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Following Up on Janine Emmanuel, Participant of APIC’s Pacific & Caribbean Student Invitation Program

Essay by Janine Emmanuel, participant of APIC’s 2023 Pacific & Caribbean Student Invitation Program

【APICだより】ジャニーヌ・エマニュエルさん ―「太平洋・カリブ学生招待計画」参加者のその後―

(Janine as an ALT teacher in Kagoshima Prefecture under the JET program)

　 After taking part in APIC's "2023 Pacific & Caribbean Student Invitation Program"Janine passed the JET program* and started working as an Assistant Language Teacher at the Meio High School in Kagoshima Prefecture. She has written an essay about her experiences applying for the JET program and her life in Kagoshima.

*JET Programme: The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme. “A government-sponsored initiative that invites college graduates from around the world to live and work in Japan.” -JET website

　Original Essay

Janine Emmanuel

　　Having been a part of the APIC Invitation program in 2023, I was greatly exposed to Japan and its culture. Despite having previously heard many things about the country from those who have visited, experiencing it firsthand was fascinating. During the program, I found myself constantly in awe of all that I got to see and do, thanks to the activities set up by APIC and our spontaneous escapades outside of the program’s schedule. I left Japan intent on returning at some point in the future. However, our meeting with the Jamaican ambassador to Japan stuck with me. At the meeting, she mentioned the JET Programme which was foreign to me at the time. When I returned to St. Lucia, I did my research on the details of the program. I was definitely intrigued. At that time, however, from what I had discovered online, it was not available to St. Lucian citizens. Therefore, I moved on hoping that it would someday change. Not too long after in April of 2024, I was sent a document advertising the JET program, stating clearly that it was now open to St. Lucian citizens. With a newfound determination, I got all my documents ready and applied a few days later, barely making it before the deadline. I was very thankful to have been accepted into the program.

　　Presently, I live in Kagoshima city in the Kagoshima prefecture on Kyushu Island. I recently started working as an Assistant Language teacher at Meiokan High School in Koriyama. At the moment, I am still adjusting to my new normal. Despite this, I absolutely love my placement even though I was a bit hesitant at first. Kagoshima city is not as bustling as Tokyo but provides a sufficient taste of city life that satisfies someone like me who prefers urban living. In the same breath, Kagoshima also provides more rural options for times when I prefer the peace and quiet of nature. Since I have been here, outside of work, I have made a few friends both Japanese and international, I have gone to firework festivals and explored numerous parts of the city. I am also currently learning Japanese. Of course, moving to a new country miles away from home has been difficult but I have not regretted my decision. My warm welcome into the school has only heightened this incredible experience.

　　I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. Being a part of the 2023 APIC Invitation program has not only positively impacted my views of Japan and its culture, but it was the most significant factor that contributed to my decision to take part in the JET program. I can certainly say that the APIC program was one of my most memorable experiences and has made a meaningful impact on me.

（Left:Together with Jamaican Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Ms. Shorna-Kay Richards
Right: At the Cup Noodle Museum during the 2023 Pacific & Caribbean Student Invitation Program. Janine is on the right.）

WHAT'S NEW

- 2026.5.20 UPDATE
PROJECTS "Pacific & Caribbean Student Invitation Program 2024 Participant Joins Osaka Expo 2025"

- 2026.5.20 UPDATE
SCHOLARSHIP "10th Term Xavier & 3rd Term UWI Exchange Students Enter Sophia University"

- 2026.5.20 UPDATE
SCHOLARSHIP "1st Term UWI Exchange Student Graduates Sophia University School (Interview)"

- 2026.5.20 UPDATE
SCHOLARSHIP "APIC Exchange Students Attend Training in Tamba-Sasayama, Hyogo"

- 2026.5.20 UPDATE
SCHOLARSHIP "Sixth Term Xavier Exchange Student Graduates Sophia University"

- 2026.5.13 UPDATE
PROJECTS "Following Up on Janine Emmanuel, Participant of APIC’s Pacific & Caribbean Student Invitation Program"

- 2026.4.21 UPDATE
SCHOLARSHIP "Welcoming 9th Term Xavier Exchange Students, 8th Term APIC-MCT Exchange Students, and 2nd Term UWI Exchange Students to Sophia University/Graduate School "

- 2026.4.21 UPDATE
SCHOLARSHIP "6th Term APIC-MCT Exchange Student Graduates Sophia University Graduate School"

- 2026.4.21 UPDATE
SCHOLARSHIP "APIC Awarded Tokyo Club Cultural Activity Grant"

- 2026.4.16 UPDATE
EVENTS "427th Lecture Meeting Regarding Global Issues"