JSB Meets JET Alumni: Monica Narang (Osaka, 2008 - 2011 & Osaka 2016 - 2022)

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.

This month, Japan Society of Boston got to know Monica Narang (Osaka, 2008 - 2011 and 2016 - 2022).

What sparked your interest in applying for the JET Program?

Right after graduating from The University of Denver, I visited my sister who was an Assistant Language Teacher through JET at a school in Gifu, Furukawa and I loved the culture, beauty, and vibrancy of Japan. It was an eye opening experience traversing the mega cities like Tokyo and Osaka for the first time and exploring the quiet and peaceful inaka (countryside) and mountain towns of Furukawa and Takayama. I was grateful to have the incredible opportunity to visit the school where my sister taught English and connect with all of the wonderful students and teachers there. I appreciated the thoughtfulness of everyone and of being welcomed into the community of Furukawa.

Afterwards when I returned to the United States, I always knew I would return to Japan to communicate with students and build close friendships with all of the teachers. Also, in Denver, my family hosted a wonderful student from Takayama with the sister cities homestay program. It was such a wonderful experience talking about Japan with our homestay student and exchanging amazing stories and cute souvenirs with her. I felt connected to Japan on a deeply personal level and really wanted to experience living and teaching English to students in Japan.