Author: Lily Sun

Hello, and welcome back to the JET Alumni Spotlight! Today we feature Rebecca Phoenix. Please read on to learn more about her time in Mie Prefecture, her experience working at a special needs school, and her post-JET experience.

Are you from the Great Lakes area? What is your experience in the Great Lakes Area?

Detroiter born and mostly raised. Any one who live on the east side of the city in the early 2000s will understand why my family choose to move to the metro-area for a time. 

What is your favorite Japanese snack?

I love Sakura Mochi. I am currently devastated that I am not going to get my fix this year. If any one knows a wagashiya in the metro Detroit area who is making sakura mochi DM me any time! (Not a joke, I’m so for real on this one) 

What is the biggest difference you see between Japanese and American culture? What do you believe these two cultures could learn from each other?

We have many things to learn from each other. While Americans can learn to appreciate small quiet moments to think and reset before diving headlong into a situation. My Japanese colleagues could use some training on how to be open and honest in communication and not to be afraid of the unexpected.

Also I think both cultures need to better embrace small business culture. There are so many hidden gems across Japan and America that support daily life, I am  big fan of “2nd city” tourism and “mom&pop” shops. 

How did you become interested in applying for the JET program?

I have always been interested in going to Japan. After took my first trip with my school in 2014 I realized my next goal was to live in Japan, even if it wasn’t permanent. After attending JCMU in college I heard about the JET program from my teachers decided it was my way in. 

Were you an ALT, a CIR, or an SEA on the JET Program? How long were you on the program, and where was your placement?

I was a high school/ special needs ALT in Mie-ken for 3 years. 

Would you please tell us more about your placement? For ALTs, what were your schools like? For CIRs and SEAs, what sort of work were you involved in?

During my time there I worked across 4 different schools teaching kids from lower junior high school – special needs to college prep 3rd years. 

What is a memory you have from your time on JET that sticks out to you?

I learned a lot along side all of my students but my most precious memory is from my special needs school. After teaching a non-verbal student for three years, she was able to say “Trick-or-treat!” and “thank you” by the middle of her 3rd year in high school. Her everyday teachers were the ones doing the hard work getting her through her therapy, to the point where she could communicate with others. I felt very honored that I could have been a part of her journey and maybe teared up a little on the train ride home. All of my special needs students were excited to greet me inside and outside of class in heir own unique ways which made even the most difficult of days a bit brighter. 

What has your career path been since leaving the JET Program? How has JET influenced your journey?

I returned to the states to finish my dual masters in Public History and Library and Information Science and I am also getting a graduate certificate in Archival Administration. Also because my nana asked me weekly when I was coming home. I like to say I got off the plane and into the classroom as I had an assignment due 2 days after landing. 

My long term interests and goals have always been around Museums, History and public out reach in addition to Japanese studies. I have many personal goals around uplifting my Detroit community – especially on the hard hit east side. JET showed me that I have skills beyond the academic, and gave me the opportunity to better engage with the community around me. If I can bring together all of my interests for the betterment of my community, I will find a away. My current goal is to find a job with health insurance, so I can pursue these community goals to their fullest; bring new experiences and opportunities to the city I love. 

Do you have any advice or other support that you can give to current / future JET applicants? How about your fellow alumni?

For my ALTs still in the system, JET and CLAIR work in mysterious ways. If there is something you believe in doing, don’t give up on it. Cross cultural communication means we learn new pathways to make our passions reality. Work to network with your fellows and support each other. If the community works together, the better your collective experience for you and often for your students. You are all a team, lean on your team in rain and celebrate each other in shine. 

For aspiring ALTs, remember this program is a beautiful stepping stone into your future. During JET you can explore different skills, strengths and parts of yourself that seemed impossible to do during college. Take it one day a a time, but remember it doesn’t stop here. There is still a future beyond JET.

Where can we reach you for networking?

You can find me on Instagram, on Linkedin, or through my email. Yes that is indeed, my real last name. 

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Please do reach out if you have any questions for our alumni. Thank you, Rebecca, for sharing your own story.

Alumni Spotlight is an outreach activity through the Great Lakes JET Alumni Association seeking to build stronger connections between alumni and to provide bridges for networking. If you or an alumnus you know would like to be featured in an installment of Alumni Spotlight, please email us at .

Hello, and welcome back to the JET Alumni Spotlight! Today we feature Sarah Markee. Please read on to learn more about her time in Fukushima, her affinity for Auld Lang Syne, and her experience working for a Prefectural Super Science High (SSH) School.

Are you from the Great Lakes area? What is your experience in the Great Lakes Area?

Born and raised in the Genesee county area in Michigan! I’m proud of our state and of course our beautiful lakes. Being in Japan helped me to realize what I missed about Michigan, so I can appreciate it so much more now. I enjoy our autumn season best with all the donuts, cider, orchards, hayrides, and fall colors I can handle! 

What is your favorite Japanese convenience store?

My favorite convenience store is 7-11! I love their pizza-man, black thunder ice cream bars, and the fact that it was my closest conbini to home. Their prize collaborations were always fun too.

What is the biggest difference you see between Japanese and American culture? What do you believe these two cultures could learn from each other?

One of the biggest differences initially was realizing how loud we are as Americans! I remember getting back into the airport once COVID restrictions eased up, during the Olympics. I remember hearing Americans sitting near me and just being so overwhelmed with the noise level! In comparison, I recall the soft spoken words, gentle smiles, and graceful bows as I was greeted in Japanese stores. I do miss the closing song, “Auld Lang Syne,” and I really wish we did it here in America. I think it would be nice to see Japan become more progressive, diverse, and less bureaucratic. For America, it would be great to have public transportation, universal health care, and the deep connection and appreciation with nature that Japan does so well.

How did you become interested in applying for the JET program?

I became interested in the JET Program in college. I was studying to be an elementary teacher and I always wanted to travel and visit Japan. At some point I looked into joining to Peace Corps, but I heard about the JET Program and decided to apply. I interviewed right out of college graduation and landed the job, despite waiting in limbo for a while. I got the call May 22 for the upgrade!

Were you an ALT, a CIR, or an SEA on the JET Program? How long were you on the program, and where was your placement?

I was hired as an ALT from 2019-2023. I was placed in Aizuwakamatsu City in Fukushima. I requested Hokkaido originally because I had a friend there but was open to anywhere. At the time I had no idea where Fukushima was and I was a bit worried about the radiation, since that was all I could find on Google. But I’m so glad I got the chance to go there and it was a perfect fit for me. And don’t worry, they are actually better in radiation levels than most places in the world, since they have stricter protocols on sievert levels. So I know the food is high quality! Please go try their peaches and sauce katsu!

Would you please tell us more about your placement? For ALTs, what were your schools like? For CIRs and SEAs, what sort of work were you involved in?

I was in a Prefectural Super Science High (SSH) School. What that means is that it was a high performance school, that was difficult to test into, focusing on science in conjunction with Aizu University, but also focused on other extracurriculars that were less common like kendo, naginata, kyudo, English Debate, tea ceremony, and so on. It was a junior high and high school combination, so the school was massive! I worked with well over 300 students a year just in junior high, and I would teach each of them twice weekly. For example, the first year junior high students were 1A, 1B, 1C on Mondays and Wednesdays. I was assigned to be the junior high school ALT, and there was a high school ALT as well. However during COVID, the high school ALT left, and I took over both portions until the borders reopened, and we got a new high school ALT. It was quite a lot of work, but I don’t regret getting the chance to work with both groups. I do wish I had more chances to work with preschool or elementary students, as my college degree was in early childhood and elementary education, but I got plenty of opportunities to see them in community events and volunteering.

What is a memory you have from your time on JET that sticks out to you?

I think it’s the little interactions with the Japanese community. For example, one time I was at HardOff looking at yukatas for a photoshoot I was working on. I was having a difficult time matching obi and other accessories, and an older Japanese lady, who was a customer not an employee, helped me! She coordinated an outfit so perfectly AND helped dress me in it. Another moment, I was walking near a temple, enjoying the peace and beauty in the garden and an old Japanese lady saw me and asked if I would join her to pray at the temple. I never had a chance to do it, so having someone there to show me what to do felt like I was getting a glimpse into real Japanese life. Afterwards she gave me some edamame from her garden! Another crazy movie scene of an adventure was when there was a typhoon that caused all public transportation to close. With the help of the service desk at the station, I got a private taxi, who drove me 5 hours from Tottori to Hiroshima, but only charged for half the ride. He wouldn’t take more money, and told me it was the least he could do. My heart is so full at the lengths people will go to in Japan. The hospitality and care is beyond anything I’ve ever seen from strangers. 

What has your career path been since leaving the JET Program? How has JET influenced your journey?

My career path has fluctuated so much! Before the JET Program, I spent years studying and working in early childhood centers. But after JET during COVID, I was burnt out. I didn’t want to teach anymore, especially not in the US. I took some time to readjust back into American life. Eventually I went back to working as a cake decorator, which I had done throughout college for six years. After that I worked at a greenhouse in the perennial department. And now I just started a new job as a travel consultant for Inside Travel Japan! I’m so excited to work within the realm of Japan again. I think the break I took in between helped me to appreciate Japan again after a difficult transition with reverse culture shock. I’m hoping to start adding more options into the Tohoku region in the company, since there’s not as much travel done there and it’s such a rewarding travel experience!

Do you have any advice or other support that you can give to current / future JET applicants? How about your fellow alumni?

For current JETS, I would recommend that you seek out support and mental health earlier than later. Don’t be afraid of getting help, taking mental health leaves, or sharing the workload. Please be aware of making boundaries around your work, colleagues, and fellow JET participants. While it is wonderful to want to experience everything, listen to your body, less is more. Quality over quantity. And look for quality relationships you can trust, you don’t need to be a friend to everyone. Being in the JET Program can be so rewarding, and I hope you enjoy your time there. For alumni, don’t stop looking for whatever it is that calls you. I thought for sure my dream option of a company that is ethical, environmentally conscious, diverse, supportive, remote, cares about their employees and more was going to be impossible to find. But with the help of Kasia at Ikigai Connections, JETwitJobs, and Nihongo Jobs, I was able to find the perfect fit! Make sure to talk to fellow alumni, network at GLJETAA or other community events. You never know when a conversation will lead to a connection to someone who’s hiring, looking to start a business, or in my case, finding a rental home! 

Where can we reach you for networking?

You can find me professionally on my LinkedIn, or at my Instagram for my creative side.

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Please do reach out if you have any questions for our alumni. Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your own story.

Alumni Spotlight is an outreach activity through the Great Lakes JET Alumni Association seeking to build stronger connections between alumni and to provide bridges for networking. If you or an alumnus you know would like to be featured in an installment of Alumni Spotlight, please email us at .

Hello, and welcome back to the JET Alumni Spotlight! Today we feature Annelise Wilp. Please read on to learn more about her time in Saitama, her passion for working with students, and her love for Karaage-kun.

Are you from the Great Lakes area? What is your experience in the Great Lakes Area?

I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, and met my husband while attending Western Michigan University. We recently moved to the metro Detroit area and love it so far. 

What is your favorite Japanese convenience store?

Lawson will always be my favorite. I became obsessed with all of the Karaage-kun chicken flavors, and their cute seasonal dumplings that would sometimes be Sanrio-themed.

What is the biggest difference you see between Japanese and American culture? What do you believe these two cultures could learn from each other?

I think the biggest difference for me is how people interact in public. In the US, it is normal to have small talk with strangers, but if you did this in Japan, they would be shocked. I became used to the tranquility of a silent commute in Japan, and learned that it’s not always necessary to fill silent gaps. Sometimes, your presence is enough without speaking, even among friends.

How did you become interested in applying for the JET program?

In high school, I discovered JET participants’ vlogs on YouTube. At the time, Japan felt like a faraway dream that was not in the cards for me. In college, some of my Japanese professors were JET alumni, and I met a lot of Japanese exchange students who inspired me to apply for JET.

Were you an ALT, a CIR, or an SEA on the JET Program? How long were you on the program, and where was your placement?

I was an ALT in Saitama from 2018-2020. Unfortunately, the pandemic started in my second year, so I decided to return home.

Would you please tell us more about your placement? For ALTs, what were your schools like? For CIRs and SEAs, what sort of work were you involved in?

I was lucky to be placed at one of the best schools in Saitama, Warabi High School. The school had a renowned foreign language program, so the students were high level and motivated to improve their English. My English club was such a fantastic group of students, and that was always the highlight of my week.

What is a memory you have from your time on JET that sticks out to you?

My school would take our first year Gaigo (advanced foreign language) class to British Hills, Fukushima for a drama contest. It was like Hogwarts in Japan, and it was so much fun for both the students and teachers. 

Outside of school, my now-husband visited me for two weeks, and we traveled all over Japan. I also met up with several college friends since I lived near Tokyo, and it was great to have those reunions and say, “hey, I made it to Japan!” One time, I ran into one of my Japanese professors by complete coincidence outside of a ramen shop in Shibuya. That was one of the most random and bizarre things that has ever happened to me. 

What has your career path been since leaving the JET Program? How has JET influenced your journey?

I really enjoyed working with students during JET, and helping them achieve their goals. When I returned to the US, I continued working with students, and now work as a student advisor for adult distance learners.

Do you have any advice or other support that you can give to current / future JET applicants? How about your fellow alumni?

My advice for current and future JETs is to be your true self. The program picks you because they see someone who can make an impact on their community in Japan. Before I left for Japan, my departure group was told, “you are not only a representative of your country, but of yourself.” Those words stuck with me and helped me have a rewarding JET experience.

To my fellow JET alumni, I look forward to continuing to connect and finding an excuse to talk about Japan for hours 🙂 

Where can we reach you for networking?

Please feel free to reach out to my LinkedIn profile for networking.

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Please do reach out if you have any questions for our alumni. Thank you, Annelise, for sharing your own story.

Alumni Spotlight is an outreach activity through the Great Lakes JET Alumni Association seeking to build stronger connections between alumni and to provide bridges for networking. If you or an alumnus you know would like to be featured in an installment of Alumni Spotlight, please email us at .

Hello, and welcome back to the JET Alumni Spotlight! Today we feature Erik Wochholz. Please read on to learn more about his time in Hokkaido, his passion of education, and his love for konbini coffee.

Are you from the Great Lakes area? What is your experience in the Great Lakes Area?

I am originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I’ve lived in Michigan for all my life (save for the five years that I spent on JET!)

What is your favorite Japanese convenience store?

I am a big proponent of 7-Eleven in Japan. While other konbini that shall not be named may have certain advantages, 7-Eleven coffee is perfect. I cannot begin to describe how many times their coffee saved me in the morning.

What is the biggest difference you see between Japanese and American culture? What do you believe these two cultures could learn from each other?

The single biggest difference I see is that Japanese people are more inclined to not directly confront a problem compared to Americans. This mindset is something that I personally refer to as “gaman culture,” derived from the Japanese word for “to endure or to persevere.” Generally, Japanese people tend to avoid disturbing the peace of the group. Conversely, Americans tend to be much more direct about confronting a problem regardless of the repercussions it may have on the group. I believe that both cultures could benefit from attempting to learn the positives and negatives of these two different problem-solving approaches to create a more nuanced perspective.

How did you become interested in applying for the JET program?

My interest in applying to the JET program is tied to me starting to study the Japanese language. I first became interested in learning Japanese by browsing the internet during high school. One day, I happened across a forum thread about the JET program. I had been interested in Japan for some time by that point; making it a goal to move to Japan via the JET program seemed like a good idea. I knew that learning Japanese would be critical for life in Japan. Who would have thought that coming across a random forum thread would have so drastically changed my life?

Were you an ALT, a CIR, or an SEA on the JET Program? How long were you on the program, and where was your placement?

I was an ALT in Itoigawa, Niigata prefecture for 5 years from 2018 to 2023. Fun fact: we refer to 5-year ALTs as unicorns.

Would you please tell us more about your placement? For ALTs, what were your schools like? For CIRs and SEAs, what sort of work were you involved in?

I was a city-based ALT, meaning that I worked in elementary and junior high schools. I ended up teaching at five elementary schools, one junior high school, and four pre-schools throughout those five years. My schools varied greatly in size, with the largest elementary school consisting of over 200 students while the smallest had nine students in its final year.

What is a memory you have from your time on JET that sticks out to you?

My strongest memories are tied with that elementary school with only nine students that I mentioned previously. That school was unfortunately closed due to the area’s declining population. The students gave me a very touching gift on the last day of my lessons. I will never forget how hard I cried that day.

What has your career path been since leaving the JET Program? How has JET influenced your journey?

Upon returning to the US, I became a participant in AmeriCorps and spent a year as an administrative assistant for a Japanese company. However, my time as an ALT on the JET program really taught me that my true career passion is in education. I have now decided to refocus my efforts on teaching overseas once again, this time through the PeaceCorps. I will have more information to share about that journey soon.

Do you have any advice or other support that you can give to current / future JET applicants? How about your fellow alumni?

Never let someone tell you that your dreams are impossible. I have had close family members tell me before that they didn’t believe that I could get into the JET program. Ultimately, you are the only person who can decide whether something is truly impossible. Have confidence in yourself and stay true to the path that you have decided. Perseverance will pay off.

Where can we reach you for networking?

Please feel free to reach out to my LinkedIn profile for any networking.

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Please do reach out if you have any questions for our alumni. Thank you, Erik, for sharing your own story.

Alumni Spotlight is an outreach activity through the Great Lakes JET Alumni Association seeking to build stronger connections between alumni and to provide bridges for networking. If you or an alumnus you know would like to be featured in an installment of Alumni Spotlight, please email us at .

Hello, and welcome back to the JET Alumni Spotlight! Today we feature Meg Worden. Please read on to learn more about her time visiting beaches in Toyama Prefecture, and her fulfilling career post JET.

Are you from the Great Lakes area? What is your experience in the Great Lakes Area?

Yes! I was born and raised in Metro Detroit. I don’t think I realized how much I loved it here until I moved to Japan and was introducing my students to this area. Between the cultures here, nature available, and incredible vacation spots just a few hours away, I’ve gotten good at making people jealous of where I live.

Which do you prefer: the mountains or the sea?

I’m going to cheat a little here. Sea is the answer but my favorite beach is Amaharashi Beach in Toyama–one of three beaches in the world you can see 3000m tall snow capped mountains from.

What is the biggest difference you see between Japanese and American culture? What do you believe these two cultures could learn from each other?

Communal harmony versus individual needs. Both are incredibly important things, but swing too far one way or another and you have discord, I feel. I think seeing how smoothly Japanese society functions is something Americans are envious of, but forget that the smallest deviation from established norms can cause major disruption. It leaves a lack of adaptability to sudden change, something I think JETs butt up against frequently at work. 

On the flipside without an eye out for those around you, everyone ends up their own kingdom and castle. Basic needs can go unmet if community isn’t valued, and systems can change so frequently there isn’t any consistency. We see it in production quality checks and even in education. 

I think we in the US could learn to extend our view of self to include the community around us, and Japan could use some practice in flexibility. 

How did you become interested in applying for the JET program?

My Japanese teacher in high school. She had so many stories and such a love for Japan and Japanese she inspired me to both be a JET and ultimately a Japanese teacher myself. I owe a lot of where I am now to that inspiration. 

Were you an ALT, a CIR, or an SEA on the JET Program? How long were you on the program, and where was your placement?

ALT for 2 years in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture from 2013-2015.

Would you please tell us more about your placement? For ALTs, what were your schools like? For CIRs and SEAs, what sort of work were you involved in?

I was in a smaller town and worked at the smallest middle school in the foothills. Toyama is very “inaka”, but we all swear there’s something in the water there. From the sprawling valley full of rice fields, to the breathtaking view of the spine of the Japanese alps, the whole prefecture is stunning. The people are kind and welcoming, and most importantly the food. We all know how important good local food is, but Toyama knocks everywhere out of the park. I could wax poetic about it for pages but my single example is going to Himi and eating fresh caught fish from the same haul that was making its way to Tsukiji fish market. The cheapest sushi in Toyama tasted as good as the high price places I’d go in the Tokyo area. 

What is a memory you have from your time on JET that sticks out to you?

Driving to the beach I mentioned in the middle of the night. It was March of my first year and I hadn’t seen the beach yet. I think growing up on a lake created a love of water in me, and with the Bay of Japan so close it felt sacrilegious to not have visited it yet. Maybe it was the Michigander in me missing a large body of water, I still don’t know, but I got out of a late dinner at a coworkers house and just said screw it. I drove out and parked along the harbor, slid open the door of my kei-van, and sat there and just watched the midnight sea. It’s still one of my favorite memories. 

What has your career path been since leaving the JET Program? How has JET influenced your journey?

I came back and got my masters in education and now I teach Japanese in downtown Detroit at Cass Technical High School. I love my job more than words can convey. 

Do you have any advice or other support that you can give to current / future JET applicants? How about your fellow alumni?

Every moment you have is an opportunity for growth. Break away from the camera app and view the moment through your own eyes. Soak slowly in moments, collect them, reflect on them, and keep going. 

Where can we reach you for networking?

Facebook (find me through the GLJETAA page!) or email. I’d love to say LinkedIn, but I honestly do not recall the last time I opened it. 

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Please do reach out if you have any questions for our alumni. Thank you, Meg, for sharing your own story.

Alumni Spotlight is an outreach activity through the Great Lakes JET Alumni Association seeking to build stronger connections between alumni and to provide bridges for networking. If you or an alumnus you know would like to be featured in an installment of Alumni Spotlight, please email us at .

Hello, and welcome back to the JET Alumni Spotlight! Today we feature Anne Hooghart. Please read on to learn more about her time on staff trip to an onsen in Wakayama, and her valuable advice for future JETs.

Are you from the Great Lakes area? What is your experience in the Great Lakes Area?

Yes, I was born and raised in Michigan. I have worked in Adrian, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Flint, Detroit, Lansing, and Novi. I am currently based in Ypsilanti, MI, where I teach Japanese online and help support my favorite NPO, Hinoki Foundation, promoting Japanese-English bilingualism among preK-12 students.

Which do you prefer: the mountains or the sea?

Mountains! I miss seeing them when I come back from Japan to southeast Michigan. When I told this to a Japanese friend, she said, “Why don’t you just take home one of our mountains? We have plenty!”  

What is the biggest difference you see between Japanese and American culture? What do you believe these two cultures could learn from each other?

Perhaps the most obvious difference is the tendency toward more group-orientation in Japanese culture and more individual-orientation in American culture. Through interaction and exchange, the two cultures could perhaps learn to strike a better balance between the skills of self-assertion, initiative, and quick response in times of crisis with the habits of concern for the greater good, public humility, and excellent customer service.

How did you become interested in applying for the JET program?

After earning a B.A. in Asian Studies, including 3 years of Japanese language, I wanted the chance to return to Japan (where I had been a summer exchange student during high school), and continue to strengthen my Japanese language and cultural skills. When I saw a poster on a wall at the University of Michigan, I decided to apply.

Were you an ALT, a CIR, or an SEA on the JET Program? How long were you on the program, and where was your placement?

ALT in Nagahama, Shiga, from 1989-90. (Just 1 year! What was I thinking?!?)

Would you please tell us more about your placement? For ALTs, what were your schools like? For CIRs and SEAs, what sort of work were you involved in?

I was a city-based ALT and taught in all 4 junior high schools in town. This gave me valuable exposure to students who came from white-collar families and were mostly headed for college to the less academic-focused children of farmers and blue-collar workers who could not see much use for English proficiency.

What is a memory you have from your time on JET that sticks out to you?

I will never forget the school staff trip to an onsen in Wakayama, just a week or two after I arrived at my placement. I had no money, and my first payday was weeks away. So I ended up borrowing the ￥30,000 fee from my assistant principal, and had an amazing time with my colleagues, experiencing a Japanese tour bus, traditional ryokan inn, seaside hot springs, and of course, enkai feasting and drinking–learning *lots* of non-standard, local dialect.

What has your career path been since leaving the JET Program? How has JET influenced your journey?

When I joined the JET Program, I expected to go into international business. I never expected to enter the business of teaching, find that I seem to be suited to it and truly enjoy it! I learned *so* much for my main co-teacher/JTE, who was a truly gifted educator, and to this day, I remain grateful to her and still use what she taught me. I am also active in the Michigan-Shiga sister-state exchange programs of which I was completely unaware when I first went to Shiga on JET. 
I remain friends with many people in Shiga, and with former JETs in the USA, Canada, and even Australia, whom I met while on JET.

Do you have any advice or other support that you can give to current / future JET applicants? How about your fellow alumni?

To everyone, my advice is usually some version of “Follow your ikigai.” Find out what you love to do, what you would do whether or not you got paid for it, and pursue that, for as long as you enjoy it – and do it well!

Where can we reach you for networking?

I welcome networking contacts at  and/or my LinkedIn site: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-m-hooghart-phd/.

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Please do reach out if you have any questions for our alumni. Thank you, Anne, for sharing your own story.

Alumni Spotlight is an outreach activity through the Great Lakes JET Alumni Association seeking to build stronger connections between alumni and to provide bridges for networking. If you or an alumnus you know would like to be featured in an installment of Alumni Spotlight, please email us at .

Hello, and welcome back to the JET Alumni Spotlight! Today we feature Jordan Cleland. Please read on to learn more about her time working in elementary schools, and her valuable advice for future JETs.

Are you from the Great Lakes area? What is your experience in the Great Lakes Area?

I’m a Michigander born and raised! I am from the Thumb Area, specifically a small town called Deckerville and I live quite close to Lake Huron. My dad is a farmer and my mom is retired from the medical field. I went to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for undergrad and studied Political Science and Japanese Studies. The only other place I’ve lived besides Michigan is Japan!

What is your favorite Japanese snack?

My favorite conbini snack is definitely curry pan. I’ve been fantasizing about it lately and have been mulling over trying to make my own from scratch!

What is the biggest difference you see between Japanese and American culture? What do you believe these two cultures could learn from each other?

There are a lot of differences but I do see hyper-individualism as more of an American thing. I don’t want to make sweeping generalizations but as a yapper, I love to talk and joke around. I think in the U.S. it’s normal to be talking on trains/buses and not pay very close attention to those around you. In Japan, it’s different. I appreciate how thoughtful the atmosphere is for other folks and the spaces we take for granted as social in the U.S. can be quieter in the Japanese context. I think the U.S. should adopt more of a culture of being mindful towards others. I also wish we had more onsen culture! On the other hand, I hope to see Japanese culture continue to become more diverse and open minded.

How did you become interested in applying for the JET program?

I heard about it during undergrad from my Japanese senseis and I think I went to info sessions starting in my junior year. I knew I wanted to move to Japan, improve my Japanese, and get a better sense of life full time there.

Were you an ALT, a CIR, or an SEA on the JET Program? How long were you on the program, and where was your placement?

I was an ALT in Akita City, Akita Prefecture for almost 2 years.

Would you please tell us more about your placement? For ALTs, what were your schools like? For CIRs and SEAs, what sort of work were you involved in?

I was at two elementary schools, and I remember when I got my placement I was super apprehensive. I had wanted highschool; I didn’t have a lot of experience with little kids. But let me tell you, elementary school was the biggest blessing. I feel like I had fun aunt energy and was able to joke and play with the kiddos. Both schools were small/midsized. 

What is a memory you have from your time on JET that sticks out to you?

I remember one girl telling me she didn’t like English until she took my class and that meant a lot to me. It made me feel like I was making a real impact during my time there.

What has your career path been since leaving the JET Program? How has JET influenced your journey?

When I got back from Japan in August 2023, I planned to start an online Master’s degree in International Education Management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, CA. This past January I started an internship with Michigan State University’s Center for Global Learning and Innovation, in the office for Education Abroad. I am happy to report that I just finished my degree and will now be transitioning to a full time role in this office as a Global Learning Coordinator, so I will be able to help more students study abroad and away in the U.S.! 

Do you have any advice or other support that you can give to current / future JET applicants? How about your fellow alumni?

For future applicants, I would say to be open minded and try to make relationships with your Japanese coworkers but also try to make Japanese friends elsewhere! I made friends just by joining a local gym and we still keep in touch. Learn to be adaptable and flexible. For alumni, I think networking is the obvious advice I can give. Learn about other alumni and what they are up to, reach out if you’re curious about a job they hold and do informational interviews! I did an informational interview with an alum who did not only JET but the degree program I went into, and she was a massive help when settling into my internship. We alums are out there and are willing to chat and help!

Where can we reach you for networking?

Find me on my LinkedIn!

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Please do reach out if you have any questions for our alumni. Thank you, Jordan, for sharing your own story.

Alumni Spotlight is an outreach activity through the Great Lakes JET Alumni Association seeking to build stronger connections between alumni and to provide bridges for networking. If you or an alumnus you know would like to be featured in an installment of Alumni Spotlight, please email us at .

Hello, and welcome back to the JET Alumni Spotlight! This time Lily Sun, our current webmaster, has volunteered to participate in an interview. Please read on to learn more about her time in the lovely Nanao city, her multilingual background, and her unforgettable experience of trying to hike a mountain in an actual pair of Vans.

Are you from the Great Lakes area? What is your experience in the Great Lakes Area?

I’m a third culture kid and have trouble answering the question of “where am I from”. I was born in China. And when I moved to Canada, I lived in Windsor, Ontario and when I moved to the US, I lived in Troy, Michigan for awhile. So technically, I’ve been around the Great Lakes area for a long time. 

What is your favorite Japanese snack?

I love anything with red bean so I love myself a dorayaki, a shiratama zenzai, or a taiyaki.

What is the biggest difference you see between Japanese and American culture? What do you believe these two cultures could learn from each other?

The biggest difference is the prevalence of group think in Japanese culture and individualism in American culture. I think people who live in the US can relate more to others and act for the good of everyone, maybe there would be fewer problems. Similarly, if many people in Japan could be comfortable being more individualistic, it would loosen some social pressure to act accordingly.

How did you become interested in applying for the JET program?

I took an elective Japanese class and my professor told the class about JET. From learning English in my teens, I know from experience that immersion is a great way to become better at a language. I knew moving to Japan is a great way to level up my Japanese skills.

Were you an ALT, a CIR, or an SEA on the JET Program? How long were you on the program, and where was your placement?

I was an ALT placed in Nanao, Ishikawa Prefecture, from 2015-2017.

Would you please tell us more about your placement? For ALTs, what were your schools like? For CIRs and SEAs, what sort of work were you involved in?

Nanao City is located at the base of the Noto Peninsula. For the first eight months I was there, I worked at one junior high, and rotated weekly visits between two elementary schools. For the 12 months after that, I worked at 12 elementary schools, a few times where I went to a different school every week. And the last four months I was there, I went back to my former junior high and rotated three elementary schools. It’s been too long, I might be misremembering.

What is a memory you have from your time on JET that sticks out to you?

The best story I have from my time on JET was when I tried to climb Mount Hakusan on the border of Ishikawa and Gifu. Michigan is very flat, so my experience of hiking was geographically limited. Up until that point, I have never owned hiking boots, and I didn’t have time to break into any new shoes, so I wore a pair of Vans. It was a disaster. Halfway up the mountain my feet were hurting, and I was getting multiple toe cramps. A very kind Kiwi guy who was part of our group helped me. I hadn’t had a good night’s sleep the night before because because I was nervous. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get to the very top. And when we were coming down, we missed the bus to get us to the main parking lot. And it was sadly getting dark. For the last little bit, the Kiwi guy and another guy from Ohio carried me, while a Jamaican guy told me if I wanted him to take a picture to remember this in the future. I immediately rejected this idea out of embarrassment. Despite that, it’s the funniest and most embarrassing story I have from my time on JET.

What has your career path been since leaving the JET Program? How has JET influenced your journey?

After JET, I spent a few years tutoring Japanese, English and Chinese at a tutoring company. Without my JET experience I don’t think I could’ve been as comfortable jumping into that role. After that, I was lucky to have found a job that appreciated my graphic design experience and expertise. I focus on production 30% of the time and do graphic and product design for the rest of the time. 

Do you have any advice or other support that you can give to current / future JET applicants? How about your fellow alumni?

Be open to new experiences. Don’t spend too much energy focusing on things that don’t go your way. Some people are meant to be in your life for a reason, some people are meant to be in your life for a season, and some people are meant to be in your life forever. 

Where can we reach you for networking?

You can contact me via email at  or .

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Please do reach out if you have any questions for our alumni. Thank you, Lily Sun, for sharing your own story.

Alumni Spotlight is an outreach activity through the Great Lakes JET Alumni Association seeking to build stronger connections between alumni and to provide bridges for networking. If you or an alumnus you know would like to be featured in an installment of Alumni Spotlight, please email us at .

Welcome to the March 2025 Alumni Interview! We have reached out to our Event Coordinator Emily Rich for this month’s interview. Read on to learn more about Emily’s time stargazing in Yamagata prefecture and her spreading Ohio’s love for rollercoasters to her students.

Are you from the Great Lakes area? What is your experience in the Great Lakes Area?

Yes, I grew up in Northwest Ohio, near Fremont. My family still lives in that area, although I moved to Cleveland after I came back from Japan. Growing up in Ohio, one of the big jokes is that everyone wants to leave Ohio, but I learned while I was away just how much I love living here and I’m glad to be back in the buckeye state. 

Which do you prefer: the mountains or the sea?

Both! During JET, I lived on the coast of Yamagata prefecture, with the Sea of Japan on one side, and a basin wall of mountains on the other. Both were part of my everyday landscape. One of the most beautiful memories I have in Japan happened on a beach at night. I went out with friends to lay on the sand, stargaze, and light fireworks. It was in the middle of nowhere, and there was hardly any light pollution. Mount Chokai (the largest mountain around) was directly behind us and blocked the moon from view for most of our time on the beach. On our way down to the water, we had to use our phone lights to make sure we didn’t step on anything sharp. At the end, though, as we were getting ready to head out, the moon started to peep out over the top of the mountain, and we stood still to watch the moon rise over the mountain’s peak until the whole beach was covered in light. It was incredible. 

What is the biggest difference you see between Japanese and American culture? What do you believe these two cultures could learn from each other?

I think everyone who has lived in Japan has heard this statement: “In Japan, we have four seasons!” I’ll admit, while I lived there I would feel annoyed by this. I would always compliment how beautiful the seasons are in Japan, and share that we have four seasons in Ohio, too. After I returned to the United States I realized that while we both have four seasons, Japanese people celebrate their seasons so vigorously that they’re right to brag about them. I loved watching the seasons change, and celebrating those changes. I would love for that culture of celebrating nature to spread into American culture. It’s a beautiful way to demarcate time’s passage and celebrate life.

How did you become interested in applying for the JET program?

Prepare yourself for the most boring answer. I chose to get my undergraduate degree in Japanese, and as a student I heard about the JET Program constantly. At the time, I thought I wanted to live in Japan for the rest of my life so it became a goal of mine early on to do JET. Even before arriving at university, I heard about it from my professors and through my own research. 

However, study abroad gave me a lot of clarity and I realized that as much as I loved Japan, I probably couldn’t live there permanently and changed my long-term plans. During my senior year, I applied to graduate schools to study Library and Information Science. Then, two weeks before the JET application deadline, a very well-placed Facebook ad reminded me that the application was closing and I decided that I would regret it if I didn’t try. It’s a temporary job, not long-term. I still loved Japan and I missed it. Why not live there for a few years and then come back and do grad school later? I did a speed-run of the application and submitted it within a week. In the end, I was accepted into both JET and my top grad school program, and I chose JET. I don’t regret that choice at all!

Were you an ALT, a CIR, or an SEA on the JET Program? How long were you on the program, and where was your placement?

I was an ALT in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture for 3 years.

Would you please tell us more about your placement? For ALTs, what were your schools like? For CIRs and SEAs, what sort of work were you involved in?

I worked in elementary schools and junior high schools. During my time in Sakata, I worked at nine different schools, and all of them were wonderful for different reasons. One of those schools was a brief stint on a tiny island that fell under the city’s board of education. There was one student at the junior high school on the island, and I was sent there for three days and stayed at a ryokan that mostly existed for professional fishermen. 

What is a memory you have from your time on JET that sticks out to you?

There’s so many that it’s hard to choose, so here’s one that relates to our region. When I did my self introduction lesson (over and over and over again), I of course talked about Ohio and what I like about my home state. And if there’s one thing that everyone in Ohio likes about Ohio, it’s Cedar Point! I would always talk about my favorite roller coaster, Millennium Force. I would share how tall it was and how fast it goes, and then I would play the park’s official front row POV video. It was always a blast! The kids loved it, and I recommend it to any future Ohio JETs. 

At one of my elementary schools, the 6th grade class loved it so much that on my second visit, the teacher asked me to “please bring a new roller coaster” next time. For that whole year, I cycled through all of the Cedar Point roller coaster POVs. There was always a lot of screaming and putting hands up in the air. Later, after they went on to junior high and I had returned to Ohio, I received a LINE message from their new ALT who was also from Ohio. When she gave her self introduction lesson, she asked the students what Ohio is famous for. She said that many students mentioned sports but one kid said, “No, it’s roller coasters. Don’t you remember Emily-sensei in elementary school? She was from Ohio and showed us the big roller coasters!”

What has your career path been since leaving the JET Program? How has JET influenced your journey?

Since leaving Japan, I did what I told myself I would do after finishing JET and have been working in the library field. I work in academic libraries, and I enjoy working on a college campus. My everyday work doesn’t usually have much overlap with my experience in Japan, which is one reason I got involved in GLJETAA first as the book club host, then as the event coordinator.  

Do you have any advice or other support that you can give to current / future JET applicants? How about your fellow alumni?

One regret I have about my time on JET is that I didn’t keep a good record or journal of my time and experiences. I have the memory of a goldfish, and I wish I had worked harder to keep a journal and save those memories for myself. Future and current JETs: Don’t let your time there feel normal! Take every experience you can, and find a way to record it for yourself so you can remember it later. 

I would like to encourage alumni to stay engaged! The more I engage with JETAA and Japanese cultural events and groups around me, the more I realize that JET doesn’t necessarily have to end with your contract. You can stay connected with JET and the Japanese community by being involved. (Reach out to the GLJETAA officers, and we’ll give you some ideas about what you can do!) 

Where can we reach you for networking?

You can email me at . I’m also on LinkedIn.

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Please do reach out if you have any questions for our alumni. Thank you, Emily Rich, for sharing your own story.

Alumni Spotlight is an outreach activity through the Great Lakes JET Alumni Association seeking to build stronger connections between alumni and to provide bridges for networking. If you or an alumnus you know would like to be featured in an installment of Alumni Spotlight, please email us at .

We are re-starting our Alumni Spotlight series!

For February 2025, we welcome Anthony Madry as our newest inductee into our Alumni Spotlight series. Please continue reading to learn more about Anthony’s time spent in Akita Prefecture, his post-JET experience working for a Japanese company in Japan, and his insight into what he sees as the biggest cultural difference between America and Japan.

Are you from the Great Lakes area? What is your experience in the Great Lakes Area?

I’m from Detroit, Michigan and I have lived there all of my life except for the time spent living in Japan. 

What is your favorite Japanese snack?

My go to for many years in Japan was Black Thunder!

What is the biggest difference you see between Japanese and American culture? What do you believe these two cultures could learn from each other?

The biggest difference I see is the mindset concerning obligation. In America, obligation is almost always seen as negative and avoided. Whereas in Japan obligation to one’s family and community is seen as a virtue. I think America could learn to have more of a sense of obligation to our communities. If we did, I’m sure our cities would be cleaner and safer. On the other hand, I know the mental strain that obligation can put on people in Japan, especially those who truly care and take responsibility. Therefore, I think Japan could learn how to make one’s own mental health a priority from a culture more slanted towards individualism like the US’s.

How did you become interested in applying for the JET program?

I was a Japanese major in university and even after getting my degree I knew I would have to live in Japan to truly improve my Japanese. 

Were you an ALT, a CIR, or an SEA on the JET Program? How long were you on the program, and where was your placement?

I was an ALT for 3 years in Akita prefecture.

Would you please tell us more about your placement? For ALTs, what were your schools like? For CIRs and SEAs, what sort of work were you involved in?

Akita is a very rural prefecture of Japan. I feel very blessed that it was my placement because I feel like I got to experience a more traditional side of Japan that many people who only live in major cities may not experience. I feel like I had good schools. The staff was very friendly and the students were in general good and interested in English. Of course, it wasn’t a perfect experience but overall, I had more things to be grateful for. 

What is a memory you have from your time on JET that sticks out to you?

I have so many memories from my time on JET. Most of them good, some not so good and some that I want to forget. The memory that sticks out the most to me is when some elementary school students who lived down the street from my apartment saw me coming home one day and asked me to play with them outside. We played and talked and the four of us (they were two brothers and a sister) ended up forging a great bond and we spent time together often. Especially during COVID we would hangout a lot. We’d go hiking, go to the park, go to the beach. We just spent a lot of time together. We are all very close to this day. Their mom invites me to stay with them whenever I am in Akita. 

What has your career path been since leaving the JET Program? How has JET influenced your journey?

Immediately after leaving JET I did sales for a Japanese manufacturing company based in Tokyo for about 3 years. After that I decided to move back home and start a landscaping and property maintenance business with my father (we even chose a Japanese name! https://hozen-os.com) I did that for a year which was a good experience and now I just recently accepted a full-time position to teach at FLICS in Detroit. JET was the introduction to teaching and while I really enjoyed it, I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue in it. But after trying a handful of other careers and thinking about my personality and values, I think teaching really suits me which is why I decided to return.

Do you have any advice or other support that you can give to current / future JET applicants? How about your fellow alumni?

My best advice to future, current and former JETs alike is to have a positive attitude and growth mindset. No career or lifestyle is perfect and without its challenges and setbacks but having the right attitude will propel to success no matter what you do. 

Where can we reach you for networking?

Feel free to reach me via email at .

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Please do reach out if you have any questions for our alumni. Thank you, Anthony Madry, for sharing your own story.

Alumni Spotlight is an outreach activity through the Great Lakes JET Alumni Association seeking to build stronger connections between alumni and to provide bridges for networking. If you or an alumnus you know would like to be featured in an installment of Alumni Spotlight, please email us at .