Dr Marika Wood
As soon as I read ‘internationalization’ and ‘grassroots cultural exchange’, I knew that the JET programme was the opportunity I was looking for upon my graduation with my BA degree.
I was fortunate to be given my first choice of placement which was in Fukuoka (2005-2007). I spent the working days teaching English in Elementary schools in the area, which I enjoyed so much it felt almost wrong to be getting paid for it! Highlights included eating the school lunches at the tiny desks with the younger grades and following by example as I ate everything on my lunch tray and drank my milk carton. I recall play times (that were not long enough) playing dodgeball, and I remember at one school I was visiting they were hosting a few sumo wrestlers at the same time. All the kids took turns in groups trying to push these sumo wrestlers off the mat, and then I was encouraged to take my turn.
I will never forget the chants of ‘Marika Sensei, Marika Sensei’ as the students cheered me on, as I grabbed onto the belt thing (the correct name escapes me) and pushed the sumo wrestler with all my might (all 57kg of me!). The wrestler stumbled off the mat, and victory was mine as the kids erupted in joy. I know he let the gaijin have her moment of glory of course, but it is a moment I shall never forget. Oh, and that time I sat next to a grade 1 boy at lunch and he took a ruler out and plunged it into my face to measure my nose!
Upon leaving Japan, I knew I felt passionately about pursuing a career in education - as a result of my experience as an ALT - but also continuing on my journey of cultural exchange and integrating myself into life in a foreign country. I completed my MSc in TESOL in Scotland and then was employed by a University in the Kingdom of Bahrain to teach English to Arabic speaking students. Many students have come through my classroom over the years who have expressed an interest in Japanese culture, whether through anime or food or teaching themselves the language. My favourite part of those interactions is when I am able to share that I lived and worked in Japan, and seeing the look of awe and sheer wonder in their eyes. It is a wonderful thing to see students so engaged and interested in a different part of the world. I have been in Bahrain for almost 15 years, and in that time I have also completed my Doctorate degree.
My thesis focused on how to assist Bahraini students in higher education here develop their critical reading skills. I credit my time in Japan as a JET for putting my career - and life - on this trajectory, and I am so thankful and blessed for every moment. It was the best time of my life and helped me see what I wanted my future to be. I would love for some of my students to have the same opportunity.
Are you a JET alum with a story to share? Get in touch to be featured in an upcoming Senpai Spotlight.
