Hello all... thanks for checking out my new blog.
I've been pondering starting a blog for a while, and I figured now is the time to bite the bullet.
I will use this blog primarily to document my application to the JET Programme.
For those of you unfamiliar with JET, the program sends Americans to Japan to work as Assistant Language Teachers in public schools throughout Japan.
The foundation of the program is to promote internationalization and inter-cultural communication. As you may already know (or will come to find out) these are two of my passions. I am fascinated by other cultures; new places and new faces.
I currently study public relations at Temple University, and have spent a good part of my waning academic career studying intercultural communication theory and practice. In particular, Japanese/American communication.
My ultimate ambition is to work as an international communications consultant -- teaching business people and governments how to analyze and overcome linguistic and cultural barriers that can impede effective communication. For me, JET is a launching pad to this career.
My plan for JET is to request a rural position. This will allow me to focus intensely on language acquisition. I know from my own experience that the only way for me to pick up language is through immersion...and right now I am planning on jumping into the very deep end.
I spent 9 months living and studying in Tokyo. I tell people I lived in Japan -- which is true. But in which Japan did I live? There are approximately 13 million people in Tokyo, yet the sprawling city accounts for only 10% of Japan's total population. I have been to Tokyo, but have I seen Japan?
My time in Tokyo was fruitful, and I feel I gained a lot of insight into Japan. However, I only saw a fraction of the country. I see the situation like this
(Please forgive the SAT style analogy)
Tokyo:Japan ; New York City:USA
If you visit NYC from another country you can say "I have been to America." Truthfully, you have only seen a tiny fraction of America. Sure, NYC is a good metaphor for the nation, a microcosm of cultures and interests jammed into a bustling metropolis -- but by no means is NYC quintessentially America. Try Omaha, Des Moines, Boise...
I want to delve into the heart of the country. Experience the land where traditions are passed down through generations. Where Tokyo's flashing lights, buzzing crowds, and thousands of taxis are seen on TV and in movies, not experienced.
I want to study the art of Japanese cuisine; which straddles the impossibly fine line between elegance and simplicity, refinement and austerity. I want to learn how to utilize seasonal ingredients to transport the palate. How to ensure that the eyes have a feast to match the stomach.
I want to reconnect with nature. Camping, hiking, biking, swimming.... 5 years of urban blight (thank you Philadelphia) have me yearning for departure into nature.
Most of all, I want to better myself.
I heard a quote a few days ago that really struck me. Usually, I am not one for ambiguously attributed, somewhat trite quotations (this one was credited to Ben Franklin, Confucius, a Hopi Indians) but for some reason this struck me.
I invite you to follow me through the long application process. I encourage comments, criticism, praise, etc.
I've been pondering starting a blog for a while, and I figured now is the time to bite the bullet.
I will use this blog primarily to document my application to the JET Programme.
For those of you unfamiliar with JET, the program sends Americans to Japan to work as Assistant Language Teachers in public schools throughout Japan.
The foundation of the program is to promote internationalization and inter-cultural communication. As you may already know (or will come to find out) these are two of my passions. I am fascinated by other cultures; new places and new faces.
I currently study public relations at Temple University, and have spent a good part of my waning academic career studying intercultural communication theory and practice. In particular, Japanese/American communication.
My ultimate ambition is to work as an international communications consultant -- teaching business people and governments how to analyze and overcome linguistic and cultural barriers that can impede effective communication. For me, JET is a launching pad to this career.
My plan for JET is to request a rural position. This will allow me to focus intensely on language acquisition. I know from my own experience that the only way for me to pick up language is through immersion...and right now I am planning on jumping into the very deep end.
I spent 9 months living and studying in Tokyo. I tell people I lived in Japan -- which is true. But in which Japan did I live? There are approximately 13 million people in Tokyo, yet the sprawling city accounts for only 10% of Japan's total population. I have been to Tokyo, but have I seen Japan?
My time in Tokyo was fruitful, and I feel I gained a lot of insight into Japan. However, I only saw a fraction of the country. I see the situation like this
(Please forgive the SAT style analogy)
Tokyo:Japan ; New York City:USA
If you visit NYC from another country you can say "I have been to America." Truthfully, you have only seen a tiny fraction of America. Sure, NYC is a good metaphor for the nation, a microcosm of cultures and interests jammed into a bustling metropolis -- but by no means is NYC quintessentially America. Try Omaha, Des Moines, Boise...
I want to delve into the heart of the country. Experience the land where traditions are passed down through generations. Where Tokyo's flashing lights, buzzing crowds, and thousands of taxis are seen on TV and in movies, not experienced.
I want to study the art of Japanese cuisine; which straddles the impossibly fine line between elegance and simplicity, refinement and austerity. I want to learn how to utilize seasonal ingredients to transport the palate. How to ensure that the eyes have a feast to match the stomach.
I want to reconnect with nature. Camping, hiking, biking, swimming.... 5 years of urban blight (thank you Philadelphia) have me yearning for departure into nature.
Most of all, I want to better myself.
I heard a quote a few days ago that really struck me. Usually, I am not one for ambiguously attributed, somewhat trite quotations (this one was credited to Ben Franklin, Confucius, a Hopi Indians) but for some reason this struck me.
"If you tell me , I will forget it. If you show me, I may not remember. If you involve me, I will understand."
I invite you to follow me through the long application process. I encourage comments, criticism, praise, etc.
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