The following article about Jeranda Dennis’ experience with the Tyler-Yachiyo ALT program appeared in the Spring 2021 edition of the University of Texas at Tyler Department of Literature and Languages newsletter.
Dennis, a 2018 UT Tyler graduate, reflects on her time abroad in Japan.
Ohisashiburi, Japan!
In 2017, I studied abroad for one semester in Osaka, Japan with UT Tyler’s International Studies Program. When I returned to the United States after a life-changing semester, my goal was to return to Japan and teach English with Tyler’s Sister City Program. I succeeded, and I was subsequently hired as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Yachiyo, Japan.
As an ALT, I migrate between Yachiyo’s eleven different junior high schools and help teach English alongside the lead Japanese Teacher of English (JTE). I introduce students to new English grammar and topics by
creating English activities and games to challenge their reading, writing, and most importantly, speaking skills. I sometimes get the opportunity to lead the class and teach them about American culture! The students love discussing everything from American pop and hip-hop artists to Disney movies to American slang such as “What’s up?” and “TGIF.”
My background in English studies has definitely aided me as an ALT. The JTEs are often impressed with my ability to breakdown challenging new grammar into simple explanations, piece together simple yet engaging writing assignments, and adjust my spoken English to foster student comprehension.
It is also the responsibility of the ALT to participate in the city’s annual English speaking contest, and here my skills as an English major flourished. It was my job to take a student’s original, yet usually vague, speech idea and help them expand it into a presentable and moving five-minute-long recital without compromising the student’s voice. Many of my students went on to win first place, placed in the city’s top ten, and/or went onto the regional finals.
I am currently (2020) in my second year as an ALT, but sadly, it will be my last. Being here has taught me so much about what I can do as an English graduate. Moreover, through my work as an ALT, I’ve fallen back in love with the writing process. So, I’ve decided that I will pursue an M.A. in Creative Writing in hopes that I can better my writing abilities and
continue to explore my passion for writing. I will never forget my time here and will use all that I have learned in the next chapter of my life.
To learn more about the The Tyler-Yachiyo Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) Program, click here.
Tyler Sister Cities 