I believe many applicants and new JETs fail to see the importance of grassroots internationalisation.

When applying to the JET Programme or having just been accepted as a JET participant, you may wonder what “grassroots internationalization” is or how do I incorporate myself into the Japanese community?

First, read through this awesome manga called, Secrets of the ALT（Assistant Language Teacher) and take notes!

JET Program – Grassroots

Aiming primarily to promote grassroots internationalisation at the local level, the JET Programme invites young college graduates from around the world to participate in internationalisation initiatives and be involved in foreign language education at Japan’s local government offices, Boards of Education, elementary schools, junior high schools, and senior high schools.

http://jetprogramme.org/en/about-jet/

What stands out at the “local level” and “foreign language education,” should be a no-brainer.

It’s hard to imagine at first how you will impact the local community and even non-Japanese residents.

You should never focus on the “internationalization” part of it in a global setting. You are just a blip on the radar unless you are a movie star or prominent figure.

What does Internationalisation mean?

You will be looking for many ideas to write in your Statement of Purpose about grassroots internationalizations. There is a million different way to become involved in the local community in Japan.

Typical examples of grassroots internationalizations:

• Joining a taiko group
• Starting an English club
• Participating in local festivals
• Helping students with prefectural English speech contests
• Volunteering at English summer camps
• Helping new ALTs get accustomed to life in Japan
• Participating in after school clubs and circles
• Joining Sport’s Day or Cultural Day

Creative examples of grassroots internationalizations:

• Eating McDonald’s with your junior high schooler students
• Skateboarding with the locals
• Showing elementary school students a new game at recess
• Having lunch with your school kids every day
• Joining the local rugby or flag football team
• Going on local field trips
• Hanging out with your local host family
• Going to parties with your Board of Education and ALTs
• Writing articles for your local JET organization about things to do in your area

So many examples from my personal experiences that just weren’t about school or being the “grassroots stuff” that everyone always lists on their application.

What Internationalisation Means on JET…

A number for Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) fail to see what is out there for community involvement and making a “local” difference.

This is especially the case for foreigners abroad and can lead to severe culture shock and homesickness.

Becoming adjusted to your settings in Japan is a big deal in avoiding mental and psychological issues abroad. Japan is a wonderful place at first, but your mood and place will quickly change over time.

I won’t discuss the 4 stages of culture shock, but you should keep it in mind and its relationship to “grassroots internationalization” as they go hand-in-hand.

Cultural shock and homesickness are avoidable or reduced by taking a role in the community.

What is Community?

According to Webster: a group of people who live in the same area (such as a city, town, or neighborhood); a group of people who have the same interests, religion, race, etc.

As an applicant or ALT, you should be striving to build bridges in as many ways as possible to be part of the community.

Your hobbies and interests are the easiest ways for you to find yourself in Japan.

You don’t necessarily need to be outgoing to make friends or meet someone new if you share the same interests.

For example, I made a lot of close friends through skateboarding. It’s my passion and unlocked many new things for me in Japan. Whenever my Japanese friends would go skate, I would be invited by them to join, have fun, and best of all, communicate. I made a lot of friends outside the foreign group of ALTs in my city. Heck, I am proud to say that I was friends with more locals than most of the foreign teachers in my city. It went a long way as none of the ALTs in my city skateboarded.

It even made me the coolest teacher in the classroom when I showed off my passion with my students and teachers.

What I Learned about Grassroots

As a JET, I was so humbled that I did not visit back home (USA) till 2 and a half years later. I think more of that came down to pressure from parents and others.

Skateboarding is what helped me stay sane in Japan and become part of grassroots “internationalization.”

Grassroots Internationalization made Japan a comfortable second home to me, but this is not the case for everyone.

Most ALTs need to return home once a year. Everyone is different in their needs.
I stress the concept of grassroots because it is important in your application process and living abroad.

It is not to be taken lightly on your JET Program Application.