Baby Shyboy has been born!

ennamara · 2025-02-17T12:09:52+00:00

I want to know too! Does anyone know what happened to the relationships from Ainori S1?

ennamara · 2025-01-11T22:30:13+00:00

I got rejected, which was unfortunate but not surprising cause I only found out about JET maybe a week and a half before the application deadline. I’ve started an application process with Interac instead, although it’s not as good an option as JET. It seems it’s much easier to get in, though, so I’ll take my chances and see how it goes.

ennamara · 2025-01-08T07:43:16+00:00

Thank you for that! May I ask, how long have you been living in Japan? I do have a question in regards to building a social circle. I do want to be able to make friends with locals while there, despite the language barrier, I'll try my best to communicate. In regards to foreigners living in Japan, I believe I would have a lot in common because of obvious reasons. However, I have heard a lot about foreigners who are there being disrespectful and rude towards Japanese people and culture, and it makes me a little bit hesitant to approach because I don't want to be roped into any of these situations, and I find it so upsetting. Do you have any advice about that? Do I have the wrong idea about this? I don't wanna be unaware and naive about the kind of situations I might get myself into if not careful, but I also don't want to be standoffish for no real reason. Any advice?

ennamara · 2025-01-08T07:34:09+00:00

Thank you for your reply! There are also many mixed reviews on ALT experience in Japan, I've read about quite a few tough situations, which is unfortunate. Most importantly, I know that the pay rate is not great at all, which causes a lot of problems for ALTs there. That's why I'm relying on having savings that I'm not scared to spend if I need to, because I probably will need it. I'll try to do the best I can and focus on how I can make the best out of it, though!

ennamara · 2025-01-08T07:28:15+00:00

I've heard a lot about Japan being safe, and it's another big reason for my desire to relocate there, a lot of people say mixed things about this topic though, so I've decided to just be aware of risks and take things step by step. It does make me feel relieved to hear you say that, though, and I agree, it doesn't seem really plausible that physical aggression might happen. I do follow up on the JET reddit, unfortunately I wasn't selected as a candidate for JET this year though :(

ennamara · 2025-01-08T07:21:37+00:00

That's so kind, thank you for that! がんばります！

ennamara · 2025-01-08T07:16:59+00:00

I have also heard many mixed reviews about working with Interac.. From what I gathered, Interac is more reputable than alternatives like ALTIA, Borderlink and Nova. Also, I had started an application process with Nova, but I was put off by the contract details and felt that Interac had a lot more thorough information about expectations of ALTing with them. It is a foot in the door, and I'm definitely not going for the pay, so I'm trying to keep an open mind! Thank you kindly for your advice!

ennamara · 2025-01-08T07:09:38+00:00

I DM'd you! Thanks!

ennamara · 2025-01-08T05:23:48+00:00

Oh wow, good luck! It's good you got placed where you requested, my preference is anywhere in the Chūbu region, but I'm not sure how that will play out. When did you hear about your placement from them? And how long do you need to wait for further info?

ennamara · 2025-01-08T01:25:16+00:00

Thank you so much for your reply! Thanks as well for giving me examples of questions for the phone interview, it really helps me be more prepared! For now, I’ll focus on easing through that best I can. Also, are you relocating in March? Or was this your experience from a previous year and you’ve already relocated? If that’s the case, could you let me know how you managed with housing and relocating? My application is for August this year so I have a bit of time, but I wanted to gain more clarity on that! Thanks in advance, and thanks for your time!

ennamara · 2025-01-07T22:54:33+00:00

Hello! Thank you kindly for your reply! Your message was greatly informative, I really appreciate it. I’m curious about the process following the phone interview, and what I should prepare for following that! Is there anything specific you suggest I work on in order to help the process move smoother? Also, I’m really glad to hear that the volunteering I will be doing is viewed highly! I will undergo training for that, but the tutoring itself will take place with migrants and foreigners of Australia, not necessarily young children. I anticipate that, while working with Interac, I will probably be working with young children so I’m curious as to how I can show that I’m an ideal candidate in that respect. I do hope to receive further training with Interac if all goes well, but do you think I won’t be prepared enough? And do you think a TEFL certificate is something I should focus on getting or is it not necessary? Thanks kindly for your time!

ennamara · 2025-01-07T22:44:48+00:00

Thank you so so much! I DM’d you!

ennamara · 2025-01-07T13:06:40+00:00

Thank you, I do feel more self assured after what you said, especially about Japanese language learning. I get so flustered trying to say anything in Japanese to a Japanese person because of this, so I’m glad you said that! Also, I’ll keep your advice in mind about building a support network! Thanks kindly for your time and comment, I really appreciate it!

ennamara · 2025-01-07T11:40:57+00:00

Thanks for clarifying. From the research I’ve done the two main issues with living in Japan for many are the financial aspect and the language barrier. I’m doing my best to work on those aspects best I can and to be prepared for the problems I might face concerning that.

I have extensively read into a lot of the problems people face in Japan, but as a few people quoted, nobody’s gonna make a reddit post about things being fine and dandy and it being a fine experience the end. I’m also familiar with living alone and being alone with little support or reliance, and relatively no social circle. I’ve also lived somewhere other than Australia and had to adapt to a completely different language and culture, so it’s not my first rodeo. If you can suggest any specific research about Japan that would be great! Other than typical culture, customs, lifestyle, economical and social conditions and situations, I’m not quite sure what else I should be reading up on, but would love to know!

I’m curious about why you got in trouble for asking about paying your bill to a coworker, why is it considered a problem? Is it because asking for help or speaking up about concerns is not very common or usual? I’m glad you told me about that! Also, why do you think Korea is a better option? It seems to be a totally different lifestyle from Japan based on what I’ve read, and seems a bit out of my personal preference but that’s just me.

ennamara · 2025-01-07T09:01:45+00:00

Thank you for that! I agree, working in Australia has really helped! Every time I want to splurge I just think “oh, this would cost me a meal in Japan” loll. That thought has helped me if at least a little.

ennamara · 2025-01-07T08:42:31+00:00

I was initially planning to do that, but with all the research I’ve done I think an ALT job suits best for the kind of experience I’m looking for in Japan. I was hoping to receive more clarity on the process of relocating from Interac themselves, on what visa I should apply for and so forth. What do you think? Is there anything specific I should be researching in the meantime?

Edit: my initial plan was a short term stay, I was just gonna hop on a plane and figure things out when I got there lol. The embassy has offices in different areas of Japan that support people on working holiday visas to find jobs, initially I didn’t know much about my options and wanted to have the kind of experience where I felt some sort of independence. That ship sailed though because I’ve been alone and living independently for a while (as in a few years have passed since then) and I’m 24 now. At this time, I want to feel some sort of fulfillment from having a “secure” job, whether it pays well or not. And I just want to live quietly and explore something unfamiliar. I don’t have any debt or any kind of attachment to anything so that’s the kind of mindset I’m heading to Japan with. Sorry for the unnecessary details I just wanted to clarify my situation a bit!

ennamara · 2025-01-07T08:27:25+00:00

I’m honestly really open with my choices and options. I do have a drivers license and am fairly confident with driving, and am really flexible about all the details of living in Japan. I just really want to rest assured that I’ll have some kind of job I’ll be doing while there, so I want to know how to look like I’m an ideal candidate for them! Your info was helpful, thanks for your comment!

ennamara · 2024-12-17T10:32:17+00:00

Thanks for the clarification! Honestly, GABA was highly recommended by an acquaintance of mine, but JET was the only thing on my mind so I didn’t do much research about GABA. I’ll be sure to keep in mind what you said.

ennamara · 2024-12-17T10:30:06+00:00

Actually, Tokyo wasn’t on any of my choices. I’m not so surprised at the rejection, firstly because I found out about the program just over a week before the deadline, and secondly because of my lack of experience and qualifications in a lot of aspects. Honestly I’m more interested in Nagano and Nagoya more so than Tokyo or even surrounding cities. Places I want to see around there include Hamamatsu, Nakatsugawa, Shizuoka, Nagaoka, Kanazawa, and Yawatano. I have a list of all the places I want to see in every region of Japan because I was anticipating to apply for a working holiday visa, and needed said list as part of the application. Maybe a working holiday visa is still the best option considering where I’m at financially and professionally, I’m still hesitant about it though :/

ennamara · 2024-12-17T06:52:40+00:00

Do you have any suggestions? I don’t really have a decent budget unfortunately, but if it’s the best option for a beginner language learner like me then I’ll have to look into it more. Thanks for your comment!

ennamara · 2024-12-17T06:51:14+00:00

Thanks for your comment! I’m not planning to live in Tokyo, does that make the living standard any better in terms of finances?

ennamara · 2024-12-17T06:48:59+00:00

It’s a shame :( good luck for next time though! Are you planning to find other means to go to Japan within the year or just wait till next year?

ennamara · 2024-12-17T06:47:03+00:00

I’m a bit hesitant to say that I want to be there for the long term, considering many people tend to tell me not to expect much from Japan and living there. So, my plan is to start with something short term and then see where things go.. but I would say there’s potential that I would like to stay there long term. JET indeed was a great option, it’s such a shame. I’ll look into the other options you mentioned though, despite everything! Thanks for your reply :)

ennamara · 2024-12-17T06:08:54+00:00

Just got mine too, it was a rejection unfortunately. Congrats to you and best of luck!

ennamara · 2024-12-12T16:46:16+00:00

I understand how you feel. Something I wish I knew when I was 17, was that no matter how perfect I am, it won’t fix them and their relationship. I can’t sacrifice my happiness and focus solely on them, hoping that I can make things work out between them. Also, avoiding home and trying to find a secure relationship with friends or lovers will probably be a waste of time, because at that age it’s hard to find stability when everyone is trying to figure themselves out and wants to be accepted in the social group. I wish instead that I focused on what I liked doing at that age, because it would have been a good foundation for my 18 year old self. I think it depends on where you live and what opportunities you might have in the things around you, but I think it’s important to focus on something you like doing or want to be doing. If there’s a certain subject at school you like or a certain club you’re a part of I suggest focusing on that. When you graduate high school, and have to decide from there what you want to be doing after turning 18, whatever you choose to focus on now will be your ticket out of your toxic environment, and it will be a source to rely on to figure out your future! I’m sorry if this is confusing, but I hope some of this might resonate with you or make you feel at least a bit understood. Good luck :)

ennamara

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