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New Assistant English Teacher appointed to TakasagoCatherine Reid of Traralgon has been appointed the new Assistant English Teacher (AET) and will commence her position in our Japanese sister city, Takasago, in early August. By Latrobe City Council - 25th July 2006 - Back to News Leaving at the end of the month, Catherine will take up her position at Takasago Junior High School to assist with classes taught by Japanese English teachers in the junior high schools, and participate in kindergartens, elementary schools and other educational facilities with international exchange activities for 12 months.
Catherine has already taught English to students in Japan on a previous placement with a private language school three years ago.
"I was originally there to teach for a year in a town not far from Takasago, saving some money on my way to the U.K, but by the end of the twelve months I was enjoying myself so much that I wanted to stay on – I never made it to the UK but rather ended up staying for an additional year and a half," Catherine said.
"I’m still a bit nervous about going over there; of course I’m very excited at the same time too. I’m looking forward to being back in Japan, seeing friends I left behind last time, and eating the foods that I miss.
"Teaching English in Japan was an amazing experience that I can’t wait to experience again. During my stay in Japan between 2001 and 2003, I learnt not only a lot about myself, but also a great deal about Japan, Japanese people and their culture. I learnt that the Japanese people are hard workers but they also love to travel and experience different cultures. They have many traditions which I hope they never lose.
"I have a Bachelor of Applied Science (Biology) from Monash University, and I work as a medical scientist, but I really love helping and teaching people and seeing them improve. There is nothing more rewarding in a job than seeing improvement in your students and knowing that you have made a significant contribution to this improvement," Catherine explained.
"I look forward to sharing my language and my culture with the students of Takasago Junior High School; similar to how we have a Japanese Day here in Latrobe City, I am hoping to introduce an Australia Day over there.
"I’m also excited about experiencing more Japanese culture, especially some of the cultural events which I missed out on last time I was there – Japan is famous for its many festivals held throughout the year which I look forward to partaking in, and I would love to witness a Japanese baseball game or a sumo wrestling tournament," Catherine concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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