We Are Tomodachi Winter 2018

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37dojo (training hall), and that allowed me to interact with neighbors. I so appreciate that people here are modest, and kind to every foreign visitor, regardless of their religion, background, or nationality.Japan and Turkey can learn from each other. Decision-making in Turkey tends to be impulsive. We start immediately to “just do it,” and often find that we are on the wrong track and start over again. Japan, on the other hand, deliberates carefully, avoiding mistakes, but waits too long to make changes. Japan boasts an enviable infrastructure and offers a fine education, but children (and adults) tend to be overscheduled. In Turkey, schools need much improvement, but children do have the time to play. I want to build on my time in Gifu when I move on, and find a job in a company that connects Turkey and Japan, or with an NPO that deals with gender equality and women’s rights, on which both Japan and Turkey need significant improvement. I desire as a Turkish woman to use the knowledge I have gained here to foster deeper understanding and friendship between the two countries I so love.About the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) ProgrammeThe Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme began in 1987 with the goal of promoting grass-roots international exchange between Japan and other nations, and is now one of the world’s largest international exchange programs. JET participants are placed in every region of Japan and work in one of three positions: assistant language teachers (ALTs), coordinators for international relations (CIRs), or sports exchange advisors (SEAs). In 2016, the JET Programme welcomed 4,952 participants, and currently there are approximately 62,000 alumni from 65 countries living in all parts of the world. The JET Programme official websitehttp://jetprogramme.org/en/At work in the Gifu Prefectural Government Office.Food ingredients for a Turkish cooking class.At an international exchange event with Turkish teachers and local residents.Lecturing on Turkey to young students.Gifu Pref.Gifu CityNagoya CityKobeCityKyoto CityOsaka City