Congratulations!!!
W00T! High Five.
You got in. You got into The JET Programme. A highly competitive program with a history going back to the 80s, you can be proud to call yourself a JET for the rest of your life.
If you got the alternative email, I understand. I also got put on the alternative list, as did a few of my friends.
Introduction
Now, I have been yearning to do this blog for sometime. If I don't answer all your questions, write it in the comments. This is the Sasebo JET blog. If you got placed here (Saza, Hirado, Saikai, Hasami, Emukai, Shechibaru, Isahaya, etc.), I can't wait to meet you! But, don't let that stop you if you're placed in a different ken, because some of this info I'm about to write might be for you, too.
The Pre-JET Need-to-Know List
7 things with NO NONSENSE explanations.
(Note, you need to follow your consulate's instructions. Taxes, visas, and all sorts of proper documentation questions need to be directed towards them.)
1) Omiyage and Schools
Dude, the amount of varying information I got as a pre-JET is astounding! First of all, choose CANDIES, LOLLIES, or SWEETS. Find them INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED. Anything from Tim Tams (Thank you, Australia), to Pepperidge Farm cookies to sour warheads will do. Make sure they are of EQUAL VALUE or SIZE if you get assorted goods. Keep in mind you have to transport it. Something that WON'T MELT is quite a good idea. And, you'll probably regret it if you pull out something you really wanted to bring to make room/weight.
During the numerous meetings and pre-departure
orientations I went to, many experienced alumni JETs gave their input on
omiyage. I heard “state quarters,” “special stamps,” and “something that shows
your hometown or home country” quite often. Those things are okay but, I think candies are better. I know you have no reason to trust me, and when you raise your hand and tell everyone else what I wrote, nobody is going to trust you. But here is my first hand experience:
Handing it out
Here's how you will give your omiyage when you get to your school: Sometime during your first day, you'll tell your coordinator that you have omiyage. She/he will probably take charge and hand it out for you. One piece goes on each teacher's desk (don't land one on the printer desk or anything embarrassing like that). Make sure the secretary lady and maintenance guy get one because they are often forgotten. Let a few teachers know who gave the omiyage. Often, you will never meet the recipients, but many will come up and thank you for the candy usually with a hearty ittadekimasu.
Anything not individually wrapped, as you can imagine, can be hard to distribute. I would be surprised if there was a communal treat jar/bowl for people to take if they want it (as I unfortunately assumed). There will probably be a treat cabinet, but that is for teachers who put money in for the snacks, treats, tea, and coffee.
Why???
I have never seen omiyage be something other than candy (at least, when it's given to many co-workers). The alumni and many others seem to think non-candy is okay, so I am keeping my mind open to possibilities. Also, my predecessor tried to warn me that I didn't need to bring anything. Once I got here, I saw why. It was a bit awkward. Generally, gifts are giving for saying Good-bye, not Hello. The Good-bye gifts can get quite outrageous, ranging from mugs to designer towels. I have never received a "Hello" omiyage or gift. But, candy is almost ALWAYS appreciated, despite awkwardness, so don't go wrong--choose something sweet!
How Many??
Well... I have eight schools. Some only have 100 students or less. Others have as many as 600 or more. You can imagine how many staff are at the latter ones! If I brought omiyage for all my schools, I would have been broke and embarrassed. Only bringing omiyage for you main school is fine. Basically, the school where your coordinator is. You can (hopefully) find this out from your predecessor. The teachers (being broke on their salaries, too) understand and will not hold it against you.
2) What to pack?
As self-explanatory as this is, I thought I'd jot a quick list of regrets and lessons learned.
Floride Toothpaste
This is one item I make sure to grab from the
states. A cavity in a foreign country during my first full time job is NOT what
I want. And I thought I'd go completely native. *tear
Japanese study books
You will get a course packet
from CLAIR.... in NOVEMBER. I was itching to get started months before then. It was agonizing when I KNEW I had perfectly
good books that I was used to laying on my shelf back home. Books are heavy, so
choose one and choose wisely, and really make sure in your heart of hearts that
you will study it. If you DON’T have Japanese study books already, go ahead and
buy one in Tokyo.
Comfort Food
I asked my parents to send me some in about my
third month, after the honey moon phase slipped away.
Lesson Material You CAN Bring
A jump drive/computer full of home pictures,
vacation pictures, children's songs, and holiday music. Show and tell items. Holiday show and tell items, in particular.
Music is a great way to make a lesson, because generally it can still be enjoyed without the meaning of the lyrics. I highly recommend bringing American produced children songs if you are going to teach at an elementary or junior high. Holiday music also misses the mark. The kids are growing up with holiday classic hits in Japan. John Lennon's War is Over and Maria Carry's All I want for Christmas are the two most popular. Most kids can recognize a select few carols. Silent Night, Gloria, and Angles we have heard on high are the only ones I can think of right now. Many of the moving, traditional hymns and carols are lost to ignorance and disinterest. I tried to find some of these (Do you hear what I hear? We Three Kings, Go Tell it on the Mountain, Silver Bells) sung by artist that they know. Especially Taylor Swift, Justin Beiber, or Kenny G.
People talk about bringing prizes... my school is big and my wallet is small. Also, it is better to not bring any your first time coming because you may have JTEs (your teachers) who already have a class routine devoid of your prizes. Best leave that room for comfort food or holiday show and tell items. I have devised a way two years into my JET experience, but it's a bit patch worked together and is riding on the favor of my teachers. I also hope that not many students meet my challenge. Again, my wallet is small. Students seem to like Japanese stickers (none of my American ones are interesting, apparently), Madi Gras beads (why?????), and Big Money (They're rich!). I'm about to stock up on party favors when I go to the states next, so I'll tell you how that goes.
Necessary Clothes
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3) What NOT to Bring
Lesson Material
Too many clothes
4) School Clothes
5) School Rules
6) Getting Money
7) Vitamin C
Supplements, supplements, supplements. Do they even work? Well, I just finished my bottle out in November. Since then, I've been sick at least three times. When your only job might be reciting English, and your throat has a frog in it, you find that you really don't want to be sick.
Besides... you're going to be on a plane and in a hotel for about three or four days. That's the number one place to get sick, especially when your body is tired from jet lag. AND you are about to work at a school. The first thing my education teachers told my graduating class was, "get vitamin C."
In Conclusion
I hope all your papers line up properly and your continuing day dreaming has a lot more fuel.
Peace. Love, for the day is near,
Nikki
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