ways. Those of us living in ‘Western’ developed nations, such as the UK and US are more or less told that our future is within our control. If it turned out differently, we can only blame ourselves for our failures and not on something socially or politically systematic (Giddens, 1991: 74-77). Giddens (1990:177) explains that modernity and the tendencies of globalisation is, ‘…a process of the simultaneous transformation of subjectivity and global social organisation, against a troubling backdrop of risks.’ Certain choices are made to attract opportunity and make the individual flexible. A common trait of successfulness in today’s world is someone who can quickly adapt to any given situation (Giddens, 1990; Bauman, 1992, 1998; Beck, 1991). Giddens (1990, 1991), Beck (1999, 2012) and Bauman (1998) have certainly emphasised the presence of anxiety and risk within the current phase of modernity. Less emphasis has been on the positive attributes of risk have been presented. Finucane et al. (2000) have found through investigating the factors of risk taking between white men and women and those of other backgrounds within American society. What they concluded in their investigation was that white men have less concern for various types of minimal risk compared to non-whites. The importance of this finding is to identify how socio-economic backgrounds, including culture and social standing, affects risk perception (Finucane et al., 2000: 2; Lupton et al., 2002). There is certainly a power correlation whether perceived or actual when it comes to making decisions about risk and their effects. None of the participants interviewed were fearful about returning to their home country. Berger et al., (1973: 72-74) speaks of the importance of a ‘life plan’ that has become a modern preoccupation. Without one, there is a feeling of disorientation and anxiety. It is something that needs to be re-amended throughout one’s life. Giddens (1991:75) also maintains, ‘The self forms a trajectory of development from the past to the anticipated future. The individual appropriates his past by sifting consequence
when one is no longer present in time and place that this nostalgia and imagination is once again revived. How does this process relate to the JET participants and alumni? Emerging adulthood For JETs their time in Japan is an influential period in their early adulthood lives. There have been many studies done to demonstrate how early teen and adulthood has a huge impact on our identity later in life. It is the time where we are trying to mould and forge the kind of person we want to be in this overwhelming world we find ourselves in. Matanle (2006) did a study between British and Japanese university students, a time period within emerging adulthood. He reveals the differences between how they approach life time employment, and was most significant was that contact with others through different experiences is important for future development. Thus, for young JETs, the time they spend in Japan will be some of the most impactful and memorable times of their lives. They challenged themselves by living in a totally different society, most likely both culturally and demographically as many of them are placed in villages and towns. They will have forged friendships with other JETs and locals who they may have not found comfort in, perhaps in another context. Many of them will learn about themselves in ways they would not have been able to reflect upon otherwise. As they leave the programme they may long for the aspects of their life they never thought they would have missed. Indeed, memory is a malleable process and nostalgia will begin to set in. The longing for the past and certain aspects of their life in Japan will run its course. The JET Programme has frequently been emphasised as a youth exchange programme, and it is this point that is of great importance. Officially, the programme does not have a specific age limit, however they emphasise on their website that they
JETAA organisations. There have been future developments for JETs, however JET has had its criticisms. Problems facing JET The initiation of JET was not without flaws. It drew a much criticism from the participants who vented to the media (Japan Times, Mainichi, Daily Yomiuri (McConnell, 2000: 74) about the handling of inequalities of gender and race by CLAIR and the Ministry of Education. Many of the earlier JETs who were unfamiliar with the Japanese language and culture had many complaints about the programme’s assertive opinions, which caused cultural misunderstandings within the programme. Most of these criticisms were sent to the managing department with most of the roles occupied by former MEF and BET participants. CLAIR only had a small department whose employees comprised around 20 individuals who did not work as a cohesive administration. The officials appointed to CLAIR from the Home Affairs Ministry were not used to handling problems related to internationalisation. The problem with CLAIR in its early stages was that it was unmethodical and weak, probably due to a lack of knowledge and experience. This made it hard to designate a clear aim for the programme. Many officials did not want to join CLAIR, as it represented a step down, instead of a step ahead on the career path (McConnell, 2000: 65). Mr. John Campbell stated that the organisations running the JET programme are akin to, ‘” pseudo-uchi” that cross-ministerial jurisdictions to deal with recurring or permanent problems (McConnell, 2000: 66). ' The programme's trajectory became less bleak. Cominos (1991, 1992) reported that it took five years for the programme to take off. Officials within the ministry were occupied in the earlier stages for the schools to adopt JETs into their curriculum. Another issue arises May of 2010.
Laura (2010) I had always wanted to go to Japan, but could never it. JET has also been economically viable for many wanting to figure out their future after graduation, providing an economic safety net. The programme had a positive reputation for its organised support network. The participants spanning all the decades have mentioned that the salary was an incentive for considering and applying for the programme. The participants above all found JET to be a comfortable choice for going abroad. It was also appealing as it was a safe choice as a recent graduate and an economically safe way to explore their futures. Elaina mentions the support network that was important in making her choice. For Jackson, it was a safe choice for doing the New Zealand overseas experience while earning. Maurice said one of the major reasons for choosing JET was also because of the inclusive insurance and housing. . Thus, the programme’s generous salary and supportive network is a major reason for applying for JET. For the participants it felt like a more organised, viable and safe choice. Having an efficient set up and a support network was also mentioned. The next section will describe how the programme was used to develop one’s skill set Opportunity to expand skill set Bart (1980) MEF seemed perfect to me. I would gain even more teaching experience AND live in another country. Alfie (1980) For two semesters I spent two semesters at Sophia University in Tokyo. During that period, I visited a senior high school nearby my apartment on several occasions and realized that spending (more) time in the Japanese education system was key to gaining a understanding of the nation, its people, and its culture. Abigail (1990) I did my degree, my dual honours in Japanese and business at and really if you’re going to be able to speak Japanese properly you have to go out and live out there. Maurice (2000) In America I was running my own martial arts dojo, and the more I afford