THE GOVERNMENT of Japan, after introducing the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme to Jamaica in 2000, has successfully completed the selection process for 2003. The participants will arrive in Japan tomorrow, as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), to work in local government organisations, as well as public and private junior and senior high schools all over Japan.
The 17 ALTs, are university graduates who will be in Japan for a period of one year minimum, with possibilities of extension. ALTs will act as assistants to Japanese foreign language teachers in schools. They will also assist in the formation of foreign language clubs, language speech contests and other local international exchange activities.
CO-OPERATION
The local governments of Japan in co-operation with several government ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Council of Local Authorities of International Relations (CLAIR), promote the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, now in its 16th year. The Programme seeks to enhance internationalisation in Japan, by promoting mutual understanding with other nations, through foreign language education in Japan and promoting international exchange at the local level, by fostering ties between Japanese and foreign youths.
CALIBRE
The programme, which will be an on-going one, seeks participants of the highest calibre (possessing a bachelor's degree), who should be representatives of their country, have a positive interest in Japan, and be interested in international exchange activities and the study and teaching of foreign languages.
It is hoped that ALTs, after completing their tenure, will return to Jamaica to impart, not only what they have learnt of the Japanese culture but, what they have learnt of the language.
