Here is an archive of some previous PAs and the profiles that they wrote about themselves while working as Oita PAs. They are no longer PAs, but we continue to wish them the best in their careers.
xin lan x. (CIR PA: 2018 - 2020)
ABOUT ME I lived in the breezy and quiet city of Perth on the coasts of Western Australia prior to coming to Oita. While in university, I majored in Japanese language and Linguistics. Window shopping and reading are some of my favourite ways to kill time.
sabrina v. (ALT PA: 2017 - 2020)
ABOUT ME I'm a 3rd year PA and ALT from California. I enjoy traveling and eating while meeting new peeps and exchanging knowledge, cultures, and languages.
SARAH B. (CIR PA: 2017 - 2020)
ABOUT ME I am a third year JET from England and graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2017 with a degree in Japanese and Linguistics. My course also allowed me to spend one year as an exchange student at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan. Having moved around a lot in my childhood, I have experienced first-hand the excitement and difficulties that come with leaving everything you know and love, and throwing yourself into a brand new environment. Amongst these experiences are the few years that I spent living in Japan as a child, during which I encountered numerous hurdles as a foreigner in Japan, many of which I am sure people face when starting their journey on JET. Being a PA gives me the chance to hopefully make this transition easier for any JETs who are struggling to adjust to this new way of life.
brandon a. (ALT PA: 2015 - 2020)
ABOUT ME I am a 3rd year ALT, as well as a first year PA, from Los Angeles, California. I am happy to be working as a member of the JET community here in Oita. I studied Japanese while doing my undergrad work at California State University, Long Beach. Upon graduation, I began teaching with the Los Angeles Unified School District. In 2014, I applied to the JET Programme as an Assistant Language Teacher. I was fortunate to be hired, and I am happy to now be working here in Oita Prefecture. My hobbies include basketball, soccer, and music. I look forward to working with all of you.
Sheridan M. (CIR PA: 2015 - 2018)
ABOUT ME I am a 2nd year JET from Arkansas, USA. I majored in Japanese Lanuage & Literature and spent a year abroad in Tokyo at International Christian University (ICU). I had the opportunity to do literary translation during college, and I've enjoyed the challenge ever since. I'm looking forward to not only my job as a CIR but also my role as a PA.
MARY S. (ALT PA: 2015 - 2017)
ABOUT ME I am a 5th year JET participant and 2nd year PA. I am from Tucson, Arizona and graduated from the University of Arizona in 2012 with a degree in East Asian Studies that focused on Japanese Linguistics and a minor in English. During my junior year of college I studied abroad at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan, which cemented my desire to live and work here.
Miriam S. (CIR PA: 2014 - 2017)
ABOUT ME I am a 3rd year JET from the United Kingdom (London), working as a Coordinator for International Relations in the International Policy Division of the Oita Prefectural Office. I studied Japanese at university, and while I was a student I was able to spend an extended period of time in Kansai, as well as one year in Tokyo as an exchange student. After a (brief) period working at an office in London, I came to Oita. As the job title suggests, I’m really interested in international relations and cultural exchange. Being a PA gives me the opportunity to help out any JETs who need information on adjusting to living in a different culture.
Seiko H. (JAPANESE PA: 2014 - 2015)
ABOUT ME I am a Japanese PA working in the International Policy Division of the Prefectural Office. After my life time adventure--studying at a Canadian university, working in Tokyo and traveling around the world, I have decided to settle the best place in the world called Oita, my lovely hometown. Oita has a lot of beautiful and relaxing places. I love driving along a scenic mountain road called “Yamanami Highway”, taking my dogs to Nata beach in Kitsuki City and enjoying fresh seafood and vegetables from local markets. I hope that all JETs can find their own favorite things during their stay in Oita.
Diana S. (ALT PA: 2013 - 2015)
ABOUT ME I am a first year JET and first year PA hailing from Midwest America, specifically Michigan. I started studying Japanese in high school, got absolutely nowhere with it, and then decided to take it more seriously in university which led to a year-long study abroad in Tokyo and a B.A. from the University of Michigan in Asian Studies. Life, man.
Nicole F. (CIR PA: 2011 - 2014)
ABOUT ME I am a third year CIR from Australia, currently working in the International Policy Division of the Prefectural Office. Before being accepted into the JET Programme I studied Japanese and applied linguistics at university and was fortunate enough to come to Japan on two separate long term exchange programs. During my time on exchange I learned a lot about Japanese culture and the language the hard way, so my goal as PA is to offer JETs as much information and support to help them adjust to life and work in Oita, and hopefully not commit some of the cultural faux pas that I did. This will be my last year in Oita but I hope to make the most of my last few months here and continue to make myself available to any JETs in need of assistance.