Rural Session

Life as a JET

Upside

Life as a Rural JETLife as a Rural JET

Ample opportunities to speak/learn Japanese

Affordable living in comparison to larger cities in Japan

Can get involved in community events

Can feel like a celebrity in your own village

True cultural immersion

Downside

Life as a Rural JETLife as a Rural JET

Few foreigners to hang out with

Not as many Japanese people are able to speak English

Can feel some isolation if effort is not put in

Sometimes a lack of privacy in such a small village

Getting Started

Get connected (phone, internet, local/JET contacts)

Build as social circle with people you meet at orientation (especially those located in your local region)

Learn about your area (find the grocery store, bank, post office, train station, and other useful places).

Transport (car, train timetables)

Enjoying Rural LifeEnjoying Rural Life

Get involved in community groups/festivals

Take advantage of the sports resources around you

Find a Japanese English language exchange partner

Create opportunities to experience Japanese culture

Be a tourist in your own town!

Enjoying Rural Life

Accept social opportunities

Hot Springs Start a new hobby Tons of study time! Make your home

comfortable Allow yourself for trips

to the nearest city!

Rural Schools

Can get to know your students really well

Smaller school sizes and possibly smaller class sizes

Opportunities for school involvement is high

After school and weekendsAfter school and weekends

Try to hang out with teachers from your school(s)

If people invite you to their homes or out for dinner, accept the offer

Don’t worry if you don’t speak Japanese, try your best and they will try their best

Just do as much as you can with the time that you have…

You can always visit larger cities on your weekends

Owning a car

PRO Don’t have to rely on

public transport Traveling in groups Can drive to school if

needed Road trips!

CON Driving exam Expensive Narrow crowded roads in

large cities Getting lost

Speaking/Learning Japanese

Conversation partners Japanese teachers through

the BOE Get help from your JTEs,

supervisors, Pas, and other JETs.

Learn some phrases before and after you arrive.

Get an electronic dictionary

Take care of yourself

Health Physical/MentalHealth Physical/Mental

Staying healthy-join a gym, sports club or team

Find a doctor before an emergency happens

Find someone who can help you translate in case of a medical emergency

Socialize

Bugs

We tend to see bugs more often in the countryside. A few things to think about:

Keep your house clean Insect screens (are they sealed?) Bug Sprays Take care of your tatami mats

Fighting the cold weather

Kerosene (touyu) heaters in more than one room if needed

Kotatsu Electric blankets Proper winter

clothing

Garbage Disposal

If you do not dispose your garbage properly, they will not take it!

Please be aware of burnables, paper, plastics, Pet bottles, tins, cans, glasses

Find out about special items like batteries

Useful Links and InfoUseful Links and Info

English train timetables and prices www.hyperdia.com/en/

English speaking travel agency www.no1-travel.com

Buy western food from Costco online www.theflyingpig.com

English books www.amazon.co.jp Get info from your predecessor!

Questions

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