My one year on the JET program

by Mr.Owen

To speak of “the JET program” seems faintly absurd. I have virtually no contact with whatever or whoever this mysterious program is, except a monthly news letter from an equally mysterious origin and attending a few compulsory meetings where nobody seems to actually know what they're doing so they just pretend and use lots of buzzword like “team teaching” and use “communicative” whilst assorted dignitaries stand around.

Instead of the JET program the new JET will find him or her self taken to place they have never heard of left to their own devices, with virtually no assistance from their supposed masters and guardians. This however is probably a good thing.

The Program saying “ every situation is different” is painfully true, it is different because there is no central organization or plan for what the ALT is doing. There are so many failings in the JET program not least the hordes of fresh faced ALT's out of university with no teaching experience, knowledge of Japanese or indeed anything related to Japan. To quote the dead US President Harry S. Truman who of course authorized the dropping of the two atomic bombs over Japan nearly 60 years ago “the buck stop here” too many ALT are very quick to push the blame on others and don't reflect on their own obvious lack of abilities and experience.

Although I think the merits of the program are severely limited and indeed on its last legs, it is a wonderful experience for the ALT. One can try and make a difference to lives of many students. Without doubt my happiest memory of being in Japan has been noticing the students English improving. Also I can not count the number of times I have been touched the kindness and eagerness of many of the students at my particular school.

As I attended a comprehensive secondary school in a typical working class British Community the difference between the behaviors of the students has been a wonderful tonic. The students of Fukuoka have been my inspiration. My best memories of year in Japan will always be of the students I have enjoyed teaching so much. I wont remember the hours spent doing nothing at my desk. I will always remember the natively and genuine goodness of the students I have been privileged to teach. Thank you all. I sincerely hope you all achieve your potential.

God bless Fukuoka High School