#jet program

As Tokyo Orientation draws nearer, it is tradition for the new round of JETs to begin counting the days, say their goodbyes and most importantly, determine what to haul halfway around the world and how to organize it! Given that I was a new JET myself last year, and Tokyo Orientation memories are still (although hazily) fresh in my mind, I thought I might try my hand at making an organizational packing list.

first of all, you’ll need suitcases. I’m not sure about other countries airlines, but air canada allows 2 checked bags and one carry-on bag. one of your checked bags could be a guitar, or some bagpipes, or a snowboard too! You can easily find weight and size restrictions on the website of the airline you’re taking.

The suitcases you choose, if you’re in the market for an internationally capable/indestructible/easy to travel with pieces should have soft shell casing and four wheels. I bought mine on www.overstock.com, they came with a 5 year warranty and they have lots of pockets inside to organize your items.

Before you arrive in Tokyo, you’ll want to determine which suitcase you will physically take with you to your placement (keep in mind that you might be traveling there by bus, Shinkansen or car) and which you’ll have shipped to your placement from orientation. It is essential to plan this, because accidents unfortunately do happen sometimes and you wouldn’t want to be stranded in a strange new place with no underwear (or important documents. Additionally, you don’t have to bring two large suitcases! If you’re able to pack your life away in one, then that is an amazing feat and I applaud you! Those who can’t part with their complete wardrobe and those who like being well stocked on toothpaste and deodorant, the price of sending your large suitcase from Tokyo to your placement will depend on where it is located. I was placed in Osaka (8 hour drive away) and I believe mine cost about ¥2400.

So, without further ado here is the lists I’ve come up with for packing, with each suitcase you bring.

CARRY-ON SUITCASE

-Essential Electronics, Chargers (in an easily accessible place to take out during security)
- use small sample size bottles (under 100ml!) to put your fave skincare/hair case products if you’re not down for the hotel brand! -Clothing & Footwear (&hosiery) for TO and your first days in your placement (Please wear a blazer as much as possible and dress smartly) *if anything gets wrinkled, the hotel has irons, or you can hang stuff up in the bathroom as you shower to steam the wrinkles out!
- the general information handbook, and any other JET related documents. A notebook/clipboard to record notes (encouraged) Also a pencil case if you’re not into stealing hotel pens.
- heavy duty deodorant/ undershirts / makeup. You will sweat. You must fight it! There are so many Japanese products to help you with this, but that’s a whole other blog post!
- an outfit or two worth of casual clothes. You might want to seize the opportunity of exploring Tokyo despite the extreme heat and jet lag, so bring some cool digs to fit into one of the most fashionable cities!

1st CHECKED BAG

- if you have a second bag, pack things into this bag that you cannot live 1-3 months without, because you never know. (Not doubting the Japanese postal service here!)
- pack things that bring you comfort, pictures, letters, saltwater taffy, anything that supports you or makes you smile. The first few weeks are theist difficult, so you’ll need it.
- casual clothes, light sleeping clothes, casual shoes (try wrapping them with plastic bags and filling them with socks!) - your omiyage should be in this bag! On the off chance that your second bag gets lost, you don’t want to be meeting new important people without any omiyage to give! - a towel or two, if your pred hasn’t left you one already - any medications

2nd CHECKED BAG (sent ahead from Tokyo)

-I received my 2nd bag two days after I arrived at my placement, so in that case I was lucky. However, I couldn’t find the time for at least a week to unpack it. -winter clothes/shoes - things to decorate your apartment - comfort food from home - use your common sense here and just pack what you want to have, but would be ok without seeing for 1-3 months!

new osaka JETs, come at me!!

When the last bus home for the day from Sendai leaves at 4:45…
…and it’s so full on a Sunday evening you only make it on the bus because there are fold-down seats so people can sit in the aisle.

And the direct bus is more convenient bus also means walking 15-20 minutes home… and someone you know is guaranteed to have seen you.

On Friday I also randomly ran into an acquaintance who apparently works at a shop in Sendai- good thing she remembered me!

The strangest thing just happened.

I was cooking dinner when the doorbell rang.

Outside (with my neighbor) was one of my 6th grade boys. At first I thought that my neighbor must be his mother, but after a few sentences she checked her mail and left.

He came all by himself just to talk to me!

Today I had my last visit to his homeroom before I finish my time on the JET Program. We played some games, took a picture, and said goodbye.

Standing outside my door, we had a deep conversation despite my poor Japanese skills.

He asked me what message I would like to leave behind for him and his peers. I said that they should be kind to each other. It is one of my biggest regrets that I was not a kinder person in grade school. 

He pointed out that when other teachers leave, it is likely that the students will see them again around town. But since I’m moving away, he’ll probably never see me again.

He was a little sad to hear that the next ALT will be a girl. “It’s always girls,” he said. I asked him to help her out at school when she gets here.

He also wondered why his classmates were not as upset as him about my leaving. He said that when other teachers left, they all cried. But not for me. Secretly, that was how I planned my departure. No tears, just smiles. Once I start crying I can’t stop. I told him that losing me was not all sad because that meant they get to make a new friend with the new teacher. If I have to make a speech to the school at an assembly before I leave though, there will definitely be tears.

He was happy that I could remember his name. So was I :D

Finally I told him that I will see him again next week because I will be teaching the 5th graders their last lessons. He promised to come visit me again to talk.

I love that he came to see me, because more than their formulaic thank you letters that they all have to write, it tells me that at least one student was affected by my work.

I had to write this as soon as he left so I wouldn’t forget. I will treasure this memory always.

Saseboanon: My JET Program Sexual Assault Survivor – Saseboanon – Medium

When will they sort this out? This isn’t something that has only happened once. Those of us in Japan know that ALTs and Japanese teachers that assault ALTs are allowed to continue work with minimal or no consequences. I’m so tired of hearing these stories repeated and then forgotten. We must demand change.

hey ppl who only follow me on here!

i got into the jet program :)

i’m gonna be teaching in japan starting late july!

So you’ve finally made it to Japan, you’ve gone through customs, immigration, orientation and now you’re finally sitting in silence in your new apartment.

Don’t panic. You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’ve also been interacting nonstop with new friends and coworkers so some silence alone will do you some good.

I think it’s important to remember that you’ll eventually find your rhythm. You may doubt yourself at times and worry you’ll never find it but, trust me, if you really want to be apart of the community, you’ll find a way. I’m not talking about work. I’m talking about your free time. What you do with those hours will determine your happiness here in Japan. Maybe back home watching tv was what relaxed you. But while you’re here temporarily, why not do something out of your comfort zone?

For example, you could join a Yoga class, try tea ceremony, do Japanese archery, take karate, do bouldering, try calligraphy, join a Japanese language circle, etc etc~ ^^

The list goes on.

I’m not saying you won’t be happy here if you don’t challenge yourself. I’m encouraging you to go out and explore opportunities here that could change your life. :)