The beauty of being a South African is that we live in a multi-cultural society. South Africa is the quintessential ‘’rainbow nation’’. Living in such a diverse country has stimulated a desire to broaden my horizons and apply for the JET Programme. I have always had a strong interest in Japan and wish to deepen my knowledge and appreciation of the country. I am particularly fascinated with the language, culture, history, politics, natural beauty, cuisine and the lifestyle of the Japanese people. I have a sincere admiration for the nation of Japan. From the atrocities of World War II to the aftermath of the recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis, Japan seems able to rise above catastrophe.
The year 2010 marked the 100th year since the establishment of official contact between South Africa and Japan. Our two countries share deep and fruitful bilateral relations. While we celebrate the economic and diplomatic co-operation between our nations, as a South African representative, my aim would be to strengthen ties on a socio-cultural level.
As an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), I would wish to be an ambassador for my country. I would be delighted to share my South African heritage and culture with Japanese people and, in turn, to learn your culture and understand your language.
I think I would be ideally suited for this programme. For three consecutive years I participated in Model United Nations Debating. This gave me the opportunity to help represent national policies, including those of Asian countries, in the global effort to curb HIV and AIDS. This inspired me to become involved in the trend toward internationalisation. During this time, I was captain of my school debating team and was honoured as senior debater of the year. My English language abilities have been strengthened by public speaking in our province and in our provincial legislature. At the end of my high school career, I received the Bronze Award in an English writing Olympiad.
I have mentored students in our junior debating team, as well as students preparing for their final year examinations, notably in English. In my experience, it is often a lack of confidence that prevents students from reaching their potential. My approachable and empathetic nature will assist students to embrace English as a foreign language.
I am currently volunteering, alongside local and international volunteers, at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town. Having the opportunity to give back to my community by spending my free time with children diagnosed with conditions as diverse as cancer and HIV has been a humbling, rewarding and life-changing experience.
My tertiary studies in the law have had a huge influence on my intellectual world. Understanding the South African Constitution and our Bill of Rights has given me access to human rights’ theory and an understanding of moral and political philosophy. As a result of our country’s traumatic political history, there is a real necessity to understand these matters and so to foster respect for the differences we as human beings have.
In my final year at law school, I focused on International and Environmental Law. The Kyoto Protocol and Japan’s stellar efforts to curb global warming have been of particular interest. These internationally-orientated subjects have re-affirmed my longing to teach abroad.
The complexities of legal text have further improved my command of the English language. I am more than competent to assist in English language instruction and to provide Japanese students with the tools to improve their written and oral English.
My legal studies have been through a distance learning institution, and this independence has been invaluable. Much of the material I have had to master myself. Complex legal material is not always easily understood, but I have managed and am proud of that. Law, as a social science, has given me a greater understanding of the human condition. Japanese students will profit from the practical skills and sociological knowledge which I will be confident to share. Teaching is itself a skill. I believe that having taught myself will give me the insight I need to teach another.
My knowledge and skill will equip me to overcome the challenges and demands of the position. If I am accepted within the JET Programme, a primary focus will be fluency in Japanese. Language defines us as individuals. Communicating effectively will unite us in our differences. As an ALT, I would promote student participation, enthusiasm and teamwork in order to invigorate my own academic and leadership skills.
I cannot be too idealistic: living in a foreign country will be a challenge. However, I am more than ready, insightful and mature enough to take on the challenge. I have requested placement in Hokkaido. As a keen photographer and hiking enthusiast, the prospect of living and working in a prefecture surrounded by vast snow-capped, volcanic mountains and spectacular scenery is inspiring. I thrive when I am out of my comfort zone and feel sure that I am more than capable of managing life in an urban city or rural town.
In conclusion, it would be a real privilege and honour to live, experience life and teach in Japan. I view the JET programme as a stepping stone toward a future career in the international diplomatic arena. I would hope to proactively maintain relations with Japan, even after completion of the Programme. I sincerely believe that my time in the Programme will foster intercultural understanding between the people of Japan and those of South Africa. I am an adaptable, enthusiastic, robust and suitable candidate who will wholeheartedly embrace this experience of a lifetime.
