Orientation Day 1 – Part 2
So, orientation has been pretty informational so far. I was able to make it until about 3 pm before I crashed. I was listening to a presentation for JETs in multiple schools when I just couldn’t focus on anything but how tired I was. I think Jetlag hit all of us at the same time. I’m pretty sure the informational session after that one was empty.
All the sessions I went to were pretty interesting, but after a while it seemed like they couldn’t really go into detail about anything specific and it was all generalizations like “try to try anything once”. But, I’ve really enjoyed it so far. BUT, I think I was smart to go get a cat nap so I could focus for later sessions. Now, I’m about to go to our Welcome Reception tonight.
OH! We met with our prefecture today – Good news! One of my prefectural advisors (basically like someone who watches over people in their prefecture) is on the island right next to me. As soon as I introduced myself to her she exclaimed: “You’re the other islander!” Apparently only two new JETs are being appointed to this island region… there are a lot of other JETs there but they’ve been recontracting. She told me my luggage will most likely be there when I get to the island. She said I am in for the best next year (or few) of my life. She is actually going onto her third year and she said we will become best friends, like it or not, because we only have each other to really hang out with. She’s from the UK and really nice (super energetic… or, as the other Program Coordinators keep telling us to be… very genki (genki is Japanese for energitic/healthy)).
She told me that I will want to have a car because I may want to transport materials to and fro, around the island since I am the only JET there. So, tomorrow I’ll be attending the sessions: Thriving as a rural JET, Driving in Japan, and Managing Expectations with your Contracting Organisation.
Also the girls I am rooming with both flew out of Detroit too and one of the girls is flying to Kagoshima as well. Very exciting.
And, Mom and Dad, you will be relieved to know that I have met plenty of perfectly normal and nice people here. ((we were a little worried over a few of the people we saw at the airport going on JET)).
We had a really nice Opening Ceremony, I can’t get over how formal this place is. All of our dishware is china and the silverware looks like silver. The maids have uniforms and the men wear butler uniforms with bowties and white gloves.
…
Just got back from a night out with my prefecture. Tons of fun, to say the least. My prefecture (Kagoshima-Ken) is full of Brits (us Americans, the four of us, are definitely a minority here). We went out karaoking and had a blast. Who knew singing Justin Beiber at a Japanese Karaoke Bar in Tokyo could be so fun. My friend took video, so once she uploads it I’ll post some.
Love you all!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Orientation Part 1
Blog Entry # 4 – August 2, 2010
Jet lag is definitely kicking in. While I was able to get some pretty great sleep last night (with the help of some Tylenol PM), my roommates and I all woke up at around 5 am.
I don’t think I explained the rooming situation and everything here. Because there are about 6-700 JETs who come in with each orientation, there are about 3 people to a room. So, I have two other roommates. We all flew out of the same airport (Detroit) and so are from around the area.
Dragana! Guess who I had breakfast with this morning, Neil A.! For those of you who don’t know, Dragana has a friend that she went to school with who’s on JET. We chatted once about it. And, by chance, I sat down and ate breakfast at the same table as him. Even crazier, his room is right next door. Small world! I told him about you teaching English in China and now we’re thinking of visiting together.
Anyways, here is the picture of my roommates hanging out before we head down to Orientation today.
Today, Monday, is the first day of our Orientation. It’s a packed schedule and I’m still trying to decide which presentations to go to. Once I go to all the presentations I’ll updated, either later tonight or tomorrow morning (because I’ll probably be up at 5 am again )
Also, here are some pictures of the view from my room in the daylight. You can see tons more. Do you see the red and white tower in the distance on the right hand side of the picture, that’s Tokyo Tower (I think).
Heading down to Orientation Part 1, Day 1. Tell you all about it later.
Check out pictures HERE!
Love you,
Steph
Jet lag is definitely kicking in. While I was able to get some pretty great sleep last night (with the help of some Tylenol PM), my roommates and I all woke up at around 5 am.
I don’t think I explained the rooming situation and everything here. Because there are about 6-700 JETs who come in with each orientation, there are about 3 people to a room. So, I have two other roommates. We all flew out of the same airport (Detroit) and so are from around the area.
Dragana! Guess who I had breakfast with this morning, Neil A.! For those of you who don’t know, Dragana has a friend that she went to school with who’s on JET. We chatted once about it. And, by chance, I sat down and ate breakfast at the same table as him. Even crazier, his room is right next door. Small world! I told him about you teaching English in China and now we’re thinking of visiting together.
Anyways, here is the picture of my roommates hanging out before we head down to Orientation today.
Today, Monday, is the first day of our Orientation. It’s a packed schedule and I’m still trying to decide which presentations to go to. Once I go to all the presentations I’ll updated, either later tonight or tomorrow morning (because I’ll probably be up at 5 am again )
Also, here are some pictures of the view from my room in the daylight. You can see tons more. Do you see the red and white tower in the distance on the right hand side of the picture, that’s Tokyo Tower (I think).
Heading down to Orientation Part 1, Day 1. Tell you all about it later.
Check out pictures HERE!
Love you,
Steph
First Night in Tokyo
Hey All!
So, finally arrived in Japan safe and sound. It was a bumpy ride here, so it was hard to sleep on the plane. So, I'm very thankful for comfortable beds at our hotel.
We (JETs) are staying at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. My flight arrived in Tokyo around 5 -- the JET Programme actually had a pretty efficient system set up (which suprised me, especially since Detroit's JET Programme Pre-Departure orientation was pretty hectic). There were tons of JETs, volunteering with Tokyo Orientation, placed around the airport. They told us where to go, so I never felt disoriented.
Once we arrived and went through customs, I sent off two pieces of luggage through a courier so I currently have one peice of luggage, my backpack, and my camera bag. I should get the luggage I shipped in a while (hopefully its not too long of a wait!)
It is very hot and humid here. Everyone kept telling me how humid it would be in the summer, but you don't really realize it until you're here. I'm really hoping it won't be too bad on the island with the ocean providing a nice breeze.
I have pictures uploaded on my account on Photobucket, so click HERE to check them out. Just pictures of the room and the view from the room.
Well, going to grab some dinner and go to bed. I'm so tired after that crazy long and bumpy flight.
Love you all!
Steph
So, finally arrived in Japan safe and sound. It was a bumpy ride here, so it was hard to sleep on the plane. So, I'm very thankful for comfortable beds at our hotel.
We (JETs) are staying at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. My flight arrived in Tokyo around 5 -- the JET Programme actually had a pretty efficient system set up (which suprised me, especially since Detroit's JET Programme Pre-Departure orientation was pretty hectic). There were tons of JETs, volunteering with Tokyo Orientation, placed around the airport. They told us where to go, so I never felt disoriented.
Once we arrived and went through customs, I sent off two pieces of luggage through a courier so I currently have one peice of luggage, my backpack, and my camera bag. I should get the luggage I shipped in a while (hopefully its not too long of a wait!)
It is very hot and humid here. Everyone kept telling me how humid it would be in the summer, but you don't really realize it until you're here. I'm really hoping it won't be too bad on the island with the ocean providing a nice breeze.
I have pictures uploaded on my account on Photobucket, so click HERE to check them out. Just pictures of the room and the view from the room.
Well, going to grab some dinner and go to bed. I'm so tired after that crazy long and bumpy flight.
Love you all!
Steph
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Schedule for Orientation
Hello All!
So, just a little over a week until I arrive for Orientation in Tokyo to start my year on the JET Program. Doing some snooping on the internet, I found the schedule for my Orientation. Check it out, here.
I thought I'd post the schedule for all of those interested.
As well, talked with my predecessor, Sarah, and we've agreed on a compromise so that I will have internet as soon as I arrive. I'll be able to update you as soon as I get there ((and hopefully post some pictures, too))!
Steph
So, just a little over a week until I arrive for Orientation in Tokyo to start my year on the JET Program. Doing some snooping on the internet, I found the schedule for my Orientation. Check it out, here.
I thought I'd post the schedule for all of those interested.
As well, talked with my predecessor, Sarah, and we've agreed on a compromise so that I will have internet as soon as I arrive. I'll be able to update you as soon as I get there ((and hopefully post some pictures, too))!
Steph
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