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Post by Sparkles on Apr 16, 2018 8:32:13 GMT 9
...just belatedly realized there was a whole thread for this when I just did an effortpost about placements in the はじめまして thread hue
(though apparently it hasn't actually been used for 2 years)maybe my successor will be on here...! (I mean Raulsen was so maybe we'll go 2 for 2) I appreciated your effort post though <333 (despite having previously stalked read through this entire thread) I don't know, but as an incoming JET, I just can't help sucking up every last iota of information I can find on placements, even though I know that no amount of research can effect anything by this point in time. Out of curiosity, do you happen to be based in Kansai by any chance? I would really really like to be placed in Kansai for personal reasons~ But a girl can only dream and pray that the gyomu Gyomu placement overlords will bestow mercy (rofl) I’m actually in Kanto! (Look juuuuust north of Tokyo on a map hue, usually we call this place COLORFUL JEWELS on here, colorful bc its nicnkame is 彩の国) but my original second choice was in Kansai for hobby reasons rofl. Still, there are some CIRs who are definitely leaving from Kansai placements this year, so you maybe you’ll get lucky! And if not, plenty of people end up loving their placements even if they originally went “uh what?” ( Miscreative I’m thinking of you on this one <3) |
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Post by Leilo on Apr 16, 2018 9:10:24 GMT 9
Marimoooo I also really want to be placed in Kansai. So because of that I'm mentally preparing myself if I get placed somewhere far away, as well as telling my Kansai peoples that I'll likely end up somewhere else even if I requested only Kansai locations, hahah. But, best luck to both of us!!
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Post by Miscreative on Apr 16, 2018 9:19:05 GMT 9
I appreciated your effort post though <333 (despite having previously stalked read through this entire thread) I don't know, but as an incoming JET, I just can't help sucking up every last iota of information I can find on placements, even though I know that no amount of research can effect anything by this point in time. Out of curiosity, do you happen to be based in Kansai by any chance? I would really really like to be placed in Kansai for personal reasons~ But a girl can only dream and pray that the gyomu Gyomu placement overlords will bestow mercy  I’m actually in Kanto! (Look juuuuust north of Tokyo on a map hue, usually we call this place COLORFUL JEWELS on here, colorful bc its nicnkame is 彩の国) but my original second choice was in Kansai for hobby reasons rofl. Still, there are some CIRs who are definitely leaving from Kansai placements this year, so you maybe you’ll get lucky! And if not, plenty of people end up loving their placements even if they originally went “uh what?” ( Miscreative I’m thinking of you on this one <3) it true. and now i have the best placement in all of JET. and i dont plan to give it up ever anytime soon |
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Post by frooperyfroop on Apr 16, 2018 10:53:33 GMT 9
...just belatedly realized there was a whole thread for this when I just did an effortpost about placements in the はじめまして thread hue
(though apparently it hasn't actually been used for 2 years)maybe my successor will be on here...! (I mean Raulsen was so maybe we'll go 2 for 2) I appreciated your effort post though <333 (despite having previously stalked read through this entire thread) I don't know, but as an incoming JET, I just can't help sucking up every last iota of information I can find on placements, even though I know that no amount of research can effect anything by this point in time.Out of curiosity, do you happen to be based in Kansai by any chance? I would really really like to be placed in Kansai for personal reasons~ But a girl can only dream and pray that the gyomu Gyomu placement overlords will bestow mercy You basically described almost all incoming JETs in that bolded sentence I think. I for one definitely turned into a Google monster after I got my shortlist news. XD |
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Post by Sheepy on Apr 16, 2018 11:08:23 GMT 9
I had never heard of my placement (like hearing the prefecture's name I was like... "hmmm I think I have heard of it in passing" but even then wasn't sure), but ended up coming to be proud and happy to have been placed here. With that being said though, I am SO READY TO LEAVE IN 3 MONTHS.  |
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Post by dr. pussy popper on Apr 18, 2018 13:32:27 GMT 9
I get so nervous when I think about placement...the first reaction of people finding out that I'll be a JET is "oh, where?" but that very innocuous questions sends a shiver down my spine...
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Post by ❄icepath❄ on Apr 19, 2018 10:04:44 GMT 9
My first reaction to my placement was: "'son?' as in 村? an honest-to-god village?"
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Marimoooo
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 26
CIR Experience: Incoming CIR
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Post by Marimoooo on Apr 20, 2018 4:24:57 GMT 9
Ah I see!  to be honest I wouldn't actually mind the lifestyle itself anywhere in Japan (except super cold places maybe, I'm terrible with the cold). And colourful jewels sounds lovely too, so much proximity to future jobs! But yes, best of luck to us both Leilo! Only one more month-ish until placements come out!! Can't wait to google the crap out of it. |
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disco
Tried natto; not a fan
押忍 ！
Posts: 88 
CIR Experience: 2nd year
Location: Okayama
Gender (Pronouns): he/him/his
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Post by disco on Apr 22, 2018 9:36:13 GMT 9
Honestly, as long as I have access to public transit I'm okay. When I hear about people getting basically stranded on distant islands I get a little nervous, haha.
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Post by Hokuto on Apr 23, 2018 9:08:45 GMT 9
Honestly, as long as I have access to public transit I'm okay. When I hear about people getting basically stranded on distant islands I get a little nervous, haha. hue i wouldn't get your hopes up about this haha |
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Post by Leilo on Apr 23, 2018 12:56:04 GMT 9
On a similar note do you guys need to drive at your placements (for the ones who can)? I'm kind of nervous about getting a car in Japan money wise, or how quick I'll get accustomed to driving there. Sorry if there is already a thread on this orz
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Post by Dee on Apr 23, 2018 13:27:20 GMT 9
On a similar note do you guys need to drive at your placements (for the ones who can)? I'm kind of nervous about getting a car in Japan money wise, or how quick I'll get accustomed to driving there. Sorry if there is already a thread on this orz Driving isn't that bad actually. It took me maybe about a week to get used to it. Just be sure to get you International Drivers Permit before arriving in Japan. Financially, its does kind of suck. Do not feel pressures into buying your pred's car either. I did that, and made a huge mistake that is costing me dearly. Getting a Japanese license is a bit of a pain since I don't live near a licensing office. |
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Post by frooperyfroop on Apr 23, 2018 14:03:11 GMT 9
I have to drive a few times a week for work using my CO's cars, and I also bought my own car since it's abit inconvenient not having a car in my city. While I found that it took awhile to get used to the different road markings and signs, I haven't had any major problems so far. (Although I've definitely made some mistakes, thankfully they weren't major enough to result in any accidents. Though I hope I don't jinx myself by saying this. hue.) I do have an advantage though because I'm used to driving on the same side of the road. But I've heard my American hulemdos say they got used to driving in Japan relatively quickly too.
I agree with dee that the financial costs associated with owning your own car sucks (especially since I drive a FUTSUSHA and my insurance costs quite abit), but I definitely don't regret getting one because it really makes getting around much easier. I find it also helps with my social life since it's easier for me to drive to meetups with the other JETs in my prefecture and to offer them lifts.
And yeah I'm REALLY not looking forward to having to take the test for my Japanese licence in a few months' time... >_> |
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Post by TrickPhoenix on Apr 23, 2018 14:45:12 GMT 9
Leilo I think people who have to drive for JET are in the minority, but we are out there and it's not so bad. All the JETs near me need cars, so we all use the same rental service rather than buying them. It's expensive, but prices vary depending on car models and insurance and whatnot. In my first year I had my own car and paid like 4.5 MAN a month, but now I share with a neighboring ALT and cut that down to 2 MAN instead and it's so much easier. Kei cars are where it's at. It took me about 2 months to get comfortably used to driving on the opposite side of the road, but it's not as bad as you might expect. I think I only ever drove on the wrong side twice, always when I was distracted by something stressful and only just pulling out of the parking lot. Embarassing, but not terribly dangerous in my little inaka. The most frustrating part for me was just getting my license in the 2nd year. I was super lucky and passed the test just on my second try, but convincing my CO that they needed to give me time off was a pain, since they were arguing that driving isn't exaaaaactly necessary for my job (but it sure as heck would KAKERU a huge MEIWAKU if I couldn't). I ended up getting 2 out of 3 days off, and just used a vacation day for the last one. In general, driving is super fun and freeing if you're in the dinky inaka, but you may be able to get by without it in a bigger city. All depends!
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Post by Dee on Apr 23, 2018 14:57:00 GMT 9
I have to drive a few times a week for work using my CO's cars, and I also bought my own car since it's abit inconvenient not having a car in my city. While I found that it took awhile to get used to the different road markings and signs, I haven't had any major problems so far. (Although I've definitely made some mistakes, thankfully they weren't major enough to result in any accidents. Though I hope I don't jinx myself by saying this. hue.) I do have an advantage though because I'm used to driving on the same side of the road. But I've heard my American hulemdos say they got used to driving in Japan relatively quickly too.
I agree with dee that the financial costs associated with owning your own car sucks (especially since I drive a FUTSUSHA and my insurance costs quite abit), but I definitely don't regret getting one because it really makes getting around much easier. I find it also helps with my social life since it's easier for me to drive to meetups with the other JETs in my prefecture and to offer them lifts.
And yeah I'm REALLY not looking forward to having to take the test for my Japanese licence in a few months' time... >_> We also have a FUTSUSHA (not looking forward to the car tax coming in the mail soon), but for our family a KEI car wasn't going to work.
frooperyfroop, I recommend getting started on getting your license now! I think it differs a bit by prefecture, but mine is a drawn out process so we started it at the end of March.
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Post by frooperyfroop on Apr 23, 2018 15:02:35 GMT 9
Dee Unfortunately my prefecture is incredibly DUMB and they recently changed the rules so that we can only start getting our license one month before our IDP expires. I don't even understand their rationale for changing it, especially since I've heard that the driving test is not easy to pass (it apparently tests us more on our ability to memorise two driving courses and silly things like how to get in and out of the car rather than our actual driving ability). Seriously hope I can pass my test on the first try or else it's going to be really inconvenient for me since I'll need my soup to drive me to all my lessons while I wait to take the test again. :/
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Post by Dee on Apr 23, 2018 15:09:50 GMT 9
Dee Unfortunately my prefecture is incredibly DUMB and they recently changed the rules so that we can only start getting our license one month before our IDP expires. I don't even understand their rationale for changing it, especially since I've heard that the driving test is not easy to pass (it apparently tests us more on our ability to memorise two driving courses and silly things like how to get in and out of the car rather than our actual driving ability). Seriously hope I can pass my test on the first try or else it's going to be really inconvenient for me since I'll need my soup to drive me to all my lessons while I wait to take the test again. :/ Wow, that really sucks that you have to wait until the last month!
I highly recommend taking a private lesson before your practical driving test. When I went to take the written test, they gave me an instructor's phone number to call if I wanted a lesson, and they basically teach you how to pass the test. Luckily there's a driving school in the next town over that I can also take a lesson at. My appt for the practical driving test is next month.
The driving test, as it was explained, has nothing to do with practical driving. So dumb.
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Post by TrickPhoenix on Apr 23, 2018 15:45:22 GMT 9
frooperyfroop I agree with dee, try to take a lesson if you can. A lot of the information for test rules can be found online as well (made available due to the anguish of past test-takers), so I strongly recommend looking up as much as you can. The test itself varies a bit by prefecture, but a ton of the stuff that I found was relevant to mine too. And there are super dumb things that I would NEVER have known otherwise. Stuff like driving absurdly far to the left, how many times to check your mirrors, checking around the car before you get in, making sure to adjust your seat and mirrors, etc. My testing center also allowed you to arrive early and walk the course to acquaint yourself in advance.
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Post by frooperyfroop on Apr 23, 2018 15:49:55 GMT 9
Thanks Dee and TrickPhoenix for the advice! Yes I definitely intend to take at least once lesson to familiarise myself with the courses. One of the ALTs in my city said she has a contact for the instructor she used when she took her test (though she was lucky as she was the last batch that wasn't subject to the dumb one month rule) so I'll probably be using the same instructor as her since she managed to pass on the first try. My prefecture's AJET also has videos of the two driving courses so I'll try to watch and memorise them (I have a terrible memory though. i_i). Sigh why does getting a Japanese license have to be such a pain in the butt.  |
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Post by Ham on Apr 23, 2018 16:08:16 GMT 9
Another driver here. I'm still on my first year, so still using my IDP, but it's about time I started looking into preparing for and scheduling a test, especially since the testing center is in the prefectural capitol, 1.5 hours away...
Where I live, a car is a necessity, since there are no trains, and all the REAL stores are in the two neighboring towns.
That being said, I actually don't drive all that much, since I can walk to work (as well as anywhere else in town I might possibly want to go).
I rent a kei car from a local company
I think the only close call I had was this one time I was a bit distracted and started to make an instinctive right turn, but caught myself partway into it.
Honestly, the more annoying thing was having all the controls on opposite sides, so I kept hitting the wipers instead of the blinkers, which is always embarrassing.
ALSO, if you're placed somewhere where it snows a lot, and you aren't used to driving in icy conditions, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with tips and guidelines for driving in winter, as well as what to do when you lose control.
Also, I imagine that even if you are used to driving in icy conditions, it's not a bad idea to ask your coworkers about any tips they have, especially any spots on the road to beware of.
Or else you might end up like me, who found out about that one turn in the road south of town that's well known for being a spot where people skid out... by skidding out and landing nose first in a paddy.
(That little adventure cost me half a month's salary orz)
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Post by shanshan310 on Apr 23, 2018 16:43:47 GMT 9
Man I don’t envy you Americans. Getting my Australian license transferred was painful enough and I didn’t even have to do the test :/
Another driver.
I didn’t drive in my first year, and found that totally fine for work and going to the supermarket and taking the train to the big city an hour away. But, it made going to local tourist spots, the doctor, restaurants, and basically anywhere that wasn’t work a real inconvenience (the snow monkeys and a hospital open on weekends are half an hour from me by car or two hours by public transport). Also made shopping kind of a pain if I needed to buy rice or kerosene or anything big. A bike could probably have remedied a lot of those issues, so I would not say a car is necessary at all. I’m so happy to have it though. The convenience has really improved my quality of life >< Just depends what you are happy to deal with.
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Apr 24, 2018 13:11:49 GMT 9
I’m actually in Kanto! (Look juuuuust north of Tokyo on a map hue, usually we call this place COLORFUL JEWELS on here, colorful bc its nicnkame is 彩の国) but my original second choice was in Kansai for hobby reasons rofl. Still, there are some CIRs who are definitely leaving from Kansai placements this year, so you maybe you’ll get lucky! And if not, plenty of people end up loving their placements even if they originally went “uh what?” ( Miscreative I’m thinking of you on this one <3) it true. and now i have the best placement in all of JET. and i dont plan to give it up ever anytime soonMe too <3 Honestly, as long as I have access to public transit I'm okay. When I hear about people getting basically stranded on distant islands I get a little nervous, haha. Hahaha, ❄icepath❄ can tell you in detail about it Though technically - my prefecture is pretty much HANALETELUed from the main island of Japan too. |
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kira
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 48 
CIR Experience: 3rd year
Location: Miyazaki
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Post by kira on Apr 24, 2018 15:37:05 GMT 9
Thanks Dee and TrickPhoenix for the advice! Yes I definitely intend to take at least once lesson to familiarise myself with the courses. One of the ALTs in my city said she has a contact for the instructor she used when she took her test (though she was lucky as she was the last batch that wasn't subject to the dumb one month rule) so I'll probably be using the same instructor as her since she managed to pass on the first try. My prefecture's AJET also has videos of the two driving courses so I'll try to watch and memorise them (I have a terrible memory though. i_i). Sigh why does getting a Japanese license have to be such a pain in the syzygium jambos. I was also only able to take it one month before my IDP expired when I took the test last year. If you are able to pass the driving test in Singapore, you shouldn't have any problems with this conversion test as long as you don't mount the kerb and make sure that you overreact at all the junctions and traffic lights. I have forgotten how to park a car so I was really glad that there weren't any parking component in the test. If a driving noob like me can pass on my second attempt (mounted kerb the first time), I'm sure you will be fine. |
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Mumblesnore
Dead Stargod 
’Tis the season (for Eggnog)
Posts: 16,154
CIR Experience: Former CIR
Location: Tokyo
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Post by Mumblesnore on Apr 24, 2018 15:42:26 GMT 9
I passed my driving test on my second attempt, literally the day before my IDP expired, using my last half day of NENKYU for the year.
If you look up GILI GILI in the dictionary there's a picture of me holding my license.
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Post by ❄icepath❄ on Apr 24, 2018 19:16:54 GMT 9
it true. and now i have the best placement in all of JET. and i dont plan to give it up ever anytime soonMe too <3 Honestly, as long as I have access to public transit I'm okay. When I hear about people getting basically stranded on distant islands I get a little nervous, haha. Hahaha, ❄icepath❄ can tell you in detail about it Though technically - my prefecture is pretty much HANALETELUed from the main island of Japan too. Honestly if you compare inaccessibility, my island fares better than the whole of High Knowledge... And while I want to say being stranded on the island isn't too bad (because I've gotten used to it), it can get real bad for some people. Me? I just stay indoors so it doesn't really matter what is outside coz I don't even go out a whole lot. The most difficult part of actually living on the island for me is how I can't join a choir the way I wanted. Also the dialup internet. |
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Apr 25, 2018 13:50:58 GMT 9
Me too <3 Hahaha, ❄icepath❄ can tell you in detail about it Though technically - my prefecture is pretty much HANALETELUed from the main island of Japan too. Honestly if you compare inaccessibility, my island fares better than the whole of High Knowledge... And while I want to say being stranded on the island isn't too bad (because I've gotten used to it), it can get real bad for some people. Me? I just stay indoors so it doesn't really matter what is outside coz I don't even go out a whole lot. The most difficult part of actually living on the island for me is how I can't join a choir the way I wanted. Also the dialup internet. Oh yeah, I guess that's true. Also, Naha Airport has waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more options than our puny little Ryoma Airport. |
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Post by frooperyfroop on Apr 25, 2018 15:20:16 GMT 9
kira Thanks, that's really reassuring to know that the driving test isn't as difficult to pass as I feared! hohoEMIsen Wow, I didn't realise High Knowledge was that bad...
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Apr 25, 2018 16:02:19 GMT 9
kira Thanks, that's really reassuring to know that the driving test isn't as difficult to pass as I feared! hohoEMIsen Wow, I didn't realise High Knowledge was that bad... Please still come and visit tho |
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Post by ことしも魚ろしく on Apr 25, 2018 16:04:47 GMT 9
High Knowledge isn't thaaaaaat bad... ok yea its kinda badthe catchcopy for our marathon is 「 わざわざ高知で走ろう！」 after all hue at least we have the airport nearby and the train/bus to Hill Mountain (nearest shink station) is right there for us hohoEMIsen, so we can get to a major hub in one trip poor Nurkiras has to drive 3?hours to the city before he gets to enjoy another 3 hour bus ride to get to the shink, and then from there is when the real traveling starts |
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Nurkiras
Dead Stargod
Nawty Bard
ycdn
Posts: 8,401
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Post by Nurkiras on Apr 25, 2018 16:20:13 GMT 9
hi I have to drive for my job and for day-to-day stuff a lot. Getting my license wasn't horrible (took 2 tries), but my car is stressful and I used to hate it with a passion. I definitely second Dee's advice on not buying whatever piece of junk you first find! And High Knowledge is as charming as it is HUBEM. Traveling is hard, but finding basically untouched, gorgeous nature that you can have all to yourself is not. The work and general lack of things compared to bigger areas can be frustrating, but the nice people and their wonderful food make up for it mostly. |
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to be honest I wouldn't actually mind the lifestyle itself anywhere in Japan (except super cold places maybe, I'm terrible with the cold). And colourful jewels sounds lovely too, so much proximity to future jobs!
