20251028 Triple-F: Foreign Faculty Five!

With the departure of two members, Justine-sensei and Oliver-sensei in August, and the addition of two new ALTs, Katlyn-sensei and Jon-sensei, in September, we are once again a team of five Super Foreigners! We have christened the team Triple-F: Foreign Faculty Five, and we fight to bring English to the students! We are relentless in our endeavour! See below for who we are, and where we’re from, and some additional information that may answer any questions you have. And if you have any questions we haven’t answered, just stop us in the halls, and ask away!

Kivi-sensei:

Born in Finland, raised in Canada, I will bury my bones here in Japan in the distant future. I graduated from Trinity Western University in Canada with a Bachelor's in Geography with a Concentration in English Literature. I’ve been in Japan for over 30 years, and love almost everything about the country. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, reading, and taking photographs. On sunny days off, I enjoy going for long rides on my motorcycle. Let's have a fantastic year!

Arie-sensei:

Hi! I’m Arieboke Koma — a curious soul born in Zimbabwe in the early '90s, now working and exploring life in Japan. In 2015, I graduated from university with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science. I have the ability to speak over five languages.I enjoy watching movies on Netflix during my spare time.Traveling to new places around Japan always excites me. Oritsu Beach is my current favorite spot in Kashima.This is where the sea breeze feels refreshing and peaceful.

Ben-sensei:

Hello! My name is Benjamin and I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I went to the University of Minnesota, where I studied sustainable development and global policy. My favorite things about Japan are the kind people, countless mountains, and abundant sushi. Please enjoy your year!

Katlyn-sensei:

Hello! My name is Katlyn and I am from Ridgewood, New Jersey. I graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Sociology and Environmental Studies. In my free time, I like to play bassoon, cook, and read. I love traveling in Japan and trying new food.

Jon-sensei:

Hello, I’m Jonathan Swetnam, but I prefer Jon. I’m from Stoke-on-Trent in the United Kingdom. I went to Nottingham Trent University where I studied Forensic Science. Always one for adventure I’m a veteran of the British army, but now doing something I really find enjoyable. I fell in love with Japan when I was on holiday so hopefully I can carry on teaching and live here for the rest of my life.