Students looking to spread the English language to Japanese students through conversation may want to strike up a conversation of their own.
The University of Memphis' Japanese Department and the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program will host an information session on Thursday at 1 p.m. in Dunn Hall, room 109.
The JET Program aims to recruit current and graduate students to help teach the English language to native students of Japan. During the information session, John Gale, JET Program coordinator at the Consulate-General of Japan Nashville, will interview potential candidates.
This opportunity is for all students who want to acquire a paid teaching position, including an all-expense-paid trip to Japan good for three years.
"Since 1987, the Japanese have hired over 55,000 young people from around the world to live and work in Japan through the JET Program," Gale said.
To be eligible, the program requires U.S. citizenship and completion of a bachelor's degree by July 1, 2013. Positions include Assistant Language Teacher and Coordinator for International Relations.
"Few students are not able to take hold of this wonderful opportunity," said Yuki Matsuda, U of M associate Japanese professor.
According to Matsuda, native Japanese students are not taught conversational English. Many cannot engage in real-life conversations. Only grammar and reading are taught during English classes in Japan.
The program not only offers a paid teaching position but also an opportunity to hone Japanese language skills.
Qualifying participants are required to take part in mandatory training sessions as indicated by the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations or other relevant organizations during their contract period.
After arriving in Japan, program participants can enroll in the Japanese Language Correspondence Course that is offered by CLAIR. These courses are designed to help improve participants' Japanese skills and promote understanding of Japan by encouraging careers in teaching after participation in the JET Program.
New to the Consulate of Japan in Nashville, Gale introduced himself to the U of M through the Japanese Department's Japan Festival at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
Katherine Phillips, a graduate student and alumna of the U of M, taught through the JET Program.
"The experience was amazing. I stayed three more years after the teaching contract was up," Phillips said.
For more information on the JET Program, visit us.emb-japan.go.jp/JET.
