| JET Tales: stories from rural Japan This website is a record of my experiences in the JET Programme as an AET (Assistant English Teacher) in two Japanese public high schools. Part three: acceptance Congratulations! You have made it to the end of the line and you are headed to Japan. Unless, of course, you received a letter of... Rejection [my condolences - you can reapply next year! yes, I know people who were rejected one year and accepted the following year] or the next, closest thing: "This letter is to inform you that you have been selected as an ALT alternate participant for this year's JET Program. You will be informed as to whether a position for you has become available by the end of August..." I am not sure, but I may have set a record for the fastest reply that yes, I was still interested in the JET Program, keep me on the alternate list, etc. There was also a lengthy Certificate of Health to send in - which required an appointment at the campus Student Health Center. And then: Somebody dropped out, because two weeks later a phone call from the New Orleans consulate informed me that I had been accepted. It is so much nicer to get that "I am pleased to inform you..." letter. 
The third book - and this one was really a book - arrived in its very own envelope - a
much fatter one than those previous and which also contained a Japanese language book,
2 cassettes, and a map of Japan with Kyoto prefecture highlighted.You are also required to send in documentation of your graduation from university, but that is pretty basic. From this point, it is time to pack, attend any orientations your consular location may offer - New Orleans, for example, had some great, informal coffees with JET alums present for questions, pictures, etc. - and wait to hear exactly where you have been placed. [ next - for new JETs part one: placement ] |
This site is not an official site of the JET Program
but was created by an Assistant Language Teacher [ Kaui MacDonald ]
who served in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan (2001-2003).
Unless otherwise noted, all graphics and content copyright © 2001-2004 Kaui A. MacDonald