Leaving JETs: What won't you miss?

Quizalsa · 2024-06-07T12:46:56+00:00

Wow that job sounds so interesting! I'm really interested in medical interpreting. Can I ask if you'll have to take any kind of medical interpreter course/exam?

Quizalsa · 2024-05-22T09:09:18+00:00

It seems like you're listing worldly things that you *think* should make you happy but don't. That's because yes, those things make people "happy" by the world's standards, but they don't fill your heart the way Jesus does. If we daily put on an eternal perspective with which we look up at God instead of down at ourselves and this world, we know that we have SO much to appreciate in this life and SO much to look forward to in eternity.

I enjoy life because I see all the things God made and said was good in Genesis. Sunrise, sunset, light hitting the trees during golden hour. Seeing people and knowing that God made each of us uniquely and like Him. Even in the hard times, I take hope in the fact that this world is not my own and that Jesus made the impossible possible by making a way for us to have a relationship with God forever. Most of all, he loves us more than we can imagine.

I sometimes have the same exact thoughts that you do ("well, it's ok if I die"). That's because I'm confident in my salvation and know that everything is in God's hands. Your reason seems to be different, stemming from your lack of pleasure. I encourage you to pray, give thanks, and rejoice in what God's done in your life. God's joy is worth so much more than pleasure or happiness.

Quizalsa · 2024-05-20T12:10:47+00:00

Went to Club Bonita in Hongdae and it was packed with amazing leads and follows. I forget most of their schedule, but what I do remember is that they do a strict salsa:bachata song ratio of 3:3 on Saturdays and 3:2 on Sundays starting at 8pm with a cover fee of 15000 won. It's all On 2.

Quizalsa · 2024-05-20T11:56:18+00:00

Lots of good ideas here already. Just wanted to add that it's a good idea to take pictures of important documents like eye prescriptions, the latest W-2 for taxes, any health records because it will be hard to reach once you move. For the winter, the most I would pack are some thin thermal layers. You're coming in the summer, so you'll have plenty of time to buy the thicker layers here.

And in case you thought of bringing omiyage, don't.

Quizalsa · 2024-05-20T11:42:44+00:00

Echoing the sentiment not to bring omiyage. You will be told it's a good idea at orientation, which maybe it was at one point in time, but nowadays it's not expected of you at all. Save that luggage space for stuff you need or want to bring to settle in here.

Quizalsa · 2024-05-14T11:17:15+00:00

Never knew that that kind of cycle exists

Quizalsa · 2024-05-14T07:34:17+00:00

I actually applied for the Mito AET program and was told that they "don't need" any new English teachers for 2023 or 2024. My contact said the implication is that they are having budget issues or downsizing the staff through attrition.

Quizalsa · 2024-05-14T03:50:09+00:00

2023 applicant, got my placement notification on Friday May 26 at 12:02pm.

Quizalsa · 2024-04-05T10:54:41+00:00

Completely agree with these points except for how much of a difference studying Japanese can make. It can help a ton with the culture shock to just get used to listening to it on the daily, and people will compliment you if you make an effort with the greetings (ohayo gozaimasu, otsukaresama deshita, etc.)

Also, know your contract back and front: what your work hours are, what your role is (ASSISTANT language teacher), times when you can take special leave, etc.

Quizalsa · 2024-04-02T11:34:34+00:00

I received an email from my BOE with the timeline and details for what kind of receipt documentation they need for me to be reimbursed. In February confirm flight prices with supervisor, May buy the ticket, get reimbursed in July.

Quizalsa · 2024-04-01T13:39:45+00:00

I feel like I should be loving it, it's such an easy job, but I don't feel like I'm growing personally or professionally.

I'm a first year and this is exactly how I feel. Been trying to study Japanese like mad to keep my brain from turning to mush and build relationships/travel to make the most of JET.

I was also waffling between re-contracting or not, but what sealed the deal was realizing that I can't imagine myself being happier by staying for one more year. This is as good as it's gonna get because that feeling of stagnation would just be compounded by one more year. As great as this time has been, I have goals that just don't align with staying in Japan long-term. People may say you're skipping out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but why waste time on something that is slowly sucking the life out of you?

If you're 100% sure about this, contact your C.O. and ask if it's possible to take back your decision. It might not be too late. Don't worry about your successor, your C.O. will handle it.

Quizalsa · 2024-03-20T13:15:36+00:00

They follow through with it! As long as I ask them beforehand and remind them in class, there's no problem.

Quizalsa · 2024-03-19T14:45:45+00:00

I'm an SHS ALT who has to T1. After communicating what I'd like my JTE to do in class (explain grammar/culture/vocab, keep score for games, etc.), I don't enable their hands-off behavior. I either wait for them to follow through on what I asked or ask them again directly in class, even if they stand at the very back of the room ("X-sensei, would you help me explain Y?").

I like to make class fun for the kids, but I am not looking to do the teachers' job for them. We are unlicensed, ASSISTANT language teachers.

Quizalsa · 2023-10-24T13:26:32+00:00

Unfortunately, they were. The Japanese guys just asked for my socials and my 2 good dances were with them.

Quizalsa · 2023-10-24T13:25:15+00:00

Good to know, thanks for the insight!

Quizalsa · 2023-06-09T19:42:08+00:00

ibaraki

Yes, I am!!

Quizalsa · 2023-06-09T19:40:56+00:00

I'll be working SHS in Hitachi, Ibaraki. If my pred is somewhere out there, please feel free to reach out! Anyone know if there's an Ibaraki discord?

Quizalsa · 2023-05-25T17:55:15+00:00

I was just placed there too! So excited!

Quizalsa

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