06/11/02

Attended talk about the JET Programme.  Thought: "what a good idea".

29/11/02

JET Application Deadline

Not much time in which to complete the reams of paper work, get references, write sales pitch.  But it all got done on time!

13/12/02

Letter from JET asking for an interview

09/01/03

JET Interview

Held at the Embassy of Japan in London.  Very scary, but ok.  Had to do an English test, which was quite amusing as I'd been expecting something very difficult and in-depth.  Just so you know - it was a one-page, 4 question paper, testing fairly basic spelling/grammar and word definitions (well, not basic as in 'cat', 'dog' and 'jump', but if you've done a reasonable degree, and have a reasonable grasp of the English language, you should be fine).  The interview was all about my motivation behind wanting to go to Japan, what I know about Japan (including books I've read by Japanese authors...see my recommended books), and what Tom and I would do if one of us was selected, and the other wasn't.  There were three interviewers, two of whom were Japanese.  Basically, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be, and all the interviewers were very friendly.

08/04/03

Letter from JET saying I'd been short-listed

The pack contains various bits of paper, including a medical form to be filled in by my GP...

23/04/03

Sent off completed forms

The medical wasn't that bad: tested weight, height, eyesight, blood pressure and urine.  All ok.

16/05/03

First Exam (of seven)

27/05/03

Received pack from JET containing all sorts of goodies (books, audio stuff, and general info - no placement information yet)

28/05/03

Received a letter from JET, informing me of my location: FUKUI.  (No information about the school itself).

31/05/03

It's all happening now!  Received contract from the Fukui Prefectural Board of Education, with a covering letter and a really useful letter from the Fukui JET Prefectural Representatives (FJET), detailing what I need to take with me, what I can expect when I'm there, etc, etc.  Interestingly the contract has been included in Japanese as well as English.  Very scary!  There is also a glossy booklet about Fukui, with some gorgeous photos in.

05/06/03

Finished finals!

20/06/03

RESULTS DAY

Gained a 2:1, so am very happy indeed - this definitely calls for a celebration!

Graduation Ball - see the photos!

25/06/03

Received placement details via e-mail.  

I have been placed at Harue Kogyo Senior High School (SHS).

This is a technical high school in Harue town, situated about 20 minutes north of Fukui City (where I will be living).  

The curriculum is industry based (information systems, mechanics, machines, electronics).

There are 463 students, 96% of whom are male. 

26/06/03

27/06/03

Received e-mail from predecessor regarding my placement.

30/06/03

Received letter from my Contracting Organisation concerning accommodation, summer camp, etc.

04/07/03

Received confirmation of flight to Tokyo from Miki Travel.

08/07/03

GRADUATION AND GARDEN PARTY!!!  What a fantastic day!  We stayed at the Marriott Royal on College Green, and had a really nice day, surrounded by pomp and ceremony.  See the photos.

09/07/03 - 10/07/03

JET London Orientation (accommodation provided: University of Westminster).

The accommodation was very good, but the food was a bit, um...well...think of Hall food, and you'll get the picture.

The Orientation included talks about Japan, which were really informative - especially the question and answer session with former JETs.  Special thanks to Beth for giving me instructions to go and talk to her big brother!!! ;)  

There was also a crash course in Japanese.  Because I've been studying Japanese since October I was put in the 'Basic Level' group.  Well, I found it far from basic!  It was very hard, and the teacher went very fast.  The first day had just three hours of solid Japanese lessons, and the second day had six hours (with an hour for lunch in between).  There was also a bit of homework to do too...  It was far from easy, and at times I wondered what on earth I was doing there, but in hind-sight I think it was very beneficial.  I've managed to make some good notes, at least,  which should be very useful!!!

10/07/03

Reception at the Embassy of Japan - 17.30 onwards (I left at about 19.30).  This was a really good social event, and despite initial reservations, I'm very glad I went!  It was a good opportunity not only to socialise with other JETs, but also to talk to some Japanese English teachers about Japan, Japanese students, and anything else you can think of!  The Ambassador gave a really lovely speech, too!

One word though: don't choose Champagne at the door - they employ highly skilled personnel to follow you around and refill your glass (not good when you're trying to impress!!!) 

12/07/03

Suzy and Dan's Engagement Party - Thanks for a great night, and congrats guys!!!  See the photos.

25/07/03

Leave Jersey

Just a little hop over the Channel to London City, having managed to reduce my luggage to 23kg, plus 5kg hand luggage.  

Goodbye Party in Covent Garden

Thanks to:

   Tom

   Gilli

   Mat

   Suzanna

   Mark (Seeley)

   Suzy

   Dan

   Giles

   Carolyn

   Ben (Motz)

   Harry

   Alex

   Rachel

for coming to say goodbye!  I had a really great evening, and despite the jugs of cocktails, thankfully didn't get too drunk!!!

See the photos

26/07/03

Depart for Japan!

An 11 hour British Airways flight from Heathrow.  Economy Class.  Not actually as bad as it sounds!  

I hadn't flown long-haul on a BA flight for quite a long time, and they've made it a lot more comfortable.  For a start, there's an LCD TV screen for each passenger, and a good selection of movies, etc, playing continuously.  I watched 'Down with Love' (new Rene Zelwegger and Ewan McGreggor film) twice.  Not that I'm a fan of Ewan McGreggor, or anything...

I was expecting to be quite cold on the flight, but I think they had the heating turned up - was it to get us acclimatised?  I don't know, but it was quite uncomfortably warm at times.

The food wasn't bad, though.