Testimonials from Current and Former JETs from India

For me, joining the JET Programme was an opportunity to turn my interest in Japan into real work and experience. As a university student majoring in Japanese language and culture, I had always wanted to work in Japan. The CIR position allowed me to use what I had studied while continuing to learn through real experiences.
Japan was not entirely new to me, as I had already lived there for about a year. However, returning to Japan and living in the countryside was a completely different experience. Every day brought a new surprise. I was especially surprised by how open, friendly, and welcoming people were.
As a CIR, my work is varied. I interact with foreign residents in the community, help them with their concerns, handle translation and interpretation, and organize events to introduce and share my culture. One of the most rewarding parts is meeting people from different countries and learning about their lives, experiences, and perspectives.
 

One experience that particularly stayed with me was participating in a local shrine festival. I was deeply moved by how warmly the local community welcomed me into their traditional celebration. Being accepted in this way gave me a strong sense of belonging and connection to the community.
There have been challenges too. Coming from India, the cold Japanese winters have been particularly difficult. I cannot say I have completely overcome the challenge, but I am gradually learning to adapt.
 

Interestingly, living and working in Japan has also helped me learn more about India. Organizing Indian-themed workshops and events has encouraged me to explore Indian history, culture, and traditions more deeply and reconnect with my roots.
The JET experience has made me more confident professionally. Handling unexpected situations, organizing events, communicating with people from different backgrounds, and solving problems have strengthened my skills and changed the way I approach work.
For anyone in India considering the JET Programme, my advice is to be prepared for the unexpected. The work requires patience, and you may sometimes be asked to do things you never anticipated. But that variety is also what makes the experience rewarding.