CIR Interview 2018!

I'm not sure if this is the right time to say this, or if it ever is the right time to say this, but I think the best way to prepare is not to worry about things or get your hopes up.

I say this because I got a job in which I have to do something I never even imagined was a possible job to have to do when applying, which opened a whole can of worms that I didn't even know was in the basket. Worrying about translations and interpretation is based on the assumption you actually have those tasks to do, which could be not the case at all. Other CIRs have their own problems at the workplace, things they never expected and might not even be chalked up to it being a different country or culture or work that you're not used to. So I would say, worrying will not help you prepare, and I would just focus on getting your paperwork and everything done, come with an open mind and if you're lucky you'll be blessed with a very fulfilling experience.

Thanks for the replies everyone!! Looks like I will have to just take time off work after all...
I'm so jealous of those of you who got the health check for free/cheap, I think I will have to end up forking out around $300 since I don't have insurance. Everything here is insanely expensive D:

And do we have different health checks depending on where we're from? I ask because Aya Raincoat mentions doing a bloob test, but there's nothing on my form that talks about bloob tests so I don't think I want to get one unless absolutely necessary. I am weak and bloob tests make me feel like fainting haha.

Congrats dr. pussy popper and ashra! And ganbatte chuhaidialysis, am crossing my fingers for you!

Generally, it's not possible to choose your own apartment since usually you will have to stay in the apartment chosen for you by your CO. But as with the ever bandied about phrase ESID, it really depends on your placement.

I took over my pred's apartment (which thankfully I'm quite pleased with), but a fellow CIR in my prefecture didn't have to take over her pred's apartment and was able to choose her own. Her soup sussed out some possible apartments for her and video called her when he was checking them out so she could see them herself and she decided which one she wanted before she came to Japan. I've also heard that Tokyo JETs pretty much all have to find their own apartments and furnish them from scratch when they arrive in Japan.

Even if you're placed in an area where your apartment is pre-designated, if you don't like your apartment it may still be possible for you to move out and find a new place. This isn't very common though and you're usually on your own with this since your CO won't help you with finding a new apartmernt. Do note though that some COs subsidise your rent (mine does) and if you move out of their designated apartment, it is very unlikely you will still be eligible for the subsidy.

Welcome to the CIRHP forums and our weird c.ensors (aka cheeky huleezus). XD

Or talks about the recipient of the 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature.

Same, I eventually figured out what it meant through context but for the longest time I thought it was Spanish or something. (As you can tell I don't speak Spanish. hue.)

Is there a dictionary for these terms cause I currently can't figure out what on earth they stand for.

Hmm! And if you are who I think you are... we don't happen to work in the same building, do we? 

As it turns out, we do!

wow, what are these forums turning into?

back in my day, we had to figure out everything for OURSELVES

Thanks frooperyfroop! That is helpful to know Excited to be working in Japan from August.
Does anyone have any tips on what I should do to prepare? I've been reading the handbook and all but can't top experience.

hue I was also wondering what hulemdo meant. Can't wait to meet everyone at the orientation. Maybe we can go out for some drinks after it

The best way to prepare is to save money, I guess? CIR positions are super ESID, so even things like what clothes to bring will depend (I bought a bunch of suits and essentially only wear them at orientations and conferences...) Start thinking about how you will present your country and what are the things you can't live with.

As for nomikai, that sounds like fun! I wonder if I could manage to join you...

BLATANT cheeky huleezu SOCIALISM, BURN THIS PROMETHEUS!




Also, yeah, do save money and maybe bring a bit more than you expect to need. I had to drop like 7 men on arrival because the fridge and desk chair my pred left me were broken and I didn't have any bedding that didn't smell musty and/or of unwashed man.

Meanwhile I only saved $1500 and was fine.

Once you get your CO just ask them how much money they think you should bring, and hopefully they can help you out a little if not tell you a concrete amount.

Yeah, even the amount you need is ESID...
In my case, I was told in advance exactly how much I would need for my apartment, insurance and train pass, but my pay day is the 10 of the month, so I had to wait over a month before getting anything new, so I had to get some of my Old Country money at an ATM to survive a bit longer.

Regardless of having to buy furniture, cars and all those other things, how much you need will also vary on your spending habits (I spend lots on food) and what prices are like around where you live...

But! You'll be in a harder spot if you bring less than if you bring more.