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**pouslytut** · 12-24-2005, 05:50 AM

The JET mantra is "every situation is different".

You are an employee of you Ken board of education, so whatever they say pretty much goes. Forming good relations with the schools you visit is of key importance to having a good experience.

You will notice significant differences in working culture between the UK and Japan no matter where you are placed.

Ultimately the key factor is to be cheerful and enjoy the experience for what it is. Sadly some ALTs come to Japan with no real appreciation of Japan or Japanese culture. Thus the experience for them can be trying, and they make judgements about Japanese pedagogy or working culture that are neither appreciated or warranted. I admit that working and living here is not always easy coming from a 'Western' society. Having said this, the job itself is actually very easy.

Basically, it is important to keep an open mind, and remain calm, even if you are annoyed by the indirectness of your co-workers and superiors.

Ultimately the JET experience is highly enjoyable and rewarding. Work can be immensely enjoyable (if trying at times) and the social and cultural experience you will gain outside of work is fantastic.

I can't write anymore as I'm rather pissed.

If you want to check out my blog (rarely updated) its here...

http://www.shiroi-baka.blogspot.com/

And my picutres are on Flickr here....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shiroi-baka/

(Sorry there's loads of pictures of Sakurajima)

12-24-2005, 05:50 AM	#8
pouslytut Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 527 Senior Member	The JET mantra is "every situation is different". You are an employee of you Ken board of education, so whatever they say pretty much goes. Forming good relations with the schools you visit is of key importance to having a good experience. You will notice significant differences in working culture between the UK and Japan no matter where you are placed. Ultimately the key factor is to be cheerful and enjoy the experience for what it is. Sadly some ALTs come to Japan with no real appreciation of Japan or Japanese culture. Thus the experience for them can be trying, and they make judgements about Japanese pedagogy or working culture that are neither appreciated or warranted. I admit that working and living here is not always easy coming from a 'Western' society. Having said this, the job itself is actually very easy. Basically, it is important to keep an open mind, and remain calm, even if you are annoyed by the indirectness of your co-workers and superiors. Ultimately the JET experience is highly enjoyable and rewarding. Work can be immensely enjoyable (if trying at times) and the social and cultural experience you will gain outside of work is fantastic. I can't write anymore as I'm rather pissed. If you want to check out my blog (rarely updated) its here... http://www.shiroi-baka.blogspot.com/ And my picutres are on Flickr here.... http://www.flickr.com/photos/shiroi-baka/ (Sorry there's loads of pictures of Sakurajima)
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