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Opportunity to work in Japanese Sister City

Latrobe City Council is calling for applications from persons interested in assisting with the teaching of English in junior high schools in Takasago, Latrobe’s sister city in Japan.

By Latrobe Shire Council - 14th April 2004 - Back to News

Latrobe City’s Mayor, Councillor Darrell White said there was a wonderful opportunity for someone from Latrobe to work in Takasago for twelve months or more assisting its young citizens to learn English.

"Takasago City has once again generously made the opportunity possible and will pay all costs including wages, accommodation and travel to the value of about $50,000 Australian," Cr White said.

Councillor White explained that the program first commenced in 2001 and since then, three graduates from Latrobe have taken up the role of Assistant English Teacher (AET) in Takasago.

"Fabian Rutherford, the current AET, finishes in July and will return to Latrobe after a rewarding twelve months. We know from the reports he has sent back that he has found the experience most worthwhile both in terms of his own career and his personal growth," Cr White said.

"One of the most attractive aspects of the position is that the selected candidate is teaching overseas, but living within a community which has strong connections with their home city. It makes settling into the different environment so much easier, because of the positive relationships between the two cities that have already been forged.

"Takasago City and Latrobe City share many similarities. However, the lifestyle, school system and many everyday basic things in Japanese life such as communal bathing, are very different from those experienced in Australia. This is a fantastic opportunity for a young person to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, exploring that culture," Cr White said.

"Living within the community and working with local people will give the selected candidate a great opportunity to broaden their mind and see things from another culture’s perspective.

"The AET program is another example of the benefits that can come through the development of a successful international relations program. We should take pride in the fact that the relationship with Takasago is so good that they specifically want people from Latrobe to help with the education of their young people," Cr White said.

"The only prerequisite for the AET position is that the incumbent must have a tertiary degree of some description. It doesn’t need to be in teaching. We are looking for someone with links to the Latrobe area, who can become an ambassador for Latrobe City. Confidence, independence and a respect for other cultures are also key attributes. Above all, we are looking for someone who is willing to open themselves to new and rewarding experiences as part of the year-long program," Cr White explained.

"While some knowledge of Japanese language is an advantage, candidates do not need to be able to speak Japanese. Council will however, assist the appointee to learn some basic Japanese before taking up their position, and Takasago City will enhance the appointee’s Japanese language skills during their twelve months in Takasago.

"It should be noted that Latrobe City is also hosting the next Sister City Conference which takes place in 2005, and we are expecting a deputation from Takasago City. There will be enthusiastic delegates and visitors asking about the conference as well as preparing for their visit. As a consequence the selected AET is likely to take on a role of helping those attending to make their plans," Cr White added.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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