【Project Activities】

We gathered current JET Programme participants serving as Sports Exchange Assistants (SEAs) from across the country and conducted a two-day training session.

【Project Background】

Through the JET Programme, Assistant Language Teachers (ALT), Cultural Interchange Representatives (CIR), and Sports Exchange Assistants (SEA) are invited from countries around the world and assigned to locations nationwide; as of July 2023, approximately 5,800 people are engaged in language instruction and local international exchange activities.

【Project Objective】

To facilitate the work and daily life of SEA participants, we provide useful knowledge, skills, and information related to daily life and work. This initiative also serves as an opportunity for Japanese staff to deepen their understanding of international exchange activities through sports instruction in the local community, thereby enabling them to make more effective use of SEA.

【Project Area】

Coach and instructor development

【Methods】

Human resource development

【Outcomes】

Through discussion sessions, lectures, workshops where participants introduced their sports in their native languages, and Japanese cultural experiences, we were able to provide opportunities for participants to enhance their skills as SEA members. (9 participants from 4 organizations took part.)

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

“I realized that the language barrier wasn’t as much of an issue as I had expected.” (Participant)
“I had the opportunity to learn about sports that are particularly popular in Japan, such as baseball and badminton, in a practical way, and I feel that this has helped me interact better with Japanese people.” (Participant)

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

We introduced an experiential program in which participants coach other attendees in their respective sports, and since it was well-received by the participants, we are considering continuing the program.

【URL】

https://jetprogramme.org/ja/acs-con/