I got the interview for JET and I will have it in February. Is there any advice that you can give me? I've been thinking about how to prepare and I have a few ideas how (basically research the program and work on my enthusiasm ^,^). Also, when you arrived in Japan how did you pay for your accommodation (key money, deposit,etc.)? Since Japan is seeming like a bigger and bigger possibility for me I was just wondering how much money I will need to have to start myself off if/when I get there.
Thanks for the videos and answering my questions on youtube! =D
Hey there, it's been too long -- how are you making out? It's awesome that you have a JET interview! Congrats!
Advice on interview-
Well, the two big things that they will want to know about you are: (a) Can this person survive in Japan for a complete year or more? and (b) are they taking an active interest in Japanese language or (more importantly?) culture?
If you can show those two things to them, I am sure there are giant "tick boxes" that they fill in. Many of their questions will lead to information regarding these aspects, I bet.
Related to that, a lot of ALTs arrive and are willing to do only the bare minimum. To be honest, at some points, I was like that. When after school hit, I was on my bike riding back home. What they want are ALTs that are motivated to stay after school and join the students' "club activities". These activities range from any number of sports (basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer, etc) to more traditional Japanese hobbies such as ikebana (flower arranging) and sado (tea ceremony). There is also brass band club, chorus, drama club, newpaper, art, photography, etc. It's basically what we did as electives and got credit for in my high school days. I did stay for some of these activities at some of my schools and they are now some of my better memories from my JET days. Anyway, if you can let them believe that you have an interest in the students club activities, it will go a long way. Also, it really helps in the classroom... the students behave quite differently after you join their after school clubs a few times.
After that, they of course will be trying to gauge how well you can work with your Japanese couterparts, how well you will interact with the students, how you will do infront of large groups, etc.
Advice on money -
I bought a bunch of stuff from my predecessor and felt ripped off. At the same time, it's one of those damned if you do, and damned if you don't situations. I actually recommend buying most of the stuff they offer you -- it makes things start off a little smoother. But, don't feel compelled to buy all of it if you don't think you'll need something.
Many of the ALT positions will have ALT apartments, so you won't need to pay key money. But, the first paycheck doesn't arrive until about the 25th of August. So, you will need to bring enough money to survive until then. I think I had the equivelent of 200,000 yen with me on arriving. Honestly, it barely got me through to the first pay check. There are a lot of random expenses at the start. Shopping, eating-out, etc. Until you become accustomed to your local surroundings, it can be a kind of expensive start. If you can manage about 3,000 U.S., you will be cruising. You should still have money in your account by the time the first pay check arrives (about 320,000 depending on where you are, etc.) and you won't have to look back after that.
I am so excited to hear that you are coming! Do you have any idea what area you will request? There are so many great places to be in Japan... of course these days, I am biased toward Kyushu! Anyway, ganbatte ne! Keep in touch, and let me know how things go,
Thanks so much for the advice! It's given me a lot to think about. From what you've told me I think it's so funny that the things that ALTs are "supposed" to do are in fact the very activities that I can't wait for.
I want to try martial arts, some sports, music and really interact with the communities as much as possible. The purpose of going for JET is firstly for my career in teaching English as a foreign language/lecturing in English Lit. because I want to be the best teacher I can be so of course that means getting experience.
About surviving in Japan for a year? Hmmm, well I have made friends around Europe and in America through college and I went to visit them a couple of times on my own. I know that was for a limited period of time but I feel confident about my ability to cope. I mean I visited Paris for Xmas and I went to the Louvre, which has about 40 km of exhibit space and I was on my own and I didn't get lost once! Even French people were impressed by that. Haha I love showing off about my orienteering prowess. But really it was just because I had maps in every language I could get my hands on, and also I have no qualms about asking for directions^,^ I am still nervous about being completely independent but it will be like an adventure =)
I really want to learn as much as possible about Japan. I mean the second I go somewhere new my mind turns into a massive sponge haha! Oh and also finding out the things in Japan that are the same as home.
All the areas I requested were on Honshu. My first was Matsue in the Shimane prefecture, then Nagoya, then Osaka. I chose Matsue because I really want to visit the museum of Lafcadio Hearn/Koizumi Yakumo. After Japanese rock music and visual kei his writing was my first connection with Japan. The rep from the Embassy who came to our college spent 3 years in the Shimane prefecture and she actually got to meet the great grandson of the writer. That is my dream! Oh and also to be able to speak in adequate Japanese with him... but one thing at a time ne!
When I remember the first time I watched your videos and the other JET people now I can't believe that I have gotten this far and I could actually be in Japan this time next year... wow! Thanks again for all your help!
How goes the preparation? Your interview is in the next week or so? My cousin in Canada also has an interview coming up! Next year should be a lot of fun. Good luck with everything... :)