:D – This Isn't Tokyo

Louise just called…she was offered an ALT position with JET, and she’s taking it! She just had a 5-minute conversation with the JET folks–she doesn’t know where she’s going to be yet, and she isn’t departing till August 16, but she had to call and let me know. I’m really happy for her, and a little relieved…I know there’s probably no chance that we’ll be placed anywhere near each other, but it’s good to know someone I’m really close to is going to be in the same country at least.

Hi! I’m Smitha.

I’m an alumna of the JET Program. I currently live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

In 2018, I’m spending ~1.5 months doing the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage from late February through mid-April.

From 2005 to 2007, I lived in Ikeda-cho, Miyoshi-shi, Tokushima-ken, on the island of Shikoku in Japan. I taught at 1 junior high and 6 elementary schools, and I taught 2 weekly community English conversation classes.

I’d maintained this blog during my time on JET, including the months before departure and the waves of reverse culture shock after returning to the US. I sought to capture my full experiences, both good and bad, to try to paint a realistic picture.

This blog “broke” sometime over the years; I had never meant to take it down. It’s finally back online, in the hopes that it gives prospective/current JETs some help or commiseration.

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