when you have this exposure to different cultures.”
One participant, 29-year-old Kadisha Edwards, who has a passion for language learning and a keen interest in Japanese culture, shared her expectations for the programme.
“I’m a big community person, and so I hope that in exchange for leaving this one behind, I’ll be able to integrate with one there in Japan. I’d love to just make new friends, explore Japan, bring a lot of my Caribbean brightness to Japan as well. I have a lot of personal language goals as well. I want to get better at Japanese so I can better communicate with people, and I think for me personally my goals revolve around community and making sure that I’m a good integral part of whatever community I end up in Japan.”
Another participant, Kerron Riley, said being open-minded is a key factor in excelling in the programme.
“Yes, there are introverted, shy people on the programme, but you just get plopped in a new country, and you have to navigate your way. You will definitely be more extroverted, trust me.”
The JET participants will be in Japan for at least one year, with the option of extending their stay for another four years.