Category Archives: Alumni Interview Series

Episode 12: Interview with Bahia Simons-Lane (Numata-shi, Gunma, 2005-2007)

Posted by Bahia Simons-Lane

Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? I was a JET in Gunma Prefecture from 2005-2007. I taught at an all girls’ high school and then after JET worked at the prefectural board of education for one year. .eic-frame-6458 { width: 724px; height:314px; background-color: #ffffff; border: 4px solid #ffffff; }.eic-frame-6458 .eic-image { border: 4px solid #ffffff; } What sparked your ...READ MORE »

Episode 11: Interview with Quinn Annelin (Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture, 2005 – 2006)

Posted by Bahia Simons-Lane

Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture from 2005-2006. What sparked your interest in applying for the JET program? I had done a high school exchange program in Chiba Prefecture, and then studied abroad at ICU in Tokyo during my junior year of college, so I knew Japan and the Kanto Region well. I definitely wanted ...READ MORE »

Episode 10: Ibaraki Interview with Hannah Dyer-Holzhauer (Toride, Ibaraki 2016-2017)

Posted by Bahia Simons-Lane

Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? 2016-2017, I was in Ibaraki-ken, in Toride, the bottom/back heel of the Ibaraki pig. What sparked your interest in applying for the JET program? I had a desire to experience Japan, not as a visitor, because my brother had been living there for about four years at the time. Having ...READ MORE »

Alumni Interview Series – Episode 9: Janae Miller (Hitachi, Ibaraki) 2017-2018

Posted by USJETAA Associate

Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? I was placed in Hitachi, Ibaraki from 2017-2018. Hitachi is mainly an industrial town, which Hitachi Corporation (founded there) was named after. The headquarters has moved to Tokyo, but many manufacturing sites still exist in Hitachi.   What sparked your interest in applying for the JET program? I have been interested ...READ MORE »

Alumni Interview Series – Episode 8: Emily Rich (Sakata, Yamagata, 2017-2020)

Posted by Bahia Simons-Lane

Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? I lived on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Sakata City in Yamagata Prefecture from 2017-2020. What sparked your interest in applying for the JET program? I feel like this is a long story. I got my BA in Japanese at the University of Mount Union, and the JET Program ...READ MORE »

Alumni Interview Series – Episode 7: DANIEL MORALES (NISHIAIZU, FUKUSHIMA 2005-2008)

Posted by USJETAA Associate

Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? Nishiaizu, Fukushima Prefecture. 2005-2008.   What sparked your interest in applying for the JET program? I majored in Japanese literature in college, and when I finished, I wanted an extended period of time to live in Japan to solidify my language skills and experience the culture. What are some of the things your ...READ MORE »

Alumni Interview Series – Episode 6: ED CLEMONS (KARAKUWA, MIYAGI, 2009-2011)

Posted by Bahia Simons-Lane

Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? I stayed in Miyagi Prefecture (Tohoku/Northeast region) in the town of Karakuwa, located on a peninsula on the outskirts of Kesennuma City, from 8/2009 to 8/2011. What sparked your interest in applying for the JET program? During my time at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) I started taking classes on East Asian history, ...READ MORE »

Alumni Interview Series – Episode 5: Jesse Kerstetter (Odate, Akita 2006-2010)

Posted by Bahia Simons-Lane

As part of our partnership with the Japan Society Boston, we are sharing excerpts of interviews with JET alumni on our social media and blog. We will work our way down Japan and share interviews with participants from all 47 prefectures! Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? I lived and taught in Odate City, Akita-ken from 2006-2010 What sparked ...READ MORE »

Alumni Interview Series – Episode 4: Michael Turner (Miyako, Iwate 1995-1997)

Posted by Bahia Simons-Lane

As part of our partnership with the Japan Society Boston, we are sharing excerpts of interviews with JET alumni on our social media and blog. We will work our way down Japan and share interviews with participants from all 47 prefectures! Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? I was in Miyako-shi, Iwate-ken, from 1995 to 1997. What sparked your ...READ MORE »

Alumni Interview Series – Episode 3: Doug Sikora (Ofunato, Iwate, 1992-1994)

Posted by Bahia Simons-Lane

As part of our partnership with the Japan Society Boston, we are sharing excerpts of interviews with JET alumni on our social media and blog. We will work our way down Japan and share interviews with participants from all 47 prefectures! Episode 3: Iwate Interview with Doug Sikora. Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? Iwate-Ken, Ofunato-shi, Sakari-cho. August 1st, 1992 - ...READ MORE »