Thursday, 06 February 2008, 10:22 +0800 GMT
Woohoo, it's the 6 month anniversary since the 2007/08 JETs arrived here in Japan! It's a good feeling, although it really doesn't feel like it has been that long. Exactly 6 months ago, I was just meeting my friends in the lobby of the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, reading to go out shopping in Akihabara. With a stupid grin on my face, thinking about all the adventures to come. And adventures there have been, by the bucket load.
I've had an absolutely awesome time on JET so far. I've experienced Japanese culture by the truckload, fought my way through Japanese everyday life, taught in the Japanese school system, made new friends, met cool random people, eaten wonderful food, partied a lot and a whole heap of other cool things. Naturally, there have been some downs to counter the ups, too, all in all making for a wonderful life and learning experience.
Overall, I'm extremely glad that I took the plunge and applied for JET. It was a big, life changing choice, as picking up and moving 10,000km away to a country with no friends and a completely different language, lifestyle and culture wasn't exactly easy!
It has paid off though, in so many ways.
I don't regret coming at all, and I'm very thankful for that. There is a lot that draws me back home, but for the moment, Japan is definitely the right place for me. One year here is far too short a time, so I've applied for another year and with any luck, will be granted it. As for staying longer, I don't know yet. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it! Regardless - long live the JET Program, and Japan! :) Party on, team!
Comments
Post Comment
On Thursday, 06 February 2008, 11:04 +0800 GMT
Party on Wayne!
Party on Garth!
Heh, Japan is probably the only place I'd consider doing more than one consecutive year (or maybe China... but in a totally different location). What's the limit on JET nowadays? I know it was 3 years.. but I had heard it changed to 5.
Here's hoping that I may be able to apply for JET in the UK (once I get my UK passport) rather than fly home. Otherwise I'll have to come and pound the pavement.
Oh well... such is life! :P
On Thursday, 06 February 2008, 12:00 +0800 GMT
6 months? I hadn't even thought about it. Those of us who do end up staying on should have some kind of anniversary celebration.
On Thursday, 06 February 2008, 12:02 +0800 GMT
Obviously, I mean when we've been here a year . . .
On Thursday, 06 February 2008, 17:52 +0800 GMT
Steve: Lol, nice pick up. I watched it last night and it's permeating my vocab today...the teachers must all think I've gone nuts, haha.
Japan is indeed a groovy place to be for a long time. Where would you want to be in China? Hmmm...officially the limit on JET is 3 (that's what you're likely to be able to do as long as you're average or above). You can extend up to 2 more though if you're considered excellent. I only know one person in the whole of Hyogo who has ever made it to 5 though, hehe.
Hey, good stuff mate! I didn't know you had connections to Britain! Grab it if you can, hey - you can live and work in any country in the EU with that ... score. Pound the pavement? Hehe bummer...never fun ;/
Matt: Hehe yeah, 6 months. I'm a bit of an anniversary freak at times. Can't remember birthdays but I love knowing how long I've been doing something down to the day. Yes, I agree! Hokkaido is a semi celebration for those of us going, but we should definitely have a big piss up for everyone from the Perth group who's staying (and even those who aren't - who needs an excuse? :D)
Good times!
On Friday, 07 February 2008, 01:51 +0800 GMT
Did your headmaster want you to stay another 3 years? ;)
On Friday, 07 February 2008, 11:51 +0800 GMT
Yeah, Kouchou-sensei was like, "Please...stay...3 years!" every time he saw me, hehe. He's a very funny man.