I recently came across photos from our Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program Pre-Departure Orientation in July. It was held in Denver, Colorado the day before we left for Tokyo. As I never had the opportunity to post about the event, I wanted to take a moment to share these photos and recap the evening with you (all pics and info courtesy of the Consulate General of Japan at Denver).
On July 24th, 43 people gathered at the Consul-General’s official residence to partake in a Pre-Departure Orientation and Reception in preparation for their departure for Japan on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program. This year’s group of Denver JETs underwent a rigorous selection process and will all be Assistant Language Teachers through out Japan’s school systems.
The Pre-Departure Orientation touched on many topics to ready them both for their trip to Japan and their personal and professional lives within their Japanese communities upon arrival. Each JET will stay in Japan for a minimum of one year, but many of them will no doubt opt to remain in Japan on the JET Program for additional years. The reception was attended by the departing JETs themselves, local JET Alumni, and members of the community who both helped to select the participants and prepare them for their adventure abroad.
Many JETs have reported that they are successfully settling into their new communities in Japan. The Consulate General of Japan at Denver has high hopes and expectations that they will embrace their duties with a smile, engage their communities and truly make this experience a part of who they are. We wish them the best!
Photos of Cole and I at the Pre-Departure Orientation:
Enjoying Japanese food at the Departure Reception.
Consulate General Kubo delivering a congratulatory speech at the Departure Reception.
Consul-General Kubo’s remarks for the JET Departure Reception:
Good evening.
It is my great pleasure to have you all here. Today’s guests include JETs who are departing for Japan tomorrow, the panelists who have interviewed and, in fact, selected them, Rocky Mountain Jet Alumni and community members, all who have helped them prepare their departure.
The JET program has gained a high acclaim for its role in advancing mutual understanding at the grassroots level between Japan and other parts of the world, and for being one of the world’s largest exchange programs. This year we have 43 JETs departing through the Denver consulate, and they are part of the 4682 participants from 38 countries. This year was the most competitive year to be accepted into the program, so all the participants who have made it should be very proud of themselves.
Tonight’s reception will be the first of many dinners/receptions welcoming you to the Japanese culture. It is a reflection of how truly excited the Japanese people are to share their culture with you and learn about you and your own culture in return. We have high hopes and expectations that you will embrace your duties with a smile, engage your communities and truly make this experience a part of who you are.
In this era of globalization, we have easy access to knowledge and information about others, but knowledge without real human contact may often lead to misunderstandings. The JET Program gives you the very unique opportunity of interacting with people different than yourself through your daily life. There is no doubt that you will profit from the experience, and there is no doubt that the Japanese communities will benefit from having you with them.
To close, I would like to cite a Korean proverb which I like very much. That is, “Kaneun mari kowaya, oneun mari kopta,” which means “If you send a beautiful message, then you will receive a beautiful message.”
Thank you and have a nice trip.
