Aspiring Canadian JETs 2014

[AVN]

This is one thing that they try, and fail to get across - your job isn't just teaching English - you're being paid to be an upstanding member of the local community who just so happens to work as an assistant teacher in school. Even if you don't go all out creating curriculum/translating local tourist info etc, as long as the community sees you as a person who is an asset to their society and not some lazy playboy or drunken college student, you've done a large part of your job.

I know I wasn't, and I don't think Ercasse was either, implying that the ALT needed to be a pro teacher, whipping out curriculum and lesson plans on par with a licensed teacher. Just to take their job seriously.
I also completely agree with Jiggit and Gizmo, you are employed to work in a school. You are not required to do anything outside of working hours (unless it's sports day, eikaiwa etc). I knew lots of really well liked (by their town and employers) ALTs who went straight home after work and stayed there. You should not feel any pressure to force yourself to go out and do anything that feels unnatural. You should also remember that outside of work you are not the centre of the universe, even if sometimes it feels that way in a small town. Forcing internationalization may end up making people uncomfortable. They may agree to things that are actually a burden to them.
If something happens organically, by all means go for it, but just be yourself.

[aat42]

Congratulations and good luck with your other opportunity! As a Vancouver alternate, you've given me just a tiny bit of hope today haha.

Ah thank you!!! Your message made me really happy because this decision definitely wasn't an easy one.... I hope it will work out for you

[Yarilo]

Hello~
I've migrated here from the "official" JET forums, since, uh. They've shut down the Aspiring forum there.
That said, I've been Short-Listed from Toronto! This was my second time applying (last year I was an alternate). Couldn't be happier. Congratulations to all those that also got accepted! Would be great to meet you guys at Orientation And for those that are still waiting - best of luck!

[spman2099]

Hello~
I've migrated here from the "official" JET forums, since, uh. They've shut down the Aspiring forum there.
That said, I've been Short-Listed from Toronto! This was my second time applying (last year I was an alternate). Couldn't be happier. Congratulations to all those that also got accepted! Would be great to meet you guys at Orientation And for those that are still waiting - best of luck!

Congratulations! I don't think I could apply a second time around. The process is too long. However, sticking with it clearly paid off for you.

[AVN]

Congratulations Yarilo! I was very happy for you when LiDe told me. I too was a second time applier, who got in the second time. I realised after living and working here a while that it was in no way reflective on my capabilities. Just luck in some ways. So good luck! Where did you request? Hokkaido too?

[Yarilo]

Congratulations Yarilo! I was very happy for you when LiDe told me. I too was a second time applier, who got in the second time. I realised after living and working here a while that it was in no way reflective on my capabilities. Just luck in some ways. So good luck! Where did you request? Hokkaido too?

Thanks AVNicholls! I re-read the letter multiple times this time around, before I let myself get excited! ---then I asked other people if I was reading it right hahaha. I requested Mie and Ishikawa Prefs, but then stated on my Candidate form (and interview) that I'd be happy anywhere, so we'll see!

[landgoat]

Does any one know approximately when and for how long they will have our original passports for acquiring the visa?

[jacklostinred]

It is generally consulate specific but I believe it is 3 weeks or so but they may be able to rush it if for some reason you can't get it to them/are out of the country before you leave for Japan.

[snargflax]

As an alternate I'd just like to remind all the Canadian shortlisters of the following:

1) Experts predict that next year in Japan there will be a dramatic upsurge in earthquakes, nuclear meltdowns, and constant Godzilla attacks.

2) Teaching in Korea pays great and most places will pay for your rent in addition to your flight. Why pay rent like a sucker with JET when you can be living on easy street in Seoul. Did I mention Seoul has free wifi everywhere? Also all KPOP singers love foreigners so you will undoubtedly be able to get any one of your choosing to become your romantic partner. Annyeong Haseyo!

3) If for some strange reason you do choose to continue with your application then please don't bother with any of that trivial paperwork like getting your criminal background or medical check done. These days, who has time for such nonsense?

As I'm sure you know, Japanese culture is very respect and honour based so simply tell your consulate that you give them your WORD OF HONOUR that you are healthy and not a criminal and this will certainly suffice.

If the consulate tries to tell you this is not acceptable, this is actually a test of your understanding of Japanese culture, and the correct response is to DEMAND to speak directly to the Japanese ambassador so that you may seek redress for this insult to your honour by challenging him to a duel.

[itsabird]

I didn't realize we were in the lounge...

I still haven't received my passport...

[Gizmotech]

Comedy gold snargflax. well done.

[johnny]

I just spent 9 days in Seoul. I love going there. Joking aside, living in Seoul would be a lot of fun.


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[tiger_claw448]

Does anyone know if due dates can be extended for the medical form if it was the clinic's fault by forgetting to do one test? I ask this because my clinic did not give me a test for occult blood during my first visit, which meant I had to do it just recently. I heard results may take weeks to come back...

[johnny]

Call your consulate now. If they're closed, get up first thing in the morning to let them know about the late document and to make sure everything is okay.


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[tiger_claw448]

i hear you johnny

[Gizmotech]

Does anyone know if due dates can be extended for the medical form if it was the clinic's fault by forgetting to do one test? I ask this because my clinic did not give me a test for occult blood during my first visit, which meant I had to do it just recently. I heard results may take weeks to come back...

What test does your clinic need to do? The only thing that couldn't be done in he clinic I went to was the x-Ray, and they sent me to another X-ray place to get it done. I don't remember blood work or anything like that, unless they've really amped up the health check form this year.

Please contact your consulate ASAP and talk to them. Call them for sure, don't let this problem goto email.

[nostos]

how could it take weeks? isn't that just a pee test?

[tiger_claw448]

how could it take weeks? isn't that just a pee test?

For this year's medical form, there are 3 boxes for Urinology: glucose, protein, and occult blood. I thought all of them were done by pee test too, so I don't know if the doctor glanced over it, but when I went back to my clinic to see results the doctor said the occult blood is to check for colorectal cancer which uses another test. She gave me a kit to collect 3 days feces sample to mail to laboratory, and the time it takes for the results to get back could take a few weeks. Am I missing something here or the doctor misinterpreted something?

[nostos]

or the doctor misinterpreted something?

possibly. according to the almighty google there are both feces and urine occult blood tests. my clinic just did the urine one. seems to have been accepted as i haven't heard anything about it from the consulate.

edit: especially as its under the urinalysis section, haha...

[Gizmotech]

Jesus, they really are getting a little invasive aren't they.