Japan welcomes new set of JET pros, JDS fellows

Recently, the “Japan Exchange and Teaching” program welcomed 65 Filipino “JETs:” 64 Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs); and one Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) as official participants for 2023.

According to the Embassy of Japan, the number of JET participants has been increasing since it started inviting Filipino applicants in 2014, as the current batch topped prepandemic numbers at 65—from the previous 54 in 2019—and now has more than 300 from the Philippines.

The first batch of selected Filipino JETs for 2023 flew to Japan on July 30, while the second is scheduled this August.

Previously, the participants engaged in a series of activities aimed at preparing them for their duties in Japan. On July 6, they visited the Manila Japanese School in Taguig City, where they observed English classes and met with Filipino English teachers. Both sides had a fruitful exchange of views on teaching techniques and Japanese classroom practices.

In addition, the Japan Information and Culture Center, in cooperation with the JET Alumni As - sociation of the Philippines, held a virtual pre-departure orientation for the participants on July 21.

Aimed at preparing them for life in Japan, the incoming JETs received essential resource materials, as they learned more about Japanese society and culture in relation to their role as ALTs and CIR.

The orientation also coincided with a Nihongo Learning Session to equip the incoming JETs with essential Japanese Language.

The series of activities culminated on July 29, as Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa hosted a send-off reception for the participants, along with Japan-Council of Local Authorities for International Relations or J-CLAIR Singapore represented by Executive Director Taisuke Sakurai.

In his message, Koshikawa congratulated the participants and shared his hopes for the program’s growth: “As one of the Japanese officials who launched the JET Programme more than 30 years ago, it is heartwarming to see its growth and impact here in the Philippines,” he stated, then added that Filipino JETs are “reliable cultural ambassadors” that bridge his country to their home nations, “paving avenues for stronger linkages between Japan and the Philippines.”

The Japanese government launched the JET program in 1987, with hopes of deepening mutual understanding between the peoples of Japan and those of other countries through foreignlanguage exchange and cultural immersion. Since its inception, it has admitted around 5,761 participants from 57 countries.

In the next few years, the program hopes to bring in even more participants from across the globe, including the Philippines, to Japan, according to the latter’s embassy. More about the JET program is listed on http:// www.jetprogramme.org/

JDS for 2023

MEANWHILE, a send-off ceremony was held on August 4 at the Ambassador’s Residence for the 21st batch of the “Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship” by Japanese Grant Aid (JDS) Fellows from the Philippines.

The 20 Filipino JDS fellows are set to leave for Japan to pursue Master’s degree courses in leading Japanese universities. The JDS is a scholarship project launched in 2002 by the Philippine government, with funding from its Japanese counterpart through the latter’s official development assistance. It is intended to aid national socioeconomic progress by helping boost the capacities of young Filipino professionals from the government. In his remarks, Koshikawa said that he is eager to learn about the JDS Fellows’ valuable research when they successfully complete the program, and see the fruits of their hard work as they serve their home country in years to come.