First Attempt at Blogging!

I've been accepted into the JET Program for the 2008-2009 school year. I'll be working as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Shizuoka prefecture, home of Mt. Fuji. Many people have asked, "Why are you going to Japan?" I don't have an easy answer to that question, since I don't know a whole lot about the Japanese language or culture. I wanted to teach abroad because I love to travel and learn about new cultures, but basically every school requires two years of teaching experience, which I don't have. I had some friends in this program, so I knew it was extremely reputable and paid well, so I decided to apply and keep it as one of my options. Ultimately, I decided it was what I wanted to do, and I'm pumped to learn about a culture and language that so far I know nothing of :) I don't have two langauge degrees for nothing! I encourage you to keep in touch with me while I'm gone, I always love to know what's going on back home and there's a lot I will miss in a year. Send pictures or look me up on skype so we can chat: ash.june

Here are some excerpts from my emails to give you a bit more info if you're interested.

Received on April 3, 2008

Dear Ms. Janssen,

Congratulations! It is our great pleasure to inform you that you havesuccessfully passed the second stage of the JET Program applicationprocess and are included on the final short-list of Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) candidates for the 2008. You are now scheduled to beplaced in a contracting organization, which is possible in almost all cases. In May, after a contracting organization has been selected, you will be informed of the final selection results with the name of the prefecture or designated city to which you are assigned.

Received on May 22, 2008

It is my pleasure to inform you of your placement for the 2008-2009 Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. You will be working for Shizuoka-ken in Shizuoka-ken. If you have both a prefecture (-ken/-fu) and a city/town (~shi/~cho/~machi/-mura) listed, you will be living/working in that area. If only a prefecture is listed, your Contracting Organization will inform you of your exact placement (within that prefecture) later. Please note that our office does not have any more information about your Contracting Organization; you will have to wait to hear from them.

Translation: I only know what prefecture I'm placed in, I'll find out what city or town I'm in hopefully soon.

Important Upcoming Dates:

July 25th - Pre-Departure Orientation in Chicago

July 26th - Depart from Chicago for Tokyo