June,2023　JET Programme Pre-Departure Orientation in Christchurch, Wellington, Melbourne and Brisbane

We attended the JET Programme Pre-Departure Orientation held by various overseas diplomatic establishments such as Embassies and Consulates in Australia and New Zealand. The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme is aimed to increase mutual understanding between the people of Japan and other nations and to promote internationalisation in Japan’s local communities by improving foreign language education and developing international exchange at the community level. CLAIR works with three ministries, the Ministry of International Affairs and Communications, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

At each orientation, the representatives from the establishment offered words of congratulations to about 80 new JET participants and wished for their success in Japan. Subsequently, JET program coordinators provided explanations regarding travel to Japan and important precautions. We, the CLAIR office in Sydney explained the role of CLAIR in the JET Programme and the training and support we offer to them.

Furthermore, members of each JETAA chapters provided information and advice on various aspects of life in Japan, including some tips for teaching, effective ways of building relationships with students, workplace culture/environment in Japan, commuting conditions, and financial matters. Many of the new JET participants had prior experience visiting Japan and eagerly anticipated for their travel to Japan after the pandemic, as observed through their active participation in the question-and-answer session.

We hope that all participants not only deepen their understanding of Japan but also contribute to the mutual exchange and act as a bridge between Japan and Australia/New Zealand through their experiences in Japan.