The FAQ is up!
Ignore the ramifications of the title of this entry. FYI, bloodseeking ironwood is very Beowulfy, and is another way of saying "spears that desire to draw the blood of the enemies of those whose hands they are being wielded by." Personified weapons are, by convention, very Norse; but the extent of descriptiveness of the weapons and armour in the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf tend to outdo anything in post-modern literature. Long live the Danes!
Timotheos maþelode sunu Joel:
"Hwaet! Take up ye burnished, gold-adorned, mail-coat, crafted by the conjoining of individual rings by a master blacksmith, that gaily gleams like the dawning of the morning sun when its resplendent fingers of irridescent light shine across the best of houses and the iron-banded mead-hall, filled with the strong, wine-smelling wooden benches whose strength of craft permit them to seat the burliest of old and young warriors both, the likes of which are common both near and far, as the distant seas separate this fair land from the boundaries of the next."
:p
Timotheos
Saturday, 31 May 2008
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Last update: 31 May
What is JET?
JET, the Japan Teaching and Exchange programme exists to see foreigners go into Japan to further international relations between Japan and the home countries of those foreigners. The teaching side of JET is just one part of it. You can find more information at the Official Site.
What are ALT, JTE and CIR?
ALT stands for Assistant Language Teacher. This will be my position in Japan. An ALT is a native English speaker who works alongside a JTE. JTE stands for Japanese Teacher of English - a Japanese school teacher who takes English lessons in Japanese schools. CIR stands for Coordinator for International Relations. They are fluent Japanese speakers from other countries who work for an international branch of the government (such as the Board of Education for schools in a district who cater to ALTs).
What is this blog about?
This blog began as a record of my preparation for going to Japan to teach as an ALT. It records every step, from interest in teaching English overseas to being accepted and preparing to leave for Japan. It will continue to be a record of my arrival in Japan, adjustment to life in a foreign culture and my experiences as I learn Japanese, interact with Japanese students and explore many facets of Japanese life.
Ok, so why JET?
Go to the website and you will better understand why I chose this particular programme. Not only does the support while you are in Japan sound exactly what a frail foreigner needs, but because it is backed so solidly by the Japanese government, once accepted, you are guaranteed to find yourself placed in a school somewhere in Japan ready to become an ALT.
I want to join the JET programme. Where do I start?
So you're interested in going to Japan to teach. A good place to start would be the FAQ of the official homepage of JET; if you're a Kiwi like me, the NZ Jet homepage might be better. You could also start at the beginning of this blog and read the first few entries, as they explain in detail exactly what I did to get where I am today. The only two requirements to becoming an ALT in Japan are an enthusiastic approach to going to Japan to assistant teach, and making sure that you have at least a three year bachelor's degree from a tertiary institution (or will have completed it before you leave, like me).
Do I need a qualification for teaching English or a degree that focuses on English?
No, and no. You don't need an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) qualification to teach as an ALT in Japan. Because this is a position that requires you to assist your JTE(s) you don't need any teaching time under your belt; nor do you need to be qualified as an English teacher. In the same vein, you do not need to have an English (or Japanese) based degree in order to apply or be accepted into JET. I just happen to have got a CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults) a few years back in the interests of eventually pursuing my dream of becoming an English teacher to foreign language speakers. And I just happen to have (almost) got an English Literature degree - simply because I have always appreciated literature and felt that this field of study fit me best. IMO, study what you want to study.
What's so great about Japan? Don't people make more money in other countries?
I don't know how true the money side of it is because, personally, I'm not in it for the money - and I can say that the other JETs I've spoken to have as much passion for experiencing Japan as me, rather than being fiscally focused. I've enjoyed interacting with international students for a good portion of my life. Both my parents were English teachers to students of other languages for a few years and continue to be high school teachers here in New Zealand. You could say that teaching is in my blood (my grandfather was also a school teacher), and therefore it is one vocation I would like to eventually pursue in all its fulness. However, I have had a keen interest in Japan for a long time and see this as my best opportunity to pursue my current dreams. If you want a better glimpse of my reasoning behind choosing JET, read my first post.
An explanation of the links:
Please forward any other questions that you have to geckomayhem [at] gmail [dot] com. I'll do my best to see that they are answered, and possibly even condensed and added to this FAQ. Expect my own additions to the FAQ as things are brought to my attention and as I venture to Japan and begin the next stage of my journey.
Timotheos
Last update: 31 May
What is JET?
JET, the Japan Teaching and Exchange programme exists to see foreigners go into Japan to further international relations between Japan and the home countries of those foreigners. The teaching side of JET is just one part of it. You can find more information at the Official Site.
What are ALT, JTE and CIR?
ALT stands for Assistant Language Teacher. This will be my position in Japan. An ALT is a native English speaker who works alongside a JTE. JTE stands for Japanese Teacher of English - a Japanese school teacher who takes English lessons in Japanese schools. CIR stands for Coordinator for International Relations. They are fluent Japanese speakers from other countries who work for an international branch of the government (such as the Board of Education for schools in a district who cater to ALTs).
What is this blog about?
This blog began as a record of my preparation for going to Japan to teach as an ALT. It records every step, from interest in teaching English overseas to being accepted and preparing to leave for Japan. It will continue to be a record of my arrival in Japan, adjustment to life in a foreign culture and my experiences as I learn Japanese, interact with Japanese students and explore many facets of Japanese life.
Ok, so why JET?
Go to the website and you will better understand why I chose this particular programme. Not only does the support while you are in Japan sound exactly what a frail foreigner needs, but because it is backed so solidly by the Japanese government, once accepted, you are guaranteed to find yourself placed in a school somewhere in Japan ready to become an ALT.
I want to join the JET programme. Where do I start?
So you're interested in going to Japan to teach. A good place to start would be the FAQ of the official homepage of JET; if you're a Kiwi like me, the NZ Jet homepage might be better. You could also start at the beginning of this blog and read the first few entries, as they explain in detail exactly what I did to get where I am today. The only two requirements to becoming an ALT in Japan are an enthusiastic approach to going to Japan to assistant teach, and making sure that you have at least a three year bachelor's degree from a tertiary institution (or will have completed it before you leave, like me).
Do I need a qualification for teaching English or a degree that focuses on English?
No, and no. You don't need an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) qualification to teach as an ALT in Japan. Because this is a position that requires you to assist your JTE(s) you don't need any teaching time under your belt; nor do you need to be qualified as an English teacher. In the same vein, you do not need to have an English (or Japanese) based degree in order to apply or be accepted into JET. I just happen to have got a CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults) a few years back in the interests of eventually pursuing my dream of becoming an English teacher to foreign language speakers. And I just happen to have (almost) got an English Literature degree - simply because I have always appreciated literature and felt that this field of study fit me best. IMO, study what you want to study.
What's so great about Japan? Don't people make more money in other countries?
I don't know how true the money side of it is because, personally, I'm not in it for the money - and I can say that the other JETs I've spoken to have as much passion for experiencing Japan as me, rather than being fiscally focused. I've enjoyed interacting with international students for a good portion of my life. Both my parents were English teachers to students of other languages for a few years and continue to be high school teachers here in New Zealand. You could say that teaching is in my blood (my grandfather was also a school teacher), and therefore it is one vocation I would like to eventually pursue in all its fulness. However, I have had a keen interest in Japan for a long time and see this as my best opportunity to pursue my current dreams. If you want a better glimpse of my reasoning behind choosing JET, read my first post.
An explanation of the links:
- About.com: Japanese Language - This is a direct link to a good language resource. It is not imperative that you learn Japanese before going over, but it sure will help a lot to be prepared with at least a little bit of the language.
- Daniel's English Teaching Tips - Read this entry for a better understanding of why this link exists.
- Dave's ESL Café - I have infrequently checked this site since first getting my ESOL qualification in 2003. It is a large community of English teachers to students of foreign languages and frequently posts current job vacancies for teaching English in many foreign countries.
- Embassy of Japan in New Zealand - for all those Kiwis that want an official doorway to Japan. These are the people that you will get your visa, etc through. However, JET handles everything, so you may never have to visit this parent site.
- Japan-Zone - firstly, see this post. Check this site out if you want to be better prepared for going over to Japan long-term.
- Jet Christian Fellowship - what do you do if you go to Japan and can't find a Christian church? This website has links and is the offical website of all Christian JETs. Read my post for when I added this link.
- JET Programme New Zealand - The Kiwi version of the JET website.
- My Old Blog - the title says it all. It is no longer updated, but there are over 180 entries there, documenting a past portion of my life. I will do much more frequent updates (possibly even daily ones) here on the Japan Journey blog once I am settled in Japan. It will double as a personal blog once that part of my life kicks off.
- Victoria University Wellington - my choice of tertiary study institutions. If you want to study in New Zealand, the best place is the major university of our fabulous capital city. Call me biased, but Vic was a great place to study.
Please forward any other questions that you have to geckomayhem [at] gmail [dot] com. I'll do my best to see that they are answered, and possibly even condensed and added to this FAQ. Expect my own additions to the FAQ as things are brought to my attention and as I venture to Japan and begin the next stage of my journey.
Timotheos
Worshipping in Japan
After asking about churches in Japan, I was forwarded a little information; including this link, which I have added to the sidebar :)
It's good to know that there is already a network in place for Christians on the JET programme. I guess it stands to reason, and it is probably something that I should have looked up before now. But sometimes you just don't think about stuff like this.
I knew there was nothing to worry about in terms of finding a Sunday fellowship. Apparently there is an AoG* about 40 mins from where I will most likely be posted. Also, in the cities that are not quite so nearby, there are likely to be spirit-filled churches that may be nice to visit on occasion. After all, one can't be expected to travel for hours just to worship amidst fellow believers - wait, isn't that what they do in Africa, India and all those third world places? Then again, I don't think that my mission in Japan is to spend Sundays traipsing around the countryside spying out several sanctuaries to satiate my spirit :p
I intend to put up an FAQ-type blog post and link to it in its own box on the sidebar. That way, as this blog receives more attention, people will immediately be able to see what steps I took to get where I am; without backtracking and trying to locate all the informative posts at the start of the journey ^^
That's it for this cold Saturday mid-day. I'll get to work on putting together that FAQ after I get my Beowulf essay done :o
Timotheos
*Assemblies of God church
It's good to know that there is already a network in place for Christians on the JET programme. I guess it stands to reason, and it is probably something that I should have looked up before now. But sometimes you just don't think about stuff like this.
I knew there was nothing to worry about in terms of finding a Sunday fellowship. Apparently there is an AoG* about 40 mins from where I will most likely be posted. Also, in the cities that are not quite so nearby, there are likely to be spirit-filled churches that may be nice to visit on occasion. After all, one can't be expected to travel for hours just to worship amidst fellow believers - wait, isn't that what they do in Africa, India and all those third world places? Then again, I don't think that my mission in Japan is to spend Sundays traipsing around the countryside spying out several sanctuaries to satiate my spirit :p
I intend to put up an FAQ-type blog post and link to it in its own box on the sidebar. That way, as this blog receives more attention, people will immediately be able to see what steps I took to get where I am; without backtracking and trying to locate all the informative posts at the start of the journey ^^
That's it for this cold Saturday mid-day. I'll get to work on putting together that FAQ after I get my Beowulf essay done :o
Timotheos
*Assemblies of God church
Friday, 30 May 2008
A Surprising Response
Hamish Beaton, author of that book I mentioned, Under the Osakan Sun (which incidentally I have now finished reading completely), left a comment on my last post. It's great to know that my Blog is being so widely stumbled upon - at least, I hope that more than two people have discovered it and taken interest. I know that I can't foresee the future, but I really do hope that this Blog will be an inspiration to other Kiwis - and other English speakers worldwide - to go over and teach in Japan.
I can't know anything that will happen over there, but I will no doubt reflect on such posts as this in a year's time and reminisce over the mixed feelings of anticipation and excitement that go with waiting to go over and start a new leg of your life journey.
On another note, read this BBC news article. It's enough to make Schapelle Corby cry :p
That's it from me, for now. I really must get this Beowulf essay done '^^
Timotheos
I can't know anything that will happen over there, but I will no doubt reflect on such posts as this in a year's time and reminisce over the mixed feelings of anticipation and excitement that go with waiting to go over and start a new leg of your life journey.
On another note, read this BBC news article. It's enough to make Schapelle Corby cry :p
That's it from me, for now. I really must get this Beowulf essay done '^^
Timotheos
Thursday, 29 May 2008
First Contact
I received an email today from a CIR who works for the Board of Education in Shimanto. I found out that Shimanto cho is actually a new city that has been made up of three towns: Towa, Taisho and Kubakawa. I am purportedly more than likely going to end up in Towa village; but no matter whereabouts in Shimanto I will be placed, the area is very rural and should give me a great opportunity to meet some hardcore oldschool Japanese country folk who will no doubt be very friendly and interested in meeting the newest foreigner ><
I've sent off an email to contact the ALT who is currently placed in Towa, in the hopes that I can garner some firsthand information about what to expect and possibly get an idea of his experiences there. The guy is also a Kiwi but as yet I don't know where exactly he is from (oh, please not Auckland! :p).
The more I find out, the more real this becomes. The day is approaching fast that I leave this life behind and start anew in Japan. I will post again once I have made contact with the last ALT and if anything interesting comes up. I've got to get through an essay, two exams and pawn off my junk still ^^
I am over halfway through Under the Osakan Sun, too. So far it has been a great read and I would recommend it to anyone, whether they have an interest in Japan or not. Even my 17-year old brother who doesn't even read books started reading it and got through at least the first chapter before I snatched it back (j/k about the snatching part :p).
*BOOM*
Timotheos
I've sent off an email to contact the ALT who is currently placed in Towa, in the hopes that I can garner some firsthand information about what to expect and possibly get an idea of his experiences there. The guy is also a Kiwi but as yet I don't know where exactly he is from (oh, please not Auckland! :p).
The more I find out, the more real this becomes. The day is approaching fast that I leave this life behind and start anew in Japan. I will post again once I have made contact with the last ALT and if anything interesting comes up. I've got to get through an essay, two exams and pawn off my junk still ^^
I am over halfway through Under the Osakan Sun, too. So far it has been a great read and I would recommend it to anyone, whether they have an interest in Japan or not. Even my 17-year old brother who doesn't even read books started reading it and got through at least the first chapter before I snatched it back (j/k about the snatching part :p).
*BOOM*
Timotheos
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