Japan Society of Boston Meets Vivian Chen (Shimane, 2016-2018)
In partnership with Japan Society of Boston, USJETAA is proud to share the JSB Meets JET Alumni interview series which explores the JET experience across Japan.
In August of 2024, Japan Society of Boston got to know Vivian Chen (Shimane, 2016-2018) who is JETAA USA’s newest Country Representative.
How has your connection in relation to Japan changed since living in Japan?
I think my connection in relation to Japan changed significantly after getting to experience a different side of the country while in Shimane. While I had studied abroad in Tokyo, all expectations of what I thought Japan was as a country completely changed after arriving in Shimane. My JET experience challenged me to seek new ways to communicate and to consider other ways of thinking. I had to learn how to navigate a different work culture and day-to-day life in rural Japan. Important lessons I took away included being flexible and adjusting my expectations while also honing my public speaking skills. Even though JET made me realize I didn't want to pursue a teaching profession in the long term, it did cement in me my passion for international exchange and the importance of intercultural communication.
I'd like to think I played a role in broadening my students' understanding of the United States by showing how diverse the country can be and offering my distinct perspective as an Asian American, whether it be through cultural lessons or hallway exchanges. On the other hand, I gained a new appreciation for the kind of Japan that exists outside of Tokyo and other major metropolitan areas. I'm so thankful I was placed in a warm and welcoming community where I got to experience things I never would've been able to outside of JET: planting and harvesting rice with my schools, attending firefly festivals deep in the mountains, performing tea ceremony with homemade wagashi sweets made by my sensei at the time. I treasure all of these one-of-a-kind experiences.
After coming back to the United States, I've worked various internships and jobs related to bolstering the U.S.-Japan relationship. A research fellowship opportunity led me to Washington, DC, where I eventually ended up staying to attend graduate school for international affairs. I now work in the federal government in a role focused on enhancing U.S. engagement with the Asia-Pacific region. Since moving here, I've been active in the JET Alumni Association of Washington, DC (JETAADC) and served on the JETAADC Board as the Professional Development Chair and Communications/Technology Chair. This spring, I was elected as one of the Country Representatives for the JET Alumni Association of the United States (JETAA USA) where I support all 19 alumni chapters across the nation in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations at the grassroots level.
Additionally, I'm excited to share that I'm finally returning to Japan this fall for two weeks to conduct U.S.-Japan relations research on demographic change and labor policies via a travel grant provided by the U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation. It's been nearly six years since I finished JET so I'm thrilled to go back to Japan and plan to visit Shimane to catch up with old friends and colleagues. I'm forever grateful for my time on the JET Program and how its impact has shaped and continues to shape me personally and professionally.
