On October 11th, 2013, Consul General Niimi hosted a Welcome Back Reception for JET participants who recently finished the program and returned from Japan. The matsuri-themed event, which was held at his Official Residence, was attended by 50 guests including JET alumni, Japanese teachers, and leaders of the local Japanese community.
Adorned in traditional Japanese attire such as yukata, jinbei, or happi, the attendees happily reminisced together about their time in Japan. The sweet aroma of grilled matsuri food floated through the air, while traditional Japanese music and decorative accents reminded former JETs of their time spent in Japan.
As mentioned during a speech by a representative of the Japanese teachers, a smile is one of the best ways of communicating. Indeed many smiles were exchanged as JET participants and Japanese teachers of English discussed classroom techniques and shared their common passions-Japan and English.
The Welcome Back Reception helped serve as a reminder for the returned JET participants that while they have returned to their home country, the memories they created during their tenure on the JET Program coupled with the relationship they cultivated between Japan and America as cultural ambassadors will last a lifetime.
The application period for the JET Program is October and November each year. For conditions, application materials and deadlines please see http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JET/. |
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