BREAKING STEREOTYPES

You need to realize that most people, especially if they have never been to your country, will generally only have stereotypical images of you and your country based on what they see on television.  Think of your role as a JET as a great opportunity to widen the horizons of all those you come in contact with - Japanese, other foreigners, and JETs (You may be the first person from your country that other JETs have met as well!)  Learn a little about the history of your country.  Learn about the indigenous people and different ethnic groups in your community and country.   Find out about any Japanese communities in your area or in your country.  Show people the typical souvenir images of your country, but also expand their thinking to realize the diversity of the people and the geography.  How are things different in the west from the east in your country?  How are things different if you live in the city or the country?  Also think about the images and information that you give people.  Showing pictures of women doing sports can be a lesson in itself.  Showing how you yourself are a unique individual will also help people have a more open mind about your country.
 

TEACHING AIDS
You do not need to have all these items! Have a look through this list for things that you think you would feel comfortable about using in class.

*A fact and/or picture book about your country.
*Pictures, posters, slides, and/or videos of things that are unique to your country, province, hometown, neighbourhood, home, you, etc. As well, get typical day to day things like buildings, houses, school, students, family, pets, etc.
*Some people make a photo book chronicling their own life - good for self-intros
*Traditional stories, cartoons, and children’s magazines are a good idea.
*Maps - from a local town map, country map, to a world map.
*Collect calendars and large place mat type photos (good for displays and activities in class)
*Stickers, ink stamps, sheets of 1 or 2 cent stamps, small candies, pencils, postcards, erasers, keychains, lapel pins or anything with an emblem of your country/state/city/ etc. on it…all make good prizes for students.
*Coins and paper money - at least one of each denomination to show students, also a roll of pennies or other small coins makes for great prizes.
*Info and/or paraphernalia on sports particular to your country ( Lacrosse, Aussie Rules Football, Hurling), as they can be difficult to explain and props always help.
*Food that is specific to your country or not well-known in Japan
Ex.) Australians can bring Vegemite, New Zealanders can bring marmite, North Americans can bring licorice or rootbeer.
*Recipes of typical dishes from your country. You can cook them up as gifts, use them in English club or in optional English classes.
Ex.) pancakes for Shrove Tuesday, gingerbread for Xmas, scones, etc.
*Show and tell items that are specific to your hometown/country - can be a stuffed toy even!
Ex.) Kiwi or paua shell for New Zealand, beaver for Canada, Loch Ness Monster for Scotland, etc.
*Info and magazines on fashion, teen idols, popular singers, etc., from your country, some popular artists are: US - Leonardo di Caprio, Scotland - Ewan McGregor, Canada - Celine Dion
*Traditional and modern music from your country. If you can, show them traditional dancing from your country - anything from line dancing to ceilidh dancing.
*TV commercials, holiday specials, music videos, and comedy shows are useful for lessons, speeches, etc.  Ex.)US - Frosty the Snowman, the Grinch; England - “Mr. Bean” and “Absolutely Fabulous” are popular.
**NOTE: Not all video tapes work in Japan.  Americans and Canadians have the same system as Japan.  New Zealanders and English do not, so you will have to convert your tapes.  The Kencho will sometimes convert videos and only for educational purposes.  There are also a few places in Gifu City and Ogaki where you can pay for this service.
 

WHERE TO GET GOODIES
*Visit your local Tourist Board for pamphlets, memorabilia, and pictures about the famous places/highlights of your specific area.  Explain what its for, and you may well get a lot of free stuff - a stack of brochures in English/Japanese will be good to give to people or leave around for anyone who is interested.  Some boards will send things to you in Japan.
*Write or visit your local, provincial, and federal government officials for free pins, posters and flags for your classes.  Phone around to different government branches like Multiculturalism, Agriculture, etc. and see if they don't have information, posters, pins etc. they can give you.
|*Attend celebration day's for your country - score on posters, pins and flags for free!
I went to a Canada Day celebration and took a ton of pictures.  I also went to big name grocery stores  and department stores and asked if I could have any of their decorations after Canada Day.
*Visit your embassy.  They usually have a variety of pamphlets and information available.
*AJET support groups like UK AJET, Pacific Islander AJET, etc. have ideas and information that can be borrowed.