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“We are genki,” says Sarah Campeau, a Japan English Teacher (JET) who will soon be teaching in Nara-ken, Japan. Campeau is part of a group of 185 JETs leaving Canada this year to participate in the program.

Over 185 Canadian JETs will be travelling to the country this year, joining over 1800 teachers from around the world who will take part in the program.

At the Arts and Letters Club in downtown Toronto, the JETs had a final farewell and had a chance to come together as a group. It was a chance for them to see one another, to connect, before venturing off into the unknown.

Here’s a look at a few of the participants and what they are looking forward to the most.

Sharon Cook and Jack Morlog JET Programme 2016

"I think travelling around," says Sharon Cook who will be teaching in Chubu, Nagano. "Where I am looks very gorgeous. And improving my Japanese." | I'm looking forward to being in Japan," says Jack Morlog who will be teaching in Ina-Shi, Nagano. "It's a new experience and I've never lived outside of the country."

Jarden Hardie, Lianna Hrycyk, and Jeffrey Holiday JET Programme 2016

"Scenery! I want to see the city," says Jarden Hardie who will be teaching in Niki, Hokkaido. | "Powder skiing!" says Lianna Hrycyk. | "Experiencing a new culture and I'd like to travel throughout my prefecture," says Jeffrey Holiday.

Benjamin Boterman JET Programme 2016

"Just digging into a completely different culture," says Benjamin Boterman who will be teaching in Tokai-daigaku, Tokyo-to. "My uncle did it many years ago and it sounds like the program has changed a lot since then. His stories were very positive."

Argyll Amcheta and Aisha Bibi JET Programme 2016

"I would just say just seeing everyday life in Japanese culture and seeing what the transportation system is like there," says Argyll Amcheta who will be teaching in Katano, Osaka. | "The Japanese culture I think and the food, of course, and touring around," says Aisha Bibi who will be teaching in Onomichi, Hiroshima.

Anita Liang and Tara Wong JET Programme 2016

"Integrating with the culture and experience everyday life in Japan," says Anita Liang who will be teaching in Mie-ken. | "Experiencing a new country and teaching," says Tara Wong who will be teaching in Takasaki, Gunma.