Katie Prescott
When most people think of Kyoto, they picture matcha, temples and geisha. However, Katie Prescott got to experience it from a totally different perspective - the life of a JET for a year (2022-23)
I was an ALT in Kyotanabe, a smaller city in Kyoto Prefecture and well connected to Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. Honestly, it's hard to pick out a single memorable moment, as I had so many incredible experiences during my time in Japan.
Firstly, I absolutely loved the schools and the wonderful students I was privileged to support. This ranged from the energetic chaos of kindergarten (I am still recovering from the trauma of "bug day"...) where we sang fun songs and enjoyed more creative projects, through to the more academically focused classes of junior high school. Having the flexibility to bring my own ideas into the classroom, design fun games and projects, and inspire kids to genuinely enjoy learning English was a real highlight.
Additionally, as an ALT I had so many opportunities to get involved in wider events within the community, as well as be invited to participate in activities outside of the typical tourist trail. This included everything from Taiko drumming to local temple festivals. Getting to experience traditional Japanese culture first-hand, introduced by local colleagues, was truly something special.
Finally, the people I met through JET really stood out. I still chat on a weekly basis with ALTs I met in Japan, and think back on the amazing moments we enjoyed together. It's not just the big trips that stand out (although those were amazing too!), but also small, everyday things like catching up with fellow Kyotanabe ALTs after work in a local café or enjoying hanami with the wider Kyoto JET network. Since returning to the UK, I meet up with local JET friends regularly, enjoy the occasional JETAA events, and have booked a trip back to Asia to visit international ALT friends this year!
Are you a JET alum with a story to share? Get in touch to be featured in an upcoming Senpai Spotlight.
