Crowbeak Posted April 20, 2011 Report Share Posted April 20, 2011 I applied for an Assistant Language Teacher position teaching English in Japan through the JET Program last November. After months of waiting, I was awarded an interview in February (one of five for the state of Alaska). And last Friday, I got an e-mail saying I made the short list! As long as I get certain paperwork in by May 2, I'm in. They'll fly me to Japan and run me through orientation in Tokyo before shipping me off to my final destination to act as English teacher and cultural ambassador.I've wanted this job for years! It's competitive, too -- there were at least 6 applicants from my campus alone this year plus however many in Fairbanks were unaffiliated with UAF and however many applied from elsewhere in the state. My understanding is that they only send up to one Alaskan a year.*wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube man*I don't know where I'm going yet; they don't start placing people until they know for sure who all is going so they can take everyone's preferences into account. I didn't mark down any preferences whatsoever. I'd kinda like to go some place besides Hokkaido, since that's where I lived before... but I love Hokkaido, too, so I wouldn't mind that either. In addition to asking about specific regions, the application gave the option to specify a preference for urban, suburban, or rural placement. I didn't specify that, either. I considered requesting rural, since I've never lived in a rural area, but there are different challenges and advantages to each and I'm pretty sure that I'll enjoy myself no matter where they put me. My Japanese skills are advanced enough that I'm likely to be placed in a rural area anyway.No matter where I end up, it'll be an adventure! I'm so excited. <3I didn't tell you guys sooner because the consulate asked me to wait to post the news on internet forums because not everyone received notification on the same day.Challenges I look forward to include: de-rusting my Japanese speaking skills; figuring out how to gracefully tell people about my Paleo diet; finding places to practice archery and lift weights; and learning how to teach at the group level instead of tutoring individually. Quote The enemy's gate is down. Screw weight loss. I want to be able to BENCH PRESS A BEAR. Link to comment
nicolakgreen Posted April 20, 2011 Report Share Posted April 20, 2011 Congratulations! Sounds like you did amazing to get it, and I know how much you wanted it, so I'm thrilled for you. Now get that paperwork in and start packing! Quote google + See through the blue - my blog Link to comment
Brometheus Posted April 20, 2011 Report Share Posted April 20, 2011 Congrats! That sounds like an awesome job! Quote Link to comment
Jax_BabyJeep Posted April 20, 2011 Report Share Posted April 20, 2011 Congratz! That's seriously awesome - great job =) Quote --- Current challenge --- 1st challenge --- The Greatest Contest in the History of the World --- My Twitter --- Link to comment
citabean Posted April 20, 2011 Report Share Posted April 20, 2011 Great job!! Quote STR 5 * DEX 5.5 * STA 12.5 * CON 7.75 * WIS 7.75 * CHA 3 My Fitness Pal Link to comment
JaysFreaky Posted April 20, 2011 Report Share Posted April 20, 2011 Good work! You learn Japanese on your own or in school? Quote Link to comment
CapN_Tommy_Sunshine Posted April 21, 2011 Report Share Posted April 21, 2011 That sounds awesome! Quote Link to comment
Crowbeak Posted April 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2011 Thanks, guys! The only paperwork I have left is the health certification which is part of the visa application process. There's nothing I can do about that until Monday, when I have a doctor's appointment. Oh, and I need to get passport photos. I started learning Japanese on my own, but have taken classes at the high school and college level as well. I'm well past done with those, though, and back to studying on my own. xD Quote The enemy's gate is down. Screw weight loss. I want to be able to BENCH PRESS A BEAR. Link to comment
Plex Posted April 21, 2011 Report Share Posted April 21, 2011 Hey crowbeak, grats on getting the job! If you need some insight into teaching groups of students, feel free to pm me, as that is my main job (teaching). Quote "She turned me into a newt!" "A newt?" "I got better..." Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/NFPlex That's NFPlex. Link to comment
Crowbeak Posted April 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2011 Awesome, thank you, Plex! What do you teach? Addendum: I talked to my advisor today, to let him know I got the job since he didn't respond to the e-mail I sent him. He didn't see my e-mail, it seems, but he knew anyway. He was actually on the interview panel (much to my surprise when I got there for the interview!), so the consulate sent him an update on how everyone did. Turns out there's no set limit on how many people can be sent from Alaska, but it's usually one, maybe two. This year, however, four of the five people up for my position were up for it. He told me that I had been their top pick, though. :D :D :D :D Aw... it'll only let me put in ten smiley faces. Quote The enemy's gate is down. Screw weight loss. I want to be able to BENCH PRESS A BEAR. Link to comment
JaysFreaky Posted April 21, 2011 Report Share Posted April 21, 2011 Freaking cool man. I'm jelly. Quote Link to comment
Crowbeak Posted April 22, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2011 All you need to apply is a four-year degree in anything, an interest in Japan, and a willingness to teach. You don't even have to know any Japanese! Quote The enemy's gate is down. Screw weight loss. I want to be able to BENCH PRESS A BEAR. Link to comment
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