Aspiring Canadian JETs 2012

[Smasha]

You are not that much closer!!! And one of my requests includes the whole of block E, so technically I am closer!!!!
You did ask first, but I think we'll just have to wrestle for it if it comes down to it ;D Or we can just go over there on a holiday together, if we are lucky enough to be inducted into the Sacred Guild of ALTs!

[OttawaPC]

I have also posed this question to the forum topic about Joining Clubs --> viewtopic.php?f=10&t=10510
but I was wondering if I might get different responses here, also was inspired by the awesome posts about Tokushima.
I am a competitive fencer on the Canadian domestic circuit and I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the fencing circuit in Japan. I have looked into it and know that there has been a rise in popularity since Ota Yuki won a silver in foil at Beijing 2008. I know there are clubs in Tokyo, and most universities have programs too. (apparently there is a university in Kyoto that has a really good program)

I wish I had looked into this more and had had the balls to request something in the "placement request" section. But I felt that unless it was a serious medical thing, no request was really valid... :/

so, my question is to anyone reading from Japan: Is there any fencing (western fencing or escrime for you franco-phones) in or nearby your community? Either at your JHS, SHS or just a community club? I know it's all ESID, but hearing about the existence of clubs makes me happy, and I really want to be able to fence next year. Both competitively, and I am hoping to be able to coach and help foster fencing in Japan!

Related question: Before we decide whether or not to accept our placement, are we allowed to talk to a current JET or BoE rep in the area to find out what sorts of clubs/local amenities are available in the area?

Once you accept your placement you will be contacted by your contracting organization and your predecessor (if you have one), and they will provide you with information about the area. If you wish to learn more about the area before accepting I would suggest contacting the AJET group for the prefecture, as the current JETs could answer your questions.

As mentioned, if you do decide to decline a position once we have arranged a placement you will not be able to apply for the JET Programme the following application year.

[AVN]

I have also posed this question to the forum topic about Joining Clubs --> viewtopic.php?f=10&t=10510
but I was wondering if I might get different responses here, also was inspired by the awesome posts about Tokushima.
I am a competitive fencer on the Canadian domestic circuit and I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the fencing circuit in Japan. I have looked into it and know that there has been a rise in popularity since Ota Yuki won a silver in foil at Beijing 2008. I know there are clubs in Tokyo, and most universities have programs too. (apparently there is a university in Kyoto that has a really good program)

I wish I had looked into this more and had had the balls to request something in the "placement request" section. But I felt that unless it was a serious medical thing, no request was really valid... :/

so, my question is to anyone reading from Japan: Is there any fencing (western fencing or escrime for you franco-phones) in or nearby your community? Either at your JHS, SHS or just a community club? I know it's all ESID, but hearing about the existence of clubs makes me happy, and I really want to be able to fence next year. Both competitively, and I am hoping to be able to coach and help foster fencing in Japan!

Related question: Before we decide whether or not to accept our placement, are we allowed to talk to a current JET or BoE rep in the area to find out what sorts of clubs/local amenities are available in the area?

Once you accept your placement you will be contacted by your contracting organization and your predecessor (if you have one), and they will provide you with information about the area. If you wish to learn more about the area before accepting I would suggest contacting the AJET group for the prefecture, as the current JETs could answer your questions.

As mentioned, if you do decide to decline a position once we have arranged a placement you will not be able to apply for the JET Programme the following application year.

Just a warning, sometimes, even if you have a pred they won't contact you. In other cases they only contact you a week before departure. They might contact you once with vague things but not reply to any of your questions. Don't expect them to contact you or you may be disappointed.

[KoeiS]

You are not that much closer!!! And one of my requests includes the whole of block E, so technically I am closer!!!!
You did ask first, but I think we'll just have to wrestle for it if it comes down to it ;D Or we can just go over there on a holiday together, if we are lucky enough to be inducted into the Sacred Guild of ALTs!

Well I requested Kansai and Kyushu so clearly, my placements cover those 2 areas and everything in between as well! Haha, we're way too silly for the forums!
I think we should have a surfing and beach-partying contest because they're some of Tokushima's attractions! Businesstime is probably thinking we're too crazy and he doesn't want either of us there haha

[HerrKaiser]

Damn, having an unresponsive pred would be pretty frustrating. I feel like if someone didn't respond until the last week before departure it would make that last week pretty stressful. Also, quick question about the post acceptance period. Is there training/meetings in Canada prior to departure? I am just trying to get a feel for what my summer is going to look like.

[Smasha]

You are not that much closer!!! And one of my requests includes the whole of block E, so technically I am closer!!!!
You did ask first, but I think we'll just have to wrestle for it if it comes down to it ;D Or we can just go over there on a holiday together, if we are lucky enough to be inducted into the Sacred Guild of ALTs!

Well I requested Kansai and Kyushu so clearly, my placements cover those 2 areas and everything in between as well! Haha, we're way too silly for the forums!
I think we should have a surfing and beach-partying contest because they're some of Tokushima's attractions! Businesstime is probably thinking we're too crazy and he doesn't want either of us there haha

We are indeed!!!!! Let's not plan anything until we actually get in. If you plan ahead and it falls through, you just end up dissapointed-I've learned the hard way!!! Life has a funny way of working out, you never know what will happen.

As per pre-departure training, I think there might be something, but i am not sure when or how many sessions there would be.

[ali_the_ant]

this post is directed towards Ottawa PC or the person working at the Calgary Embassy. By any chance do you know if we find out out interview results next week? Or will it most likely be the following week. I know later is more likely, but I'm hoping I'm wrong and you will confirm....thank you.

[OttawaPC]

this post is directed towards Ottawa PC or the person working at the Calgary Embassy. By any chance do you know if we find out out interview results next week? Or will it most likely be the following week. I know later is more likely, but I'm hoping I'm wrong and you will confirm....thank you.

Unfortunately I haven’t received any information yet regarding when the results will be sent to the Consulate Generals in Canada and the Embassy here in Ottawa. When we do know something, I’ll share the information.

[OttawaPC]

Damn, having an unresponsive pred would be pretty frustrating. I feel like if someone didn't respond until the last week before departure it would make that last week pretty stressful. Also, quick question about the post acceptance period. Is there training/meetings in Canada prior to departure? I am just trying to get a feel for what my summer is going to look like.

There will be a Pre-Departure Orientation but the orientation schedules are set by each JET Coordinator. After being contacted regarding the interview results you will be given the orientation schedule.

If you interviewed in Ottawa, feel free to email me jet@ot.mofa.go.jp and I can explain the Orientation Sessions I have scheduled.

[michelleamy]

Unfortunately, because there are so few of us leaving early from Vancouver, we won't be having a pre-departure orientation. :/ Will we really be missing out?

[Smasha]

Unfortunately, because there are so few of us leaving early from Vancouver, we won't be having a pre-departure orientation. :/ Will we really be missing out?

Do you know how many people are going from Vancouver? When are you leaving?

[Threz_]

Unfortunately, because there are so few of us leaving early from Vancouver, we won't be having a pre-departure orientation. :/ Will we really be missing out?

Because of the small number of people going for early departure, and the wide variety of times that they could be leaving (like upgraded alternates) it's just not possible to have the same formal training as the main groups (A/B or C). The training is usually planned months in advance, and there just isn't enough time and manpower to do it for all JETs leaving at different times.

That said, I'm sure the JET alumni in Vancouver can whip up an informal training session. JETAA BC is a very organized group, and I'd be surprised if they don't have something planned. I'll give them a poke.

[HerrKaiser]

Damn, having an unresponsive pred would be pretty frustrating. I feel like if someone didn't respond until the last week before departure it would make that last week pretty stressful. Also, quick question about the post acceptance period. Is there training/meetings in Canada prior to departure? I am just trying to get a feel for what my summer is going to look like.

There will be a Pre-Departure Orientation but the orientation schedules are set by each JET Coordinator. After being contacted regarding the interview results you will be given the orientation schedule.

If you interviewed in Ottawa, feel free to email me jet@ot.mofa.go.jp and I can explain the Orientation Sessions I have scheduled.

Negative, I interviewed in Toronto. But thank you anyway!

[michelleamy]

Do you know how many people are going from Vancouver? When are you leaving?

I'm not sure about people leaving later that us, but on April 10th, there are apparently only two of us.

Because of the small number of people going for early departure, and the wide variety of times that they could be leaving (like upgraded alternates) it's just not possible to have the same formal training as the main groups (A/B or C). The training is usually planned months in advance, and there just isn't enough time and manpower to do it for all JETs leaving at different times.

That said, I'm sure the JET alumni in Vancouver can whip up an informal training session. JETAA BC is a very organized group, and I'd be surprised if they don't have something planned. I'll give them a poke.

Thanks, Threz! I'm sure we'll be fine without the orientation, but it just means I'll be poring over the handbook over and over again!

[ali_the_ant]

One more week of not knowing...then there will be total chaos on the forums with people exclaiming they got on, congratulations, and sad people that got bad news, and condolences. *sigh*