Seeing Japan from the inside

Imagine peeking out the window first thing in the morning and seeing mountains as well as the sea. Imagine learning another language and integrating into another culture. Imagine changing the way others see Ireland and, in turn, understanding other countries.

More than 100 Irish people are seeing these daydreams come true through the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET). The programme was established in 1987 for foreign graduates and, last year, about 5,500 people from 35 countries participated.

The programme offers benefits to both visitors and to Japanese people, according to Sarah Ferris, programme co-ordinator and former JET participant. "I saw a completely different side of Japan, the real Japanese culture and the real, honest exchange between people," she says. "For Japan - they have an insular, island mentality and want to broaden their horizons."

About 90 per cent of participants become assistant language teachers - the salary, about 3.6 million yen, is what a Japanese teacher of five years would receive. "It's more than enough," says Ferris. "If JETs want to save, they will save." Teachers are highly respected in Japan and are given the "honorific" title of seinsei, she says.

JET duties can vary since the visitors are employees of their host institution. Most help with classes, teachers' language training, supplementary materials and foreign language clubs. Japanese fluency is not required, although an effort to learn or continue learning the Japanese language after arriving is expected.

People fluent in Japanese can apply for the position of `co-ordinator of international relations' - they are placed mainly in local governments offices and help with projects, language instruction and exchange activities.

"The effect you have on the lives of the children you teach and the people in your town is enormous," says Gavin O'Reilly, of Castleknock, Dublin, who now works in Kyoto. "They will take you in and make you part of the community and more than likely you will become something of a local celebrity."

O'Reilly has been living in Japan for two years and, like most JET participants, spends several days a week teaching. Other days are split between the offices of the Board of Education and one of five primary schools in the areas.

"A lot has been said about the politeness of the Japanese people, which has led to them having an image of being a quiet, reserved people," O'Reilly wrote in a report about his experiences. "The truth, however, is that they can be some of the warmest, kindest people on earth."

Although the programme is implemented by local Japanese governments and the Japanese Ministry of Education, participants are supported by the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, which also oversees the placement of participants and sponsors post-arrival orientation.

"If there is a problem, there are counsellors and peer support and people to talk to," says Sarah Ferris.

Arline Lyons, from Portmarnock, Dublin, went to Japan to improve her Japanese and expand her interest in Japanese animation. However, she found that "the reasons you come never end up being the reasons why you stay.

"For me, it's the inordinate kindness shown to me by friends of people I've met and even total strangers. Most Japanese people are proud of their country and will go out of their way to help visitors. Life as a JET seems to invite more of these unique, fleeting experiences than you would never have otherwise."

Lyons teaches in a commercial high school in Akechi, a tiny village in the foothills of the Japan Alps. She teaches 13 classes a week and belongs to the school archery club.

Joining the programme has given her "a unique chance to be accepted into a totally different community, to really experience its way of life and to happen upon those occasional silent beautiful mornings, random acts of kindness and glimpses into the heart of Japanese culture which make it magical."

Applications for this year's JET Programme are due by November 27th. You must be healthy, under 35, have excellent English pronunciation and voice projection and hold a bachelor's degree. Applications can be made by postcard to the Japanese embassy - or you phone Sarah Ferris at (01) 269 4244, ext 136.