Graduated and Ready (or The First Post)

Well, I've graduated Baylor and I'm off into the "real" world. I've been accepted into the JET programme, which means I'm going to be an ALT (assistant language teacher) in Japan.

Consider this an preliminary FAQ for your records.

1. What will you be doing?

I will be teaching English in Japan through the JET programme.

2. JET?

It's a programme set up through the Japanese Ministry of education (MOE). It stands for the Japanese Exchange and Teaching programme. Go here for more the specifics.

3. Assistant language teacher? Are you not competent enough to be the primary teacher?

It's a title. Japanese law makes it easier for paperwork and so on for me to be the "assistant". Depending on where I'm placed and the school district's policy, I could be in sort of charge of my own class or co-teach with a JTE.

4. JTE?

Japanese Teacher of English. The JET programme loves acronyms and uses them in every possible situation.

5. Who will you teach?

A current JET in Sasayama just told me that I will either be teaching in a middle school right by my place or 12 different elementary schools that alternate every week. Exciting.

6. So where are you going to be?

Sasayama-shi in Hyogo prefecture. It's easy to pronounce.

Sasa is just like salsa without the "l". Yama as in "mama" with a "y" in front. "shi" means city and is pronounced like "she....is a harlot". You can probably drop the "shi" if you want. It's not vital to the name like "Kansas City" or "New York City". More like Overland Park....city.

Hyogo may prove difficult to those who insist that a "y" following a consonant must be pronounced as a vowel. Like how Tokyo becomes "To-kee-oh" or Kyoto becomes "Kee-yoh-to" in English. For Hyogo, say the word "hue". As in "that hue of purple on that woman's dress makes me want to vomit." And instead of the "oo" sound, say "oh". Hyo. Go. As in "Go change that dress if you expect to be taken seriously."

Hyogo prefecture is in the Kansai (sometimes called kinki) region of Japan. There are a few pretty big cities 1-2 hours from Sasayama. Mainly Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. Hyogo is home to Kobe city. Kobe had the big earthquake in 95 or so. Here are some maps I found on the internets. Along with rumours.




8. Are you getting paid enough? I heard Japan is expensive, isn't that the place where the watermelons are square and sell for $120?

I will be fine. The salary is sustainable and plus, I learned how to be a cheapskate from my parents. It's in my genes. Also, I found out I will be place in a more rural part of Japan. Making life much cheaper than the big cities. It's just a general rule that the country is cheaper than the cities. For example, where else but Waco can you still go see a movie for $5?

9. When do you leave?

I will leave for Tokyo on July 29th. There is a 2-3 day "post-arrival" orientation in Tokyo with all the JETs in the programme. From what I've gathered, after Tokyo I will go to a Hyogo prefectural orientation for 2-3 days. This will be for all the JETs in Hyogo, appropriately enough.

10. How long will you be there?

The contract is for one year. So I can definitely say I will be there for one year. Depending on how much they like me and vice-versa, there is a possibility of renewing the contract for another year. From what I've gathered, the average situation is a 2-3 year renewal. But none of this is determined and I won't know until I get there.

11. Will you go to the US for Christmas or any other holiday time?

I'd like to return but there are a lot of variables. And also, Christmas isn't a legal holiday in Japan. There are two Christians in Japan. And they are Catholic. Those don't even count.


12. Tell me more

I've stoked my ego enough for today. Look at my links for more information about Sasayama or JET.