Job Discussion Forums

[cuibono]

PaulH,
Thanks for the overview of the difficulties in learning the language in context. That's the thoroughest/directest I've seen it put. I will, I think, eventually apply to JET, perhaps go, and see what happens from there, but I appreciate knowing up front what I will have to face, prepare for, and overcome.

[Glenski]

I've asked a few Japanese teachers young and old here at my high school whether there are classes in Greek or Latin in Japanese universities. They all said no, with the exception of the Tokyo Foreign Language University. Not much call for it here, I guess.

[craven]

Hey Cuibono
I actually AM on JET, and i think you've got a great attitude going into it. I've found that people who are unhappy with the program are those that a)find themselves in an unfortunately hostile environment...it's Japan, and living here does kind of mean that at least half of the people around you will dislike you because you're a foreigner.
or
b)can't take initiative with free time (as in, sit around on big daikon all day instead of putting their noses into their books and studying Japanese).
For me, JET is quite busy some of the time, and completely slack the rest. When I've got down days, I hit the kanji books like crazy and pas the day away. For me, JET is a really nice chance to make a pay cheque you can live on, while still having time to study and not feeling too burned out to take on extra-ciricular activities. So long as you can find productive ways to fill time without someone telling you what to do, you'll do fine on JET.
Good luck with the Japanese study...it's hard as hell! I'd definately start as soon as possible, cause even if you don't learn good spoken language (which you won't in a classroom), you'll get way ahead on your kanji and general reading skills which will give you a HUUUUUGGGGE advantage once you get here.
One final note about the university jobs...if you're doing a PhD, do your best to publish a bit while you're there. Universities here are very into "prestige" when it comes to their faculty, and having publications on your CV will go a long way towards getting your foot in the door.
Best of luck!