Job description and expectations for new JET programme ALTs

Note: I just spent an hour editing this then when I hit publish I got an error that said my edits were not saved, so in the interest in at least getting this out there I’m going to post it as is.  I’ll come back and edit it again when I’m not as frustrated as I currently am.  Please forgive any errors, typos or lack of creativity.

This is the third and longest post in my short series of blogs/rants on the JET programme and what to expect.  This post will deal with what to expect in the job and give you a rough idea of how the school system works.  It took me awhile to figure out the school system and knowing how it works before you get there will explain why things are done the way they are.  So hopefully it’s less frustrating for you in the long run.

What to pack and pre-departure prep for New JET Programme ALTs

The JET pack

Here’s part 2 of my little series of blogs/rants about the JET programme and what to expect.   If you’re looking for the first post on general advice, scroll down, or for the lazies in the crowd, click here.  Feel free to scroll past the what to pack section if like MacGyver you’re ready to go with a paper clip and the plastic ring from your last six pack of Coke Zero, pre-departure prep will be below it.   For reasons why you should take my senpai advice like the word of God himself, the second paragraph in the first article gives my JET bio.  Ok, moving on…

Advice for New JET Programme ALTs

That's you, standing in the E

Last night I attended a JET Programme Orientation at the Japanese Embassy in Ottawa and did a Q and A section for a group who will be heading out to Japan in August.  It was interesting to see them all wide eyed and unsure.  It got me thinking to when I was ramping up to leave for Japan and how anxious I was about going.  So over the next few days I’m going to try and blog a little bit about the JET programme, I’ll probably break it all down into a little series informal of blogs/rants.   Today’s section is the advice section from the 26 page letter to my successor.  Yes, I wrote her 26 pages, because my predecessor left after only 8 months and left me a note that was only 3 sentences long.  Note to new JETs, don’t do that to whoever comes after you.  It’s won’t have all the answers you’re looking for, as it was the conclusion, but it should give you a few things to think about.