May 2025: Jordan Cleland
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!
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 .