JET-set
JET. Japanese Exchange and Teaching. I had heard of it at some point in my first year; I can't remember the first time. Then Maruyama-sensee (my TA) suggested I apply for JET, that she knew someone who had once done it. She assured me her friend didn't know any Japanese beforehand (even though I do), so I shouldn't be worried about not being fluent in Japanese. The contract is for a year. I would think I can't apply until after I graduate.
So... whatever, I thought I could go about planning something like that later (and even strongly considering doing it).
A couple days ago, I was talking to a classmate, and he said after he graduates this fall, he plans on either applying for JET or another program which does something similar, but you get to choose the area (but it pays less). That got me to thinking about it again. He insisted we basically wouldn't be required to speak a word of Japanese (however the trip really does help fluency). And so, here I am looking at the JET website again.
There are a lot of things to consider... like, the cost of living there; how will I find a place to live? how will I pay for it? is there some sort of help from JET in finding this? How would I adapt? Emotionally, mentally, socially? I already easily miss home, and I'm a mere 130 miles, 2.5 hours away from home. And this is for a year... Would the language barrier be too large? I suppose there are plenty of other things I could be worried about, but those are the main issues.
However, every person's testimonial on their website seem very convincing. Ah so tired. I've delayed writing my essay long enough. I want to actually finish before 2am this time.
So... whatever, I thought I could go about planning something like that later (and even strongly considering doing it).
A couple days ago, I was talking to a classmate, and he said after he graduates this fall, he plans on either applying for JET or another program which does something similar, but you get to choose the area (but it pays less). That got me to thinking about it again. He insisted we basically wouldn't be required to speak a word of Japanese (however the trip really does help fluency). And so, here I am looking at the JET website again.
There are a lot of things to consider... like, the cost of living there; how will I find a place to live? how will I pay for it? is there some sort of help from JET in finding this? How would I adapt? Emotionally, mentally, socially? I already easily miss home, and I'm a mere 130 miles, 2.5 hours away from home. And this is for a year... Would the language barrier be too large? I suppose there are plenty of other things I could be worried about, but those are the main issues.
However, every person's testimonial on their website seem very convincing. Ah so tired. I've delayed writing my essay long enough. I want to actually finish before 2am this time.