Getting Both Feet Wet: Experiences inside The JET Program

Get prepared. Read this book first. Then sign up for The JET Programme.

Getting Both Feet Wet
Experiences inside The JET Program

Getting Both Feet Wet gives a balanced view of one of the world's largest and most successful cultural exchange, work, and teaching programs. Successful former JETs look back and tell about their experiences. Japanese teachers write about their success and failure in working with JETs. The Program has made a tremendous impact on the teaching of English in Japanese public schools, on international cultural contacts at the local government level, on thousands of communities that had previously never have had to interact with a resident gaijin, and most of all on Japanese youth who will be better prepared than their elders when it comes to international and intercultural contacts. But, rose colored glasses are not appropriate. These fourteen essays, seven by former JETs, seven by Japanese experienced in working with JETs, are filled with clues to potential problems and to their solutions. In 2002-03 The JET Program employed over 6,000 young foreigners from about forty countries. Roughly speaking, there will be one JET in each and every city, town and hamlet throughout Japan. At work, play, and in daily life, each newly arrived JET will be in an atmosphere that he or she has never experienced before. This book is intended to lessen the initial culture shock, to warn of potential problems, to suggest actions that may lead to a more successful experience, and to give a small clue as to life after JET.

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