It’s that time of year again when a fresh batch of ALTs and CIRs get ready to fly half way around the world to Japan. As is tradition, the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto and JETAA joined forces at the Japan Foundation on Saturday June 27th and Sunday June 28th to hold a pre-departure orientation (PDOT). The weekend was packed with useful information for the 48 shortlisted JETs and 20 hopefuls to help them build a clearer picture of what their experiences might be like in Japan.
Presenting and volunteering at PDOT as a JET Alumni is always such an amazing trip down memory lane as we get to relive some of the best moments of our lives. A few of the themes that were presented included office relationships; life outside the classroom; representing Canada; food; money; team-teaching and schools; gender specific questions; traveling on JET; first-time teaching; rural living; and transportation.
Departing for JET can be a time of nervous and excited anticipation so there were understandably lots of questions. Participants had a chance to informally ask questions, mingle with their peers, and heed the advice of JET sempai during the saturday nijikai at The Fox and The Fiddle. JAVA members also supported the new JETs by providing their unique perspectives regarding Japanese culture during sunday’s Q&A panel. We tried our best to cover all the basics and answer as many questions and feel that the the new JETs have as much information as they need before heading off to Japan.
JETAA couldn’t make it to the Monday session of PDOT at the JCCC, but we’re sure the new JETs had fun trying on kimono’s, viewing a tea ceremony and trying their hands at Japanese calligraphy. JETAA will also hold a hands-on Japanese cooking class on Wednesday July 8th.
JETAA hopes the new JETs enjoyed their orientation experience and will hopefully take away some memorable moments, such as rajio taiso, group pictures, and their very own personal letter that they will receive while in Japan. We had a great time helping JETs get more familiar with the programme, all of which couldn’t have been done without help from all the presenters, volunteers, the Japanese Consulate, the Japan Foundation and of course all of the 2015 final shortlists and alternatives who came out to participate in PDOT. A special thanks to the Japan Foundation for letting us use their space, although they are very busy moving locations in the upcoming months. From all of JETAA we wish you best of luck in Japan and hope to see you at the final departure!!
Written by Sonomi Tanaka and photos by Nick Jones