Dahlia Thompson (left), Sharlene Foster (centre) and Synetha Ennis (right) at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. The three will be assistant language teachers in Japan under an exchange programme. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer NINETEEN OF the 20 university graduates who will be participating in the annual Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET), left the island yesterday to begin their assignments.
The participants will be in Japan for a period of one year with the possibility of extension. They will act as assistants to Japanese foreign language teachers as well as assisting in the formation of foreign language clubs. They will also be engaged in other cultural exchange activities.
When The Gleaner caught up with some of the participants at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday, they were in a jovial mood, ready to embark on the "challenge of their life". Melissa King, 24, said she decided to participate in the programme because "of an interest in other cultures". She went on a similar programme to Belgium while in high school and believes this will be another wonderful experience.
In Japan she is hoping to learn as much as possible about the language and the people. "The best thing is to have no expectations so you won't be disappointed when anything comes your way," Ms. King said.
ENTHUSIASTIC
Another JET participant, 32-year-old Sharlene Foster, is enthusiastic about her journey to Japan. Foster, who holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature studied Japanese for seven months in preparation for her trip and hopes to stay beyond her one-year contract.
Another participant in the programme, Dahlia Thompson, has just completed her degree in Foreign Languages and Linguistics and is "very excited and nervous about her trip".
"It's a chance for me to learn a new culture while I'm teaching my language to the (Japanese) students. I might even learn some kendo (Japanese fighting sport) and some calligraphy (a stylish form of writing)," another teacher, Tamita Brown, told The Gleaner at a reception held at the Japanese Embassy on Thursday.
"I have an inner need to see the world. So I am embracing the future and I am sure that it will be a stepping stone to bigger things. Who knows, I might be Jamaica's next ambassador to Japan," jokes José Poleon-Henry, another JET participant.
Some traditional Japanese dishes were laid out at the reception so the exchange teachers could become accustomed to what they will be dining on during their stay. There were hilarious moments to see persons trying to use chopsticks for the first time.
Delano Franklyn, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, encouraged the Jamaican contingent to demonstrate the best of their country and to enjoy the beautiful things of Japanese society.
