Rural Session Life as a JET

Upside  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  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)

 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

 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  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

 English train timetables and prices  English speaking travel agency  Buy western food from Costco online  English books  Get info from your predecessor!

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