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Departure Reception for the 26th Annual JET Program Participants (July 27th, Friday)
On Friday, July 27th, a pre-departure orientation and reception for the 26th annual JET Program participants was held at a hotel in Denver.
At the reception, in his remarks, Consul-General Ono mentioned the importance of the JET Program in terms of the relationship between Japan and the US, and expressed his best wishes and encouragement for the JET participants. Following that, John McMillan, President of the Rocky Mountain JETAA, encouraged each one of JET participant as representative of the US, to build bridges between Japan and US relations.
The JET participants had meaningful conversations with Japanese educators and other JETAA members, exchanging their aspirations for their upcoming time on JET.
All of the departing JETs were excited about their departure, so we would like to introduce some voices of them:
“While working as a JET, I’m looking forward to deepening my knowledge about Asian arts, and learn about Japanese history and culture.” (Ms. Jennifer Myers, going to participate as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in Nara Pref.)
“Since I’m interested in Japanese culture, especially in Samurais and tea ceremony, I would like to try these new things out while I’m there. I have some difficulty with honorific expressions, but I will try my best to learn Japanese language.” (Ms. Brittany Partin, going to participate as a CIR (Coordinator for International Relations) in Shimane Pref.)
“Utilizing my strength of having experienced various parts of the US, I would like to play an active role in Japan. Also, I would like to show that there is an American like me out there.” (Mr. Brent Cazinha, going to participate as a CIR in Ishikawa Pref.)
The participants for the 26th JET Program enthusiastically departed for Japan the next day, Saturday 28th.