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Post by dr. pussy popper on Mar 31, 2018 10:37:15 GMT 9
Hi to current and past CIRs as well as new ones! I am going to be an incoming CIR myself, and I guess I just wanted to vent about just how isolating it feels to be in this boat as compared to everyone else in JET. I'm super thankful that this forum even exists, because it's getting very tiring for every single JET guide and communication hub on the internet to just be "your position is officially known as an ALT  " "tips for overcoming culture shock" "basic Japanese aisatsu", etc etc. I want to join in discussions with people and be excited about things together, but it's difficult when it's pretty different experiences lined up for us and we folk don't seem to get addressed at all. I want a sense of community but I always seem to feel like I'm not really at the party whenever I want to chime in about anything. Anyone else feeling/felt this way? |
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Post by Ham on Apr 1, 2018 18:05:15 GMT 9
I have yet to figure out how to answer the question "So, what levels of school do you teach?" without feeling like an ass.
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Post by Pierson on Apr 1, 2018 23:39:35 GMT 9
CIR-erasure is definitely a thing, and unfortunately it will likely continue for your entire time as a JET. Get ready for a lot of presentations geared entirely toward ALTs!
On the bright side, this makes CIR events like Mid-Year Conference all the more a bonding experience!
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Post by dr. pussy popper on Apr 2, 2018 2:00:45 GMT 9
CIR-erasure is definitely a thing, and unfortunately it will likely continue for your entire time as a JET. Get ready for a lot of presentations geared entirely toward ALTs! On the bright side, this makes CIR events like Mid-Year Conference all the more a bonding experience! That's very true! Although it still might not be enough bonding time since there's maybe like 5 CIRs assigned per prefecture on average ??? Plus the idea of meeting cool people during orientation and then promptly probably not seeing them ever again until/and after the conference is a little sad. Bummer, it sucks that the erasure continues for the entire time. Didn't think I would be annoyed by this "unicorn" status and a lot of it really does come from feeling like a geoduck when I say I'll have to do different things from ALTs. I want to express my excitement without coming across as holier-than-thou or something. |
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Post by Dee on Apr 2, 2018 8:43:33 GMT 9
It can be difficult depending on your placement as well. I envy the "big city" CIRs who can work with other CIRs from around the world. I am in a small town in the middle of nowhere Hokkaido, and I am also the first CIR that's been placed here so I didn't really have a predecesor either. I too am very grateful that the forums exist so I can get to know some other CIRs and hear about their experiences. Especially since there are hardely any posts on the CIR facebook page.
You will here ESID about a million times before you even attend your first orientation, and while that does apply to all JETs it is even more so for CIRs. We do so many different things.
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Apr 2, 2018 10:15:13 GMT 9
At least we're not SEAs!  I felt a bit more included by answering the questions people asked, I think. |
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Post by frooperyfroop on Apr 2, 2018 10:48:19 GMT 9
CIR-erasure is definitely a thing, and unfortunately it will likely continue for your entire time as a JET. Get ready for a lot of presentations geared entirely toward ALTs! On the bright side, this makes CIR events like Mid-Year Conference all the more a bonding experience! That's very true! Although it still might not be enough bonding time since there's maybe like 5 CIRs assigned per prefecture on average  Plus the idea of meeting cool people during orientation and then promptly probably not seeing them ever again until/and after the conference is a little sad. Bummer, it sucks that the erasure continues for the entire time. Didn't think I would be annoyed by this "unicorn" status and a lot of it really does come from feeling like a ぢck when I say I'll have to do different things from ALTs. I want to express my excitement without coming across as holier-than-thou or something. It may not be that bad depending on where you're placed! My prefecture has around 15 CIRs and although we're spread out pretty widely across the prefecture, my prefecture sometimes organises work-related events that give us a chance to meet up or do stuff together. And if you're placed in a prefectural office, you'll generally have at least one or two other co-CIRs in the same office.
And some of my fellow country CIRs and I have a Line chat group where we can grumble about work and generally talk rubbish together - it's not the same as being able to meet up in person but it does help with some of the loneliness that comes with feeling like we're outnumbered, haha. (And of course there are these lovely lifesaver CIRHP forums.)
At least we're not SEAs! I felt a bit more included by answering the questions people asked, I think.
hue so true. I saw that SEAs have their own mid-year conference, I wonder how it feels like going for those since there are only less than 10 SEAs? ^_^ ;;
(It was abit sad during my prefectural orientation when there were only three of us CIRs having our own orientation in one room while all the ALTs had theirs in the neighbouring room. hue.) |
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Apr 2, 2018 11:21:30 GMT 9
My prefecture has 2 Brazilian and 2 "other" JET CIRs. We have official meetings once a year (I think?) but we're planning on meeting more. Some of us live in the same building, so that really helps build a community.
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Post by Ham on Apr 2, 2018 13:57:12 GMT 9
There's 9 CIRs in Autumn Fields, but two are in a city down in the South, six in the capitol, and I'm cloistered away in the Northeast, around 2 hours drive from the nearest CIR. I'm also the only CIR in my block, so I literally have only seen one of the other CIRs twice since prefectural orientation, and that only because she's a PA.
So I definitely do feel a little jelly sometimes when I hear about other CIRs who live or work near each other.
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Post by Psychic Pug on Apr 2, 2018 14:28:20 GMT 9
When we had our jet welcome party, the alts called it the "alt welcome party" even tho I existed.  (my douki alts who live in my mansion are nice tho) |
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Post by ❄icepath❄ on Apr 2, 2018 14:34:23 GMT 9
That's very true! Although it still might not be enough bonding time since there's maybe like 5 CIRs assigned per prefecture on average Plus the idea of meeting cool people during orientation and then promptly probably not seeing them ever again until/and after the conference is a little sad. Bummer, it sucks that the erasure continues for the entire time. Didn't think I would be annoyed by this "unicorn" status and a lot of it really does come from feeling like a ぢck when I say I'll have to do different things from ALTs. I want to express my excitement without coming across as holier-than-thou or something. It may not be that bad depending on where you're placed! My prefecture has around 15 CIRs and although we're spread out pretty widely across the prefecture, my prefecture sometimes organises work-related events that give us a chance to meet up or do stuff together. And if you're placed in a prefectural office, you'll generally have at least one or two other co-CIRs in the same office.
And some of my fellow country CIRs and I have a Line chat group where we can grumble about work and generally talk rubbish together - it's not the same as being able to meet up in person but it does help with some of the loneliness that comes with feeling like we're outnumbered, haha. (And of course there are these lovely lifesaver CIRHP forums.)
At least we're not SEAs! I felt a bit more included by answering the questions people asked, I think.
hue so true. I saw that SEAs have their own mid-year conference, I wonder how it feels like going for those since there are only less than 10 SEAs? ^_^ ;;
(It was abit sad during my prefectural orientation when there were only three of us CIRs having our own orientation in one room while all the ALTs had theirs in the neighbouring room. hue.) First of all, you're very welcome XD *flips hair* Secondly, at least you were invited to that prefectural orientation... Oki basically just ignores its CIRs (we have a total of 7 or 8, but this year there were 3 incoming and we still weren't invited. I personally would have loved to learn about the websites where I can check bus schedules... you know, the info that's on the welcome package that all ALTs got...) |
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Post by frooperyfroop on Apr 2, 2018 14:41:13 GMT 9
When we had our jet welcome party, the alts called it the "alt welcome party" even tho I existed. (my douki alts who live in my mansion are nice tho) That's... not very nice. Surely just calling it "welcome party" would have been enough. :/ It may not be that bad depending on where you're placed! My prefecture has around 15 CIRs and although we're spread out pretty widely across the prefecture, my prefecture sometimes organises work-related events that give us a chance to meet up or do stuff together. And if you're placed in a prefectural office, you'll generally have at least one or two other co-CIRs in the same office.
And some of my fellow country CIRs and I have a Line chat group where we can grumble about work and generally talk rubbish together - it's not the same as being able to meet up in person but it does help with some of the loneliness that comes with feeling like we're outnumbered, haha. (And of course there are these lovely lifesaver CIRHP forums.)
hue so true. I saw that SEAs have their own mid-year conference, I wonder how it feels like going for those since there are only less than 10 SEAs? ^_^ ;;
(It was abit sad during my prefectural orientation when there were only three of us CIRs having our own orientation in one room while all the ALTs had theirs in the neighbouring room. hue.) First of all, you're very welcome XD *flips hair* Secondly, at least you were invited to that prefectural orientation... Oki basically just ignores its CIRs (we have a total of 7 or 8, but this year there were 3 incoming and we still weren't invited. I personally would have loved to learn about the websites where I can check bus schedules... you know, the info that's on the welcome package that all ALTs got...) I wonder whether it's because your sempai CIRs didn't want to do any presentations for the newbies? Cos my prefectural CIR orientation was basically 3 presentations by sempai CIRs and a business etiquette workshop by the kencho CIR supervisor. They did let us join the ALTs for some talks on life in our prefecture though. I really don't understand why Oki doesn't just let the CIRs join the ALT prefectural orientation if you want to. >_> |
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Post by Psychic Pug on Apr 2, 2018 14:48:41 GMT 9
When we had our jet welcome party, the alts called it the "alt welcome party" even tho I existed. (my douki alts who live in my mansion are nice tho) That's... not very nice. Surely just calling it "welcome party" would have been enough. :/ I made some CIR hulemdos during the T&I tho so I'm very thankful for that.  |
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Post by 江戸っ子Hakujin on Apr 2, 2018 15:44:38 GMT 9
lollololol the orientation that our pref had was for ALTs and was a waste of time for nikinee and me...... |
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Mumblesnore
Dead Stargod 
’Tis the season (for Eggnog)
Posts: 16,153 
CIR Experience: Former CIR
Location: Tokyo
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Post by Mumblesnore on Apr 2, 2018 15:47:16 GMT 9
I felt so left out during the After JET conference and career fair.
You would think they would expect a sizable portion of JETs seeking post-JET employment in Japan to be CIRs, but alas, the CIR erasure was real.
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Post by ❄icepath❄ on Apr 2, 2018 15:50:32 GMT 9
I felt so left out during the After JET conference and career fair. You would think they would expect a sizable portion of JETs seeking post-JET employment in Japan to be CIRs, but alas, the CIR erasure was real. Wait no you're kidding me! So many of the jobs needed Japanese ability!! |
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Post by nikinee on Apr 2, 2018 16:04:22 GMT 9
lollololol the orientation that our pref had was for ALTs and was a waste of time for nikinee and me...... Oh god that was so boooooorriiiiiing lmao
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Post by nikinee on Apr 2, 2018 16:07:24 GMT 9
But seriously, every time an ALT asks me if I'm going anywhere for the school holidays...  |
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Post by Pierson on Apr 2, 2018 16:33:43 GMT 9
"Yes, MY OFFICE."
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Post by dr. pussy popper on Apr 3, 2018 3:20:39 GMT 9
I felt so left out during the After JET conference and career fair. You would think they would expect a sizable portion of JETs seeking post-JET employment in Japan to be CIRs, but alas, the CIR erasure was real. On the one hand "whaaaaat??!" because shouldn't company heads be gunning for folks with N1/2 ability? Experience working in a Japanese office? But on the other hand I live in DC and two of the CIR alum I spoke with both currently work for the State Department so... I have a feeling the vibe is that most CIRs just return to their home country and seek more upper level opportunities.  |
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Post by ザ・penguin54 on Apr 3, 2018 5:11:26 GMT 9
I felt so left out during the After JET conference and career fair. You would think they would expect a sizable portion of JETs seeking post-JET employment in Japan to be CIRs, but alas, the CIR erasure was real. On the one hand "whaaaaat??!" because shouldn't company heads be gunning for folks with N1/2 ability? Experience working in a Japanese office? But on the other hand I live in DC and two of the CIR alum I spoke with both currently work for the State Department so... I have a feeling the vibe is that most CIRs just return to their home country and seek more upper level opportunities. Oh hello another DC person! TIL there is more than one ex-CIR in DC besides me (I only know one with a Japanese first name, whom I assume you met) (EDIT: forgot one other guy who was in my T&I class, I am a terrible person) A lot of ex-CIRs I know stayed in Japan, and I will also be moving back there this summer two years after leaving JET, so there are def many routes! |
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Post by dr. pussy popper on Apr 3, 2018 6:37:26 GMT 9
On the one hand "whaaaaat??!" because shouldn't company heads be gunning for folks with N1/2 ability? Experience working in a Japanese office? But on the other hand I live in DC and two of the CIR alum I spoke with both currently work for the State Department so... I have a feeling the vibe is that most CIRs just return to their home country and seek more upper level opportunities. Oh hello another DC person! TIL there is more than one ex-CIR in DC besides me (I only know one with a Japanese first name, whom I assume you met) A lot of ex-CIRs I know stayed in Japan, and I will also be moving back there this summer two years after leaving JET, so there are def many routes! One of the people I am referring to does have a Japanese first name  Small world for us DC folk, then! Most neurotic city of people I've ever met, maybe that's why there's not so many serving as CIRs? (jkjk) I'd honestly like to go to grad school after JET, but I haven't made my mind about where yet. I stayed at Waseda for a year, I'm thinking of considering their grad program as well. |
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Post by frooperyfroop on Apr 3, 2018 11:04:53 GMT 9
hue this. One of the ALTs in my city still keeps asking me about my "school" even though they know I'm a CIR... |
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Post by Hokuto on Apr 3, 2018 13:24:08 GMT 9
But seriously, every time an ALT asks me if I'm going anywhere for the school holidays... These are literally my two biggest pet peeves. The ALT's in neighboring cities don't even have to go into their BOE on their break so they're off gallivanting to Tokyo and Disneyland and i'm stuck dealing with a soup who doesn't trust me when i say i've closed a document and i don't know why she can't open it. literally thank the Lord for all y'all on here |
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Post by Leita on Apr 4, 2018 2:22:43 GMT 9
hue this. One of the ALTs in my city still keeps asking me about my "school" even though they know I'm a CIR... I'm not even on the program yet and the other day I was chatting to alums who were talking about how when "my school contacts me...", and when I said I'll be a CIR the conversation continued in the vein of "your school/s..." "your JTE's..." and so on. |
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Post by dr. pussy popper on Apr 4, 2018 4:32:01 GMT 9
I'm begging other CIRs to join the JET discord chat. Everyone there is really hulemdoly and funny, but I sure would like a buddy.
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Post by ザ・penguin54 on Apr 4, 2018 7:04:42 GMT 9
Oh hello another DC person! TIL there is more than one ex-CIR in DC besides me (I only know one with a Japanese first name, whom I assume you met) A lot of ex-CIRs I know stayed in Japan, and I will also be moving back there this summer two years after leaving JET, so there are def many routes! One of the people I am referring to does have a Japanese first name Small world for us DC folk, then! Most neurotic city of people I've ever met, maybe that's why there's not so many serving as CIRs? (jkjk) I'd honestly like to go to grad school after JET, but I haven't made my mind about where yet. I stayed at Waseda for a year, I'm thinking of considering their grad program as well. Yeah grad school is also a common (ish?) path. I believe several people from these forums have gone to Monterey for translation/interpretation degrees, and my program in international relations also has a strong ex-JET community (although CIRs are still a minority #DismantleTheALTriarchy) |
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Post by Pierson on Apr 4, 2018 8:27:15 GMT 9
But seriously, every time an ALT asks me if I'm going anywhere for the school holidays... These are literally my two biggest pet peeves. The ALT's in neighboring cities don't even have to go into their BOE on their break so they're off gallivanting to Tokyo and Disneyland and i'm stuck dealing with a soup who doesn't trust me when i say i've closed a document and i don't know why she can't open it. literally thank the Lord for all y'all on here I kid you not, someone on the JET subreddit just said ALTs get "precious little holiday time"  |
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Post by sanpei on Apr 4, 2018 9:12:39 GMT 9
These are literally my two biggest pet peeves. The ALT's in neighboring cities don't even have to go into their BOE on their break so they're off gallivanting to Tokyo and Disneyland and i'm stuck dealing with a soup who doesn't trust me when i say i've closed a document and i don't know why she can't open it. literally thank the Lord for all y'all on here I kid you not, someone on the JET subreddit just said ALTs get "precious little holiday time" if my city had that... would've been a tougher choice of whether or not to switch to CIR haha. But tbh the ALTs do nothing but talk in the BoE and it's pretty distracting when all the Japanese people are doing work and all the ALTs have NOTHING to do so I see why other places just give them off then (albeit totally unfair for CIRs especially considering they are paid the same) Edit: also, welcome to all the new CIRs! I'll be a new CIR this August too (currently a second year ALT). I went to school in DC so nice to see some of you are from there! |
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Post by 江戸っ子Hakujin on Apr 9, 2018 14:53:13 GMT 9
Piersonrage inducing material right there
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" "tips for overcoming culture shock" "basic Japanese aisatsu", etc etc. 
Small world for us DC folk, then! Most neurotic city of people I've ever met, maybe that's why there's not so many serving as CIRs? (jkjk)
