Job Discussion Forums

[ro-fro]

I suppose I might be able to find the answer to this question if I keep searching & searching, but I'll ask anyway --

I'm applying to teach with JET and I'm trying to choose 3 places I'd prefer to live (although I know I might not get any of my choices...). I'm hoping to be NEAR (but not in) a large city like Tokyo or Osaka, or even Kyoto. I'm looking at Kansai, Chubu and Kanto prefectures.

1) Does anyone have any recommendations for great semi-urban places that have the best of both worlds -- nature & nightlife/city amenities? (I just thought of this now-- my boyfriend is asthmatic...are there certain places there that are better/worse for asthmatics?)

2) I'm wondering if I should indicate on my application that I would like to be placed in an urban area (so then that way I might actually be placed in a semi-urban area)?

3) My boyfriend MIGHT be joining me a few months after I arrive in Japan, but it's not definite yet. Should I indicate on the application that I'll be accompanied, or don't even bother?

cheers,
rose

[Nismo]

I don't know one person working through JET that got placed where they wanted to be. According to the statistics, most JETs are placed in Hyogo-ken. It's about 40 minutes away from Kobe. Hyogo is definitly not a metropolis, but it isn't a one-horse town either.

3 accounts of friends currently participating in JET:
1. Requested Tokyo, Yokohama, or Chiba - was placed in Hyogo.
2. Requested Kobe, Osaka, Kinki region in general - was placed in Saitama.
3. Requested Tokyo, Osaka, or Kobe - was placed in a little island off the coast of Hiroshima.

What it comes down to is that you should be flexible.

Don't mention your boyfriend at all - if it's not marriage it's non-existent. Any factor that would cause you to break contract and leave before the year ended is negative.