Job Discussion Forums

fhsieh · Joined: 18 Feb 2009 Posts: 29

I just finished the first round of training, for the group that arrived on March 19. There are a number of people here who have not received their placement either (or at least placement confirmations), because several BOEs have not finalized the ALT contracts since some school semesters are starting later.

Those "alternates" will be spending some time in the Tokyo office or possibly some branch offices, and will still be paid in full according to the contract. Interac will also be taking care of any interim housing and/or transportation necessary.

seklarwia · Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 7:17 am Post subject:

I'm moving into my apartment tomorrow. I seem to be quite lucky in my branch. My MC is cool, well organised and I had everything explained in great detail the day after arrival. I even scored higher holiday pay even though my contract dates are the same as the others. Unfortunately, I get the feeling that most of the Hiroshima branch ALTs from my training session are a little concerned.

JMcinlay · Joined: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 5

Hey I was wondering what sort of training you Interac guys get. Can you give us a bit of a run-down?

Cheers

seklarwia · Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:19 pm Post subject:

The usual stuff really. What type of behaviour to expect from different aged kids, the types of exercises to do with different aged kids, how to adapt activities to different aged kids, how to avoid trouble with the police, how to get into onsen if you have tatoos, how to recognise culture shock and what to do to make it bearable, how to act on the first day, etc.

Problem is that, with only 3 days and most people suffering from extreme jet lag, I doubt much of anything is really going into our poor little heads.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

So now you are here, Seklarwia, how are you finding the response of Japanese people towards you? More or less staring than you expected? I'm guessing you haven't had anyone come up wanting to stroke your skin yet...or have you? Wink

seklarwia · Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 2:07 am Post subject:

Actually older women seem to like to do it if we are in an enclosed space like an elevator. It is normally accompanied with a "cold?" (of course in Japanese, but I suck at romaji).

And I did get ambushed by a group of junior hi boys that was staying in the hotel with us... once again at the elevator! (I should avoid them lol) I think it gives them the excuse they need to try and interact with me.

Smoking boothes and corners seems the best place for men to attempt a conversation. No touching thankfully. Just a "what are you smoking?" "try one of these" type of affair.

In the streets, etc, adults normally spare me only a glance but not much more. Its only young kids that pay me any real attention in public. They even dragged me up this funky adventure road crossing thing that's behind my house on my hands and knees. I thought I was going to get stuck between levels much to the amusement of the parents Shocked

Today the neighbourhood gaijin-neesan is going to participate in some pokemon battles at the temple, because her DS was flat yesterday.

Interestingly enough, I'm getting a sometimes unwelcome amount of attention from the non-Japanese. Men from the Philippines... enough said.

ripslyme · Joined: 29 Jan 2005 Posts: 481 Location: Japan

seklarwia · Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 1:02 pm Post subject:

Simply that I didn't think that I would so quickly enounter a level of forwardness and presumption that would rival that which I often meet in Europe. Who'd have thought that the stereotypical belief that British 18-30s women are "easy" had travelled so far.

ripslyme · Joined: 29 Jan 2005 Posts: 481 Location: Japan