On the 7th of December 2012, a welcome back reception was held at Ambassador Ishikawa’s residence for participants of the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme who came back to Canada this summer and supporters of the programme.
The reception was a good occasion for an exchange among JET returnees, people from the local Japanese community, members of JETAA (JET Alumni Association) as well as representatives from universities in Ottawa and government officials.
Ambassador Ishikawa welcomed this year’s JET returnees back and expressed his deep gratitude to the “JET family”, the guests who support the JET Programme, in his opening remarks.
As representatives of this year’s JET returnees, Mr. Brian Andrews, who was posted in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture for a year, Mr. Alexander Taylor, who was posted in the town of Kawamata, Fukushima Prefecture for 5 years, and Mr. Scott Czerneda, who was posted in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture for a year delivered speeches regarding their valuable experiences in Japan. As they shared their memorable episodes with Japanese teachers, students at their schools and members of the local communities, they expressed their deep feelings towards Japan, thus bringing excitement to the guests. Mr. Taylor kindly shared his speech with us and it can be viewed here.
Also, Mr. Alex Svetlovsky, President of JETTA Ottawa (http://jetaaottawa.ca), introduced their various events and requested all the returnees to join and be active in JETAA Ottawa.
After Minister Yawata gave a toast, all the guests enjoyed conversing in a friendly atmosphere and exchanged opinions regarding future developments of the JET Programme and the importance of exchanges between Japan and Canada.
The Embassy of Japan is pleased to welcome these JET participants back to Canada and wishes them continued success with their new endeavours.
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