Backtrack #17: Bridges Were Built (Jessica Shepherd, Matsuyama Central SHS ALT, 2011-2015)
What’s your name, when and where was your placement, and where are you from originally? My name is Jessica Shepherd, and I was placed in Ehime on the island of […]
Backtrack #16: A Small Window into the Greater World (Tom Schmidt-Makino, Yawatahama & Matsuyama ALT 2002-05)
What’s your name, when and where was your placement, and where are you from originally? Tom Schmidt-Makino. I was initially placed in Yawatahama in my first year on JET, and […]
Backtrack #15: Expect the Unexpected, and Prepare to be Unprepared (John Moraes, Toyo ALT 2004-2007)
In 2004 I moved from Wellington, New Zealand to Ehime, Japan with a suitcase, a backpack and five words of Japanese in my vocabulary. It would not be overstating things […]
Backtrack #14: Ships, Towels & Mikans! (Michael Dziesinski, Imabari ALT 1997-2000)
What’s your name, when and where was your placement, and where are you from originally? My name is Michael Dziesinski. I was an Ehime JET who was placed as an […]
Backtrack #13: The Most Inaka Place I Could Think Of (Bruce Baird, Matsuyama ALT 1992-1993)
What’s your name, when and where was your placement, and where are you from originally? My name is Bruce Baird. I was just about to graduate from college (Columbia University) […]
Backtrack #12: A Bigger Leap of Faith (Gary Haase, Matsuyama ALT 1996-1999)
What’s your name, when and where was your placement, and where are you from originally? Greetings! Thank you for reaching out. I am Gary Haase. I came to Japan in […]
Backtrack #11: A Thinking and Feeling Human (Stefan Hall, Matsuyama ALT 1995-1996)
What’s your name, when and where was your placement, and where are you from originally? I am Stefan Hall. I was placed in Matsuyama-shi, Ehime-ken, from 1995-96. At the time […]
Backtrack #10: Beyond All Expectations (Meredith Boos, Uwajima SHS 2003-2005)
When the cruise cancelled our family trip to China and Japan in 2020 there was much cursing, crying, and screaming. Then my 12-year-old daughter patted my shoulder and said, “Stop […]
Backtrack #9: A Tapestry of Compassion, Patience, Humanity, Individuality, and Safety (May Tsun, Ainan 2008-2010)
How did you find out about JET, and what led you to apply? The program was well known at my college. I was interested in an experience abroad before graduate […]