...prepare to move to a country where the
cars are small and the bugs are big.
- Yachi Lang, '99-'02
Last update:July 8th, 2003
Newcomer
advice
We hope you are excited about coming to Japan! Being a JET really
is a great experience, and we believe that you are lucky to be placed with
us here in Yamaguchi, "possibly the most beautiful prefecture in Japan"
(Japan Rough Guide, 1998). Your experience will be life changing, full
of adventure and learning, and many times the surreal. Yamaguchi has a
relatively small community of JETs (around 70) spread all across the ken,
from single JETs living in the rice paddies to small JET communities in
the larger towns. Wherever you are placed, your life in Japan will be very
different from your life in your home country, but if you properly prepare
yourself for your new experiences (both good and bad), your time in Japan
will start out on the right foot. Every Yamaguchi JET has a different experience
of ken life, but we have all faced some of the same questions before coming
to Japan. This section tries to answer some of those questions and so cover
the gambit of information that you should keep in mind when moving to Yamaguchi.
If you don't find what you want on this page, have a look around the rest
of the site, browse our links section, ask your predecessor or email YayJET
at: yamaguchiajet@japan.com
Select your topic of interest below:
Food
Yes, the food in Japan may be very different to what you are used to, but
with a little experimentation and an open mind, you are sure to discover
a least a few favourite Japanese dishes you simply cannot live without;
most leaving JETs are pretty frustrated that they won't be able to eat
some of the things in their home countries that they have come to really
enjoy in Japan. Common Japanese favourites include: okonomiyaki (pancake
with noodles, cabbage, pork, egg, beansprouts and okonomiyaki sauce all
cooked on a hotplate), ramen (Chinese noodles in various soups), yakitori
(marinated, baked, skewered chicken) and yakisoba (noodles fried with various
fish, meats and vegetables), but there are hundreds of other tasty dishes
you can have fun trying.
Fish and rice are the two staple foods of the Japanese diet. Rice is served
with almost every meal and fish is a favourite main part of many dishes,
sometimes being slipped into the most unlikely of foods (pizza, spaghetti
etc). Japanese rice is a lot stickier than the Indian or Chinese rice
that most foreigners are used to, but it soon becomes an indispensable
part of most meals. Fish is served in many meals, both cooked and raw.
By the way, contrary to popular belief, sushi is actually a kind of vinegared
rice. It is often (but not always) served with raw fish, which is why many
foreigners think of sushi as raw fish itself. In fact, raw fish alone is
called sashimi.
If either rice or fish repulse you or bring you out in rashes then you
may find things a little more difficult, but otherwise it is usually
a diet change that you will learn to live with and probably love. In the
beginning, if you are unused to Japanese food, then everything will probably
"taste like fish" but all in all your tastes will change so that the revolting
stuff from your first two weeks might eventually become your staple afternoon
snack.
If you are a vegetarian or have other special dietary requirements, you
may find things will be a little tough going until you get acquainted
with how to find what you need, as the concept of and reasoning behind
vegetarianism is largely not understood in Japan. If you are planning on
sticking to a strict vegetarian diet, here are some useful phrases.
| I'm a vegetarian. |
Watashi wa saishoku shugi desu |
| I don't eat meat. |
Niku o tabemasen |
| I don't eat seafood. |
Kai san butsu o tabemasen |
| Is there any meat in this? |
Kono naka ni niku o haitemasu ka |
| Do you have any vegetarian meals? |
Saishoku shugi no ryouri wa arimasu ka |
In Japan, seafood is not classed as meat, so you should specify
this separately.
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Japanese Language and Communication
This is a bit of a tricky subject for many JETs. If you have already
studied Japanese before coming to Japan then you are ahead of the game,
but, for the vast majority of you who will be coming with practically no
knowledge of Japanese, there is no need to panic as you can definitely survive
in Japan for lengthy periods without the least bit of knowledge of the
Japanese language. Foreigners are not expected to be able to speak Japanese
and if you do utter even one word youâll be met with gasps and compliments
about your amazing Japanese ability. Also, if you decide to try out your
Japanese and you make a mistake, donât worry - the effort is appreciated
and even the most embarrassing of mistakes is easily forgiven. There is
plenty of excellent to marginal English language support for your survival
needs and most people will be keen to try out their English skills on you
(But note: If you want to get a clear picture of how much English your co-workers
really understand, try and get them good and liquered up at an office party.
You will suddenly find yourself debating Marxist economic theory with the
office lady who, on the first day you met her, waved her hand in front of
her face and exclaimed, ãNo Engurish! No Engurish!). If you want
a head start, take a look in our links section to find some informal sites
concerning the language. We recommend trying to learn the phonetical KATAKANA
characters early as many of the borrowed words written in KATAKANA come
from English. This is especially helpful when visiting western style restaurants
because it enables you to be able to read virtually all of the menu! That
being said, learning Japanese can be frustrating. Although pronunciation,
grammar and even idioms in daily conversation arenât that difficult,
reading Japanese is pretty tough. The HIRAGANA and KATAKANA phonetical systems
can both be mastered in a relatively short time. However, there are also
around 2000 basic KANJI characters (from tens of thousands) of varying meaning
and sound to learn. Although this sounds overwhelming, it is not an impossible
task as you pick up many Kanji as you go about your daily life. However,
if you do decide that learning Kanji is too much for you then again, you
can get by fine without it. If you donât have the time to study before
coming here then learning the language once you are in Japan is also fine.
There are plenty of free classes around the ken and tons (tonnes) of language
resources. Remember that JET is not just about teaching English, it is
also a cultural exchange program, which means that, although CLAIR doesnât
necessarily want you to completely blend in with your Japanese surroundings
(Notice the contractual clauses that only allow you to stay in Japan for
three years), they do want for you to take home as much Japanese culture
as you can (Notice the contractual clauses that make you to return to your
home country as soon as your contract expires). This does provide an encouraging
setting for you to learn Japanese as CLAIR provide various good, free
correspondence courses whilst your local International Association will
usually provide free conversation classes.
TOP
Money/Budget
Yes, Japan is fairly expensive, but the exorbitant JET salary allows
you to spend frivolously, carelessly and endlessly – perhaps not!!
The JET salary is pretty good, especially considering it may be a first
job for many of you; however, do not be lulled into thinking that your
money will never run out – it can!! Therefore, you might try to take
it easy on the spending until you get used to the prices and to just how
far your money will go in Japan. However, once you are in the swing
of things you’ll find that you should be able to start paying off university
loans, credit cards etc. and still have enough left over to travel the region
in style. Depending on your housing situation and other factors, you’ll
usually find yourself having a pretty comfortable disposable income.
Japan’s banking system is pretty backward; most banks have very
short opening hours for both the counter AND the ATM machines. This
takes a lot of getting used to if you are from a country with 24-hour
banking and it’s pretty common for first year JETs to get stranded on the
weekend with no access to money. Always carry much more cash than
you think you need. The streets are very safe here, so the only risk
of carrying a lot of money is losing your wallet, but actually, if you
have your name and address in it, it’ll probably be posted back to you
anyway, even if it holds 25,000 yen (unbelievable, but true!). Also, if
you get your office to set up automatic withdrawal systems to pay your monthly
bills directly from your account, it will help keep face to face bank visits
down to a minimum and save you a lot of hassle.
As far as credit cards or cheques are concerned, Japan is a cash
society and so the use of debit or credit cards is minimal, even in the
bigger cities. Get used to carrying a wad of money around with you as
most places you go aren't going to accept plastic, and it can be pretty
hard to find a cash machine that will allow you to withdraw against a credit
card from home. However, do bring along at least one trusty credit card from
your home bank because you will want to use it if you travel outside of Japan,
or for internet shopping. Don't forget to change the billing address!
With regard to how much money you should bring to Japan with you,
you’ll be fine with between 100,000 and 150,000 yen, until you get your
first pay check. This is plenty of money and should be enough to cover
any "emergency expenditures." If you do end up running a little
short in your first month, your office may give you some money in advance,
but don’t count on it! It’s best to bring your money in yen cash
if possible. Traveler’s checks are accepted in theory (only in yen
or US dollars) but if you don’t live near a main branch of the bank you
could find it a bit inconvenient exchanging them.
TOP
Living Environment
Housing is different for generally everyone around the ken. It
is not standard, and there is no way that we can give an accurate or
comprehensive run-down of your living conditions. Some have small
city apartments, while others have houses. Some people have to
pay full rent, and others have to pay none. Some have to pay a non-refundable
deposit or for a phone line, and some just walk into a pre existing setup.
Our best advice is for you to contact your predecessor and ask them about
your specific living situation. A minority of you (those of you who are
moving into new apartments i.e. not moving into a predecessor’s apartment)
may have to incur some major expenses upon arriving in Japan: setting up
a phone line, buying furnishings, paying "key money" (a kind of deposit
for an apartment/house) etc. These costs can be considerable, and you
should try and be prepared to pay them in full when you arrive. Key money
is especially expensive (anywhere between 20,000 and 200,000 yen), and
is usually due in full before you get the keys to the apartment, but in
most cases (most of those we have heard of anyway!) most money is refunded
when the apartment is returned undamaged. If you are one of the lucky
few who has to fork out for these things and won’t have the necessary funds,
your office will usually be pretty understanding and help out with wage advances
and such. In general, though, housing should be more than adequate
for your needs.
The number one thing to "be prepared" for in your housing (and
school) situation is that Japan hasn't really caught on to modern climate
control. Don't expect central air conditioning or heating, and don't
expect to have any effective insulation in your apartment. In winter
you will have to use space heaters and wear layers at home and at school.
In summer, you’ll probably only have air conditioning in a limited number
of rooms and it’s a little pricey to run! Check out the weather in the
weather section of the Yamaguchi ken info.
Luckily it seems that most schools are catching up with the information
age, and you should at least be able to access the internet at your office,
if not at all of the schools you will visit. If you are planning
to bring or buy your own computer, most types of internet service are
readily available in Yamaguchi. However, local calls are billed by the
minute so home internet charges can really add up. If you plan on being
a day trader or something, we suggest to settin up a direct internet connection
when you get here as it works out a lot cheaper and much more convenient
in the long run.
TOP
Work
Like housing, everyone's work situation is different as well. Some
new JETs will be visiting a different school everyday, and some will
only go to one school. Both situations have their advantages and disadvantages
that become apparent as you go along. It is best to contact your predecessor
and ask what the general situation at work is like, but don't expect a
rundown of "who's who" and "what they're like" because most JETs will probably
want to keep their personal judgments personal.
Be warned though, that there is sometimes a disparity in the actual
amount of hours that ALTs and CIRs are expected to put in at their respective
institutions. There really is nothing that can be done to remedy this
situation other than trying to set a personal precedent for yourself as
soon as possible. If you are the kind of person who wants to be involved
and likes overtime, then make it clear to your teachers, supervisors, and
prinicpals, from the very beginning that you have some ideas and want to
help. If you are looking forward to a little more free time, then try to
get out of staying around the office and schools as much as possible. Questions
like, "Do you need me to do anything else this afternoon?" and "What should
I do from now on?" Will, in some cases, get you out the door, because they
just might not have anything planned for you. This goes for cleaning time
(daily student custodial work) and lunch as well. If you want to clean the
school or eat with the students, then ask to help from the beginning. If
you don't want to, tell your schools that you aren't going to do it. Precedent
plays a big role in what your situation will be like. Remember there is
no career advancement, or job security on the line here. A healthy go get
em' attitude will do nothing more than get you more work, which is great
if you want it. Doing just what is asked of you and nothing more will keep
you out of responsibility.
TOP
Extra Information
BASIC COMPUTING IN JAPAN
By: Suzanne Katoll
Electricity Computers: Japanese buildings are generally
powered by 110V/15A electricity. Computers from Canada and the United
States will usually work just as they are. Just to be safe, check the
information on the back of your power pack for the range of power that
your computer can accommodate before plugging it into the wall. A power
pack saying that it can handle an input of 100 - 250 volts and 0.2 - 0.5
Amps is OK. Machines from Europe and Australia and New Zealand may need
an adapter of some sorts. Consult with local electronic stores for more
information.
Printers: Check the information on your printer as it may also
need an adapter - basically the same rules apply to the printer as to
the computer. Cartridges: cartridges for the big name printers (Canon,
Toshiba, Sharp, etc.) can usually be found at large electronic stores
- mostly because all of the printers are made in Japan. (Remember to check
the part number carefully before buying any replacement ink because returning
merchandise is next to impossible.)
Software Japanese software will not function on your machine
unless you have a sub-divided hard drive with the Japanese version of
DOS on it (called DOS V). Popular programs (i.e.: Word, Excel, Pagemaker)
can usually be run on both Japanese and English machines equipped with Windows
3.1 or higher. It works easily going from English to Japanese, but with
mixed results the other way. Basically bring all of your own software. Be
sure to also bring systems disks so that if you crash while you are here,
you can get started again.
Hardware Cables, hard-drives, mouses, surge protectors,
etc. are available at most electronic stores. Know your machine's maker,
model, etc. to be sure what you want is compatible with your machine.
Remember refunds are tough.
Modems Most JETs say their modems from home, work in Japan,
but that the modems here do not always work on their machines. NTT is
doing all in its power to maintain its monopoly on everything that uses
a phone line, by stating facts like "all modems must be approved by NTT
to be legal in Japan." Most modems work fine here and so far the Modem Police
have left all of them alone. Your modem should be fine.
Accessories Paper, disks, carrying cases, mouse pads, etc.
are all over the place here. You can probably leave these things at home
and get it here. It is not too expensive.
E-Mail Yamaguchi has it own provider (YSP) with many local
access points available to keep your phone bill in control (it is going
to be big enough). The YSP system provides email service and limited access
to the Internet, but this involves installing a bunch of translation software
that most opt not to use. A lot of the JETs choose to use Tiki Tiki as their
internet provider. It is cheap with many access points around Yamaguchi.
You will receive more information on your options at Tokyo and Yamaguchi
Orientation.
TOP
TRAVELING In and Out of Japan
By Bethany Ericson
Travel - Because the majority of JETs are keen on traveling
around Japan and other countries as well, I'm assuming that many of you
are also interested in this subject. This article will hopefully give
you an idea of the travel opportunities that you have while on JET. First,
I want to preface this article with the ever-repeated phrase "every situation
is different - it depends on your particular placement." But, that being
said, regardless of where you're at, you will have plenty of opportunities
to venture to new places.
Holidays - There are many holidays throughout the year.
The more extended ones are: Winter holiday (usually from Dec. 23rd -
Jan. 3); Spring holiday (most people have at least a week, many manage
to get more; it falls around the end of March); Golden Week (at the end
of April, beginning of May - a week holiday may be possible with little
nenkyu); and the summer holiday (you'll be arriving at the beginning of
the summer holiday which lasts from July 29 - August 31; in most cases, you
will be required to go into your office for most of these days , but some
people get to do their own thing).
Nenkyu - This is the paid leave days that are allotted to
you in your contract. The amount of nenkyu that you receive is probably
anywhere between 12 and 20 days per year. These days are in addition
to the National Holidays (and often regular school holidays) that you
already get to have off. Most people use their nenkyu to extend their
holidays.
Traveling within Japan - Traveling around the country is
often appreciated and well looked upon by the Japanese that you are in
contact with. They are often impressed and happy that you interested in
seeing more of their country. (And, the more you see of Japan, the easier
it is to escape to other countries for the longer breaks without causing
offense.)
The summer, winter, and spring holidays are the cheapest times
to utilize the local trains. At these times, you can purchase a 5-day
pass for the local trains which allows you unlimited travel over a 24
hour period for only 12,000 yen. Of course, since it's only valid on local
trains, it may take you awhile to reach your desired destination. (The more
convenient Japan Rail passes are only sold outside Japan and are technically
not an option for JETs - you are not supposed to use them as a resident of
Japan.)
You can save money on accommodation by utilizing AJET's Tatami
Timeshare. Tatami Timeshare is a benefit available to AJET members.
If you opt to sign up for it, you will receive a listing of other AJET
members in each prefecture willing to share their futons. It works out
nicely, for not only do you get to stay somewhere for free (a big bonus
in an expensive country), but you can meet some fun people and often get
an inside edge on the best places to go in the area, etc.
Outside of Japan - Travel in Japan is nice, but it's really
good to get a break from here, too. Most of us take off during at least
one of the major holidays. You can get flights to other Asian countries
for relatively good prices. I have been to Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan,
the Philippines, and Korea in my first year here. There aren't too many
Asian countries that I can think of that at least one Yamaguchi JET hasn't
been to. In addition, several North Americans and Europeans go to Australia
and New Zealand over the breaks. Many people return home for the holidays
as well. So, whatever your desired destinations may be, you can probably
make it work sometime during your stay here.
Travel Guides - a majority of us have the Lonely Planet
Japan guidebook. If you don't buy it before you come, you can buy it
here as well. As for guidebooks to other countries: Lonely Planet guidebooks
are available for a reduced price for AJET members on a mail order basis;
in addition, bookstores in Hiroshima, Kokura, etc. also carry a variety
of guidebooks. An alternative to buying your own book is to just ask around,
you may find someone has a guidebook you can borrow.
Our best advice to you is to question your predecessor about your
individual situation. If helps to know what feelings your office has on
leaving the country and taking nenkyu, and, to find out if you're one of
the lucky ones to be allowed "cultural leave" for travel within Japan.
Happy Travels!
TOP
TOKYO AND YAMAGUCHI ORIENTATIONS
Tokyo - There are two groups that arrive in Tokyo for the
JET Program Orientation: Group A and Group B (strangely enough). Representatives
from Yamaguchi will be at Orientation A and Orientation B. They will
help you out with any problems you may encounter and escort you from Tokyo
to "the Guch." The Tokyo Orientation is fun - there is time at night to
go out to the bars and night clubs. Not only will this fully introduce you
to the high costs of Japan, it's a great way to meet tons of people. Keep
in mind that there's not a lot of time to really explore Tokyo other than
the nightlife.
You will have been asked to prepare two bags when you come to Japan-one
for the Tokyo Orientation, and the other for direct delivery to your new
home in Yamaguchi. A helpful reminder about your bag for the Orientation
is do not pack what you do not absolutely need. It will be hot when you
get to Tokyo, you willl be tired, and what you do not have forwarded (this
service is free of charge!) you will have to carry. That being said, you
also do not know when you will receive the bag(s) you send. For some people,
your bags will arrive before you do, and will be waiting in your apartment
when you get there, but for others, it may be a day or two after you come
to Yamaguchi before you get them. With this in mind, you might want to
pack a few omiyage (presents), some extra clothes, and a book just
in case you do not get your bags straight away. Your first couple of days
in your new home may be tough - culture shock can hit hard alongside fatigue
and feeling overwhelmed - if your bags have not arrived, and you are not
prepared with what you brought in your orientation bag, it could make things
even harder those first few days.
Yamaguchi - Each orientation group will fly together from
Tokyo to Ube Airport, in Yamaguchi ken. When you arrive at Ube, people
from your school/office will be there to meet you. If you are lucky,
your predecessor may still be here for those last minute questions, useful
advice and perhaps badly needed translation service. It is quite possible
that your school/office staff will be as excited and nervous as you are.
When you arrive, the students will be on holiday, so you may have
very little to do as far as work goes. Some of you will be dragged around
to see the local "sights" while others will be in their office killing time.
This is a good time to start thinking about your self-introduction. Ask
your office/school for any supplies you may need.
Orientation will be an afternoon and following day in early August,
and then in the first few weeks of the month there will be a "newcomers
only" orientation. People will help you travel to Yamaguchi City for our
orientation. The information given to you in Yamaguchi will likely be
more useful than what you will get in Tokyo. It is also a fun time as
you will finally get to meet everyone in the prefecture.
CLOTHES
Bring clothes from home. There are a few good, and reasonable outlets
around, but for the most part clothing is ludicrously overpriced. Don't
plan on buying too many high fashion items here, as the sizes will be small
and the price will be prohibitive. We repeat, the sizes will be small!
But... the fashion in Japan is "cutting edge," and you might just
find that you have to have a few kitchy items. Your experience is your
own, but we offer these guidelines.
for work:
You are appointed to a professional government postition. You will
need busiess style atire, and you should be conscious of looking marginally
professional during working hours. That being said, don't stress too much
about your wardrobe. For the most part, casual style work clothes are
acceptable in schools and around the office. Comfort casual trousers (for
everyone), skirts or dresses (for women only), and shirts or blouses with
a collar or buttons are acceptable. Make sure that you can adequately cover
yourself from the shoulders to mid-calf. Your suit and tie will probably
be reserved for a few special times throughout the year, like your first
day or at graduation ceremonies. If you plan on joining or coaching a sporting
club bring appropriate clothes as well. (Basketball/volleyball shoes should
never have been worn outside.) Different schools have different dress "styles,"
but you will be OK as long as you use your head. This is a cultural exchange,
so your own style is valuable to you and the program. Don't feel too constrained
and keep comfortable. You will be riding your bike to school as well, so
most things should be cycling compatable.
for leisure:
You are appointed to a professional government position, and you
are under the microscope. Overtly shocking fashions are best left for
the tickle trunk, desu ne?
In the summer you will be hot. Bring along clothes from the beginning
that you can feel comfortable and cool in. For both males and females,
as long as there is some semblance of an attemp to cover-up your chest
and below the waist, you should be OK in public. Nude is your best bet around
the apartment, though. (*wink)
We advise shipping your winter clothes as you won't need them until
the end of October. Bring along warm socks, gloves, long-sleeve and thermal
wear, and pajamas. A good, warm winter jacket is also a must for everyone.
Having to ride your bike to schools that might just be 1/2 hour away makes
everything seem colder. Also, as mentioned in the living section, there
is no constant, effective climate control, so wearing easy-to-peal layers
is a must.
Seasons in Japan are distinct and varied. Plan for a complete array
of weather conditions and plan on being out in them.
shoes:
In case you didn't know, you don't wear shoes in homes or schools
in Japan. Most people will wear some sort of slippers at work, and you
should take your own to school as the ones provided are laughable. You can
buy them here, but as sizes do run small it is a good idea to bring a pair
or two along. Bring a pair that covers your toes for the winter. As for getting
to and from school you need shoes that are good for riding a bike. Also,
bring along a pair of dress shoes that matches your more formal wear.
TOILETRIES
Deoderant and good shaving cream:
are difficult to find. Definitely, bring some with you and ship
a year's supply with your winter clothes.
Everything else can be found here in abundance. Japan has a huge
and overt market of beauty and personal care products, but be warned,
as with everything, you might not be able to find your specific brand
of anything. If you are personally attached to a certain type of product,
bring or ship a years supply.
Contraceptives:
Women's contraceptive pills are still unavailable as a means of
birth control, and a prescription is very difficult to get. If you actually
get one, it will cause quite a stir in the office (and probably in the community).
Bring your own and don't forget to bring your doctor's written prescription!
**Legally you can only bring or send over a month's supply at a time,
but many people chance it and bring a full year.** Just in case, arrange
with friends or family to send some over if everything else falls through.
Men can buy condoms at your local convienence store. And... if you must,
bring your own, as MAGNUM size has a small market here. (Male compilers
of this page agree, they all brought their own.) Incidentally, if for
some inconceivable reason you don't find yourself in the market for condoms,
smutt is available in manga form for all to see at the same convenience outlet.
(Male compilers of this page agree, they all have never bought manga
smutt from a convenience store.)
TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT
Bring:
- interesting cultural/national information
- cotton sports clothes
- flat, comfortable, slip on shoes
- lots of underwear
- Men: more short sleaved collared shirts for work
- Women: less tight skirts and more nice trousers or comfortable
sundresses
- a thorough array of winter wear (ship it)
- books and CDs
- a sense of adventure and wonder
Leave:
- too many preconceived notions
- computer paper, disks, etc.
- an umbrella (buy one here)
- silk anything
- cookbooks requiring a large oven (most JETs don't have one)
- winter boots (not much snow)
- stationary or pens
- appliances
Other words of advice:
The attitude towards women in Japan can be a bit prehistoric. It
may get on your nerves. But remember, you are a foreigner that is sharing
your own culture. Gals, don't do anything that you don't feel is appropriate,
and don't take any crap. Guys, go over and make your own tea or coffee
once in awhile, and be a gentleman.
Start a journal of your feelings and experiences as soon as possible.
It will be valuable for multiple reasons.
Your predecessor should be getting ahold of you, but if for some
reason he or she has forgotten what it was like to be in your shoes,
feel free to try and get ahold of them. They will be your number one source
of information.
You will have free time. So, bring along your CD collection and
a selection of good books including some self study items. Your experience
will broaden your horizons on many fronts. With a bit of travel to a larger
city books in English can be bought, but at a higher price. Also, any
must-have periodicals should be set up for distribution to your new address
in Japan before you come. JETs in the ken also trade books and videos
a bit.
As for videos, most of you will have a VCR and a video rental store
nearby. You will grow to cherish your time at the video shop, but be careful
not to rent the movies dubbed into Japanese. If possible, it is also a
good idea to have a friend send you a few things over periodically, but
sorry... UK, New Zealand, and Australian videos aren't compatible with
the Japanese system. (Educational material can apparently be transferred
over for free once you get here,though. Ask around.)
Bring along your musical instruments.
They will prove valuable as teaching aides, ice breakers, and leisure
time activities.
As far as work materials are concerned, bring any and all information
on your country, yourself, and your family. Pictures, maps, flags, and
statictics are highly useable items for your introduction, which you will
repeat ad nauseium. Bring along a load of stickers from home as well. Jr.
high kids can never get enough. Videos of yourself or distinctive TV are
great, too.
As far as teaching materials are concerned, you will find that
there is a lot of in-country support once you get here, and you can always
dig around the ALT resource section of our links page to find some helpful teaching aids.
Things you should probably know about home:
- basic school calendar and ages
- interesting statistics
- all about holidays
- various laws (cut off ages, etc.)
- national bird, plant, fish, sport
- common meals at home
- what your country/state is famous for
COMMENTS AND HINTS FROM FORMER JETS
Don't worry! Everything will be fine, and if you make
a mistake in etiquette all will soon be forgiven.
JUST DO IT!
Go to the Hiroshima for the Peace Festival on August 6th at
8 a.m.
Buy a Lonely Planet guide
Bring your international drivers license
Don't let your celebrity or visitor status go to your head.
Praise or compliments (even dumb and obvious) are just attempts
to start conversation.
It may seem like old hat to you, but you and your experience
are a point of interest for most people you meet.
If you want to learn Japanese, speak it from the beginning
and ignore the chuckles.
Don't expect honest answers or comments for a long time from
Japanese.
Have as much fun as possible
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