Kiley Ng

I was a JET in Yokote City, Akita (2022–2024), teaching elementary and junior high schools. As a JET during the COVID-19 era, my journey to Japan was not easy. My September 2021 departure was postponed, and my December 2021 flight was cancelled just three days before departure due to border closures. Finally, in April 2022, after a 30-hour transit, I arrived in Japan. On the coach to our hotel, my fellow JETs and I caught sight of the dazzling red Tokyo Tower against the night sky. Nobody made a sound, but I knew we all briefly snapped out of travel fatigue and celebrated in our hearts: “We made it!!” The sight of Tokyo Tower was magical and a relief– truly an unforgettable moment.

Many of us can relate to that incredible feeling - recent returnee Kiley Ng is our latest spotlight in our JETAA UK series. Today, we focus on an individual whose post-JET journey showcases the power of cross-cultural experiences in shaping dynamic and innovative careers. She tells us:

I was deeply grateful for the efforts that brought me to Japan amid Covid, so I promised myself I would make the most of my time there. JET, being my first full-time job, allowed me to grow professionally in my cross-cultural communication skills and independence while adapting to a new setting. I also organised trips across all eight regions of Japan, joined a local yosakoi dance group and performed in festivals, built lifelong connections, and experienced so much more that enriched my life. After returning home, I began experimenting with content creation to preserve my wonderful memories of Japan, occasionally sharing detailed photo posts and video edits of my experience on social media.

Now, I am searching for my next chapter after JET. My life in Japan feels like a distant dream, and the reverse culture shock was intense. I love Japan VERY much! However, I dedicated myself to overcoming the change—I focused on reinventing myself by reconnecting with family and friends who had waited for my return, rediscovering my cultural roots in Hong Kong, and improving my professional skills. While I am not yet settled in a specific career path, I am actively exploring opportunities where my diverse experiences can be applied. I highly recommend reaching out to fellow JET alumni; they helped me see how my JET experience could translate into various career paths and reassured me that I was not alone. Seeing my friends move forward gave me the courage to do the same!

Are you a JET alum with a story to share? Get in touch to be featured in an upcoming Senpai Spotlight.