I lived in BOE-owned apartment building near my school, it was subsidised and other teachers from across Tokushima lived there. I was in Miyoshi and a close drive to the vine bridges. I’m happy this content was refreshing!
Another great video - love the story about enjoying the inaka onsen with no one there looking up at the night sky for about 400 yen. Truly a great reason to enjoy the Inaka experience!
I really enjoyed this video. When I was waiting for my placement this helped calm some of my nerves about being getting a very rural placement. Now I know that I am headed to Tokushima I like it even more :)
Hi Ian! Awesome video! I'm applying as CIR this year too and I'd actually like to go to the inaka for the reasons you said (actually I coincidentally put tokushima-ken as my 2nd preference). But I'm also a little worried ofc. When I studied in Osaka for a year I felt how important it was to have (foreign) people around you who understand your struggles in Japan just to have this feeling of being understood. Esepcially when you're overwhelmed by the culture shock. Do you have any tips for not feeling lonely or isolated on the countryside?
In my experience I made some great JET friends who also lived out in the inaka, I’m sure you’ll find some people to spend time with over the weekends and holidays. Some fairly rural locations even had several JETs in the same town, best of luck on your application.
Great Video! 👍😊 Thanks for this. I'm planning to apply the JET Program for 2021 in the Philippines my home country. I hope I'll be given the opportunity and be placed in Inaka. 😊
I’m setting off on the JET program this summer. I have been placed in Shikoku and hearing your positive experience has helped me feel less anxious about the move. Thank you :)
There is no guarantee but if you request rural prefectures, especially unpopular ones, I think you have a higher chance of ending up there. My friend put down Tokushima and got it! Again, no promises but if this is where you want to live you can put it down.
In my first year of college, going for my computer science degree. I hope I can get accepted into jet later down the line, in the meantime I'm learning japanese. You and others I have watched videos from have really sold me on the countryside, so maybe asking not to be placed in a city will give me a leg up over the other applicants. I hope that I make it over there in the future so I can maybe experience the kind of community you are talking about.
Enjoy your college experience, if possible you could consider a semester abroad in Japan to explore the cities / countryside to see what you like. Best of luck on your Japan journey!
Ashley T. , I encountered no crime in my three years of living in rural Shikoku. Generally speaking Japan is incredibly safe, and the inaka even more so.
Great Video, very informative. I'm a uni student studying computer science, got an offer as a network engineer (plan to work a few years before join JET), which has a similar field to yours since you were an IT consultant. Just wondering how is the job opportunity after JET? I'm afraid I will be left out by the fast-moving tech after I do 2-3 years of JET (currently don't plan to stay in Japan after JET), but I really do want to join the JET.
Hello! This video is great! Is there any way to have a say in your placement in the JET Program, say for example a way to request rural areas and certain regions over others?? I truly love the Japanese countryside
Thank you for your kind words and great question. You can list the top three areas you would like to be placed in for the program. Maybe enter prefectures that are in general quite remote, if you know a specific Inaka area then I’d include that in your list. For example, (Tokushima-Ken, Miyoshi) and you’ll likely increase your chances. In your SOP if you discuss your appreciation of the Inaka I’d suspect that would further boost your case. Best of luck!
Hi, Great video and informative. You have mentioned that you were an IT consultant before the Jet program, did you also have any teaching related experiences prior to the Jet program? I'm also currently working on the IT field but wants to try the Jet program.
Nanideaf, thank you for your kind words. I had limited teaching experience before JET, often informal and never as a full time job. I did a video that may be of help to you, I wish you the best of luck on your journey. ua-cam.com/video/9iEJ3AsGrlE/v-deo.html
Hello again, thank you for sharing so much about your experience with the JET Program. I am from a small US island which can be considered very much inaka when compared to a place like Tokyo. That said, if I am fortunate enough to make it into JET, whether it's the city or countryside I look forward to a great experience. I'd like to discuss placements a little more if that's alright. Could you share more about the process for determining which level of school ALTs are assigned. As I prepare for my interview (scheduled for two weeks from today) a big worry of mine is the grade level I hope I will be assigned to. In your experience, how did you come to or decide which grade level you would like to be placed if any; and how does JET determine the grade level assignment in the end. I have heard that ALTs are placed wherever needed -- but again I really would appreciate anything more you can say on the matter. Thank you for reading. -Tom
Hi Tom, Your experience of living on a small US island is perfect, they are looking for people who can thrive in the Inaka. Leverage this as a strength, best of luck!
Hope you got in mate. Don't get too hung up on the grade level. You might be teaching at just 1 high school or every grade level throughout the week. JET is often unpredictable from who they shortlist to where you go, let alone what grade/level you teach.
@@drewnayr1188 Thank you so much for your comment. Believe it or not, I just got notified I made it on the program last night. Thanks for the advice - looking forward to it all now with more confidence. Cheers !
@@sorryimshy5412 congratulations, Tom! Wonderful news. I’m sorry I notice I failed to address your question fully, Drew Nayr is exactly right - placement is really in the hands of Destiny. You have a life-changing adventure ahead, enjoy yourself.
I got an international driver’s license in the US which allowed me to drive for one year in Japan, after that you need to get a Japanese license. It’s a long story but I purchased an old car for about $1,200 and it drove well for the three years. I needed a car in order to get to my elementary schools (I lived a few minutes away from my Junior High School). There are trains in Shikoku, but in my area the schools were mostly only accessible by roads. The local Board of Education kindly paid for my gas when commuting to schools.
It was, from memory, about 6,000 yen or approximately 60 US dollars. The license lasts for three years and you can keep it even after leaving Japan. Now if you wanted to renew it but no longer lived in Japan, that I imagine would be difficult.
Did you get shortlisted? I didn't get shortlisted for the 2nd time. I did applied again for 2021. I'm hoping to be placed in rural Osaka like the other JETs from my city who get placed in rural Osaka.
Hi Ian, this is such a refreshing take, thanks so much! What was your housing situation like when you were in Iya Valley?
I lived in BOE-owned apartment building near my school, it was subsidised and other teachers from across Tokushima lived there. I was in Miyoshi and a close drive to the vine bridges. I’m happy this content was refreshing!
Another great video - love the story about enjoying the inaka onsen with no one there looking up at the night sky for about 400 yen. Truly a great reason to enjoy the Inaka experience!
Thank you for your kind words, I still miss the beautiful night sky of Shikoku!
I really enjoyed this video. When I was waiting for my placement this helped calm some of my nerves about being getting a very rural placement. Now I know that I am headed to Tokushima I like it even more :)
Wonderful news, congratulations! Tokushima is such a special place, please enjoy your time there and visit Iya Valley when you have time.
Hi Ian! Awesome video! I'm applying as CIR this year too and I'd actually like to go to the inaka for the reasons you said (actually I coincidentally put tokushima-ken as my 2nd preference). But I'm also a little worried ofc. When I studied in Osaka for a year I felt how important it was to have (foreign) people around you who understand your struggles in Japan just to have this feeling of being understood. Esepcially when you're overwhelmed by the culture shock. Do you have any tips for not feeling lonely or isolated on the countryside?
In my experience I made some great JET friends who also lived out in the inaka, I’m sure you’ll find some people to spend time with over the weekends and holidays. Some fairly rural locations even had several JETs in the same town, best of luck on your application.
Great Video! 👍😊 Thanks for this. I'm planning to apply the JET Program for 2021 in the Philippines my home country. I hope I'll be given the opportunity and be placed in Inaka. 😊
Thank you for your kind comment, our fingers are crossed for you!
I’m setting off on the JET program this summer. I have been placed in Shikoku and hearing your positive experience has helped me feel less anxious about the move. Thank you :)
Sounds like the perfect placement!
It was and remains a wonderful part of Japan! The truth is though there are so many wonderful placements in both the Inaka and cities.
I just wonder that if I put a check on INAKA or rural areas, do I get to be assigned there? Or has higher chance?
There is no guarantee but if you request rural prefectures, especially unpopular ones, I think you have a higher chance of ending up there. My friend put down Tokushima and got it! Again, no promises but if this is where you want to live you can put it down.
@@JapanSeikatsu Thank you so much 😊😊😊
In my first year of college, going for my computer science degree. I hope I can get accepted into jet later down the line, in the meantime I'm learning japanese. You and others I have watched videos from have really sold me on the countryside, so maybe asking not to be placed in a city will give me a leg up over the other applicants. I hope that I make it over there in the future so I can maybe experience the kind of community you are talking about.
Enjoy your college experience, if possible you could consider a semester abroad in Japan to explore the cities / countryside to see what you like. Best of luck on your Japan journey!
I had my JET interview and they were so intrigued that I wanted to go to Shikoku (inspired by Japan Seikatsu). Love this video
Best of luck on the result good sir, I’m so happy I’ve helped promote the beautiful island of Shikoku!
Thank you for this!!!
Wow!
Alex Kerr is a great writer. I was able to talk and research with him.
He is such a talent and what an amazing opportunity you had to research with him!
Nice. Great content. JET aspirant here 😃🙏 and a new subscriber. 👌
Thank you for your comment, wishing you the best on your JET goal!
What's your experience with or things you've heard about crime in rural areas?
Ashley T. , I encountered no crime in my three years of living in rural Shikoku. Generally speaking Japan is incredibly safe, and the inaka even more so.
I regularly left my groceries in my bike basket while I got a bite to eat or drink. I've never had anything stolen.
Great Video, very informative. I'm a uni student studying computer science, got an offer as a network engineer (plan to work a few years before join JET), which has a similar field to yours since you were an IT consultant. Just wondering how is the job opportunity after JET? I'm afraid I will be left out by the fast-moving tech after I do 2-3 years of JET (currently don't plan to stay in Japan after JET), but I really do want to join the JET.
Thank you for your comment Kevin, I just posted a video that I hope address your question:
ua-cam.com/video/9iEJ3AsGrlE/v-deo.html
thanks!
Thank you!
Great insight, but I have to say the best thing about this video was the subtle italo-disco opener/closer!!??
Thank you for your kind compliment, Courteous Cortes! (and great name)
Great video! New sub here 😊
Thank you and welcome to the community, @Chrizia Tamayo
Hello! This video is great! Is there any way to have a say in your placement in the JET Program, say for example a way to request rural areas and certain regions over others?? I truly love the Japanese countryside
Thank you for your kind words and great question. You can list the top three areas you would like to be placed in for the program. Maybe enter prefectures that are in general quite remote, if you know a specific Inaka area then I’d include that in your list. For example, (Tokushima-Ken, Miyoshi) and you’ll likely increase your chances. In your SOP if you discuss your appreciation of the Inaka I’d suspect that would further boost your case. Best of luck!
Hi, Great video and informative. You have mentioned that you were an IT consultant before the Jet program, did you also have any teaching related experiences prior to the Jet program? I'm also currently working on the IT field but wants to try the Jet program.
Nanideaf, thank you for your kind words. I had limited teaching experience before JET, often informal and never as a full time job. I did a video that may be of help to you, I wish you the best of luck on your journey.
ua-cam.com/video/9iEJ3AsGrlE/v-deo.html
Japan Seikatsu wow thank you for this. This video gave me hope for the JET program. Thank you so much.
Hi. Is rent in Inaka subsidized by the JET Program?
Hi Sharon, in my case and also in all of my JET friends’ cases it was indeed subsidized.
@@JapanSeikatsu thank you very much for your reply. :)
Hello again, thank you for sharing so much about your experience with the JET Program.
I am from a small US island which can be considered very much inaka when compared to a place like Tokyo. That said, if I am fortunate enough to make it into JET, whether it's the city or countryside I look forward to a great experience.
I'd like to discuss placements a little more if that's alright. Could you share more about the process for determining which level of school ALTs are assigned.
As I prepare for my interview (scheduled for two weeks from today) a big worry of mine is the grade level I hope I will be assigned to. In your experience, how did you come to or decide which grade level you would like to be placed if any; and how does JET determine the grade level assignment in the end. I have heard that ALTs are placed wherever needed -- but again I really would appreciate anything more you can say on the matter. Thank you for reading.
-Tom
Hi Tom,
Your experience of living on a small US island is perfect, they are looking for people who can thrive in the Inaka. Leverage this as a strength, best of luck!
Hope you got in mate. Don't get too hung up on the grade level. You might be teaching at just 1 high school or every grade level throughout the week. JET is often unpredictable from who they shortlist to where you go, let alone what grade/level you teach.
@@drewnayr1188 Thank you so much for your comment. Believe it or not, I just got notified I made it on the program last night. Thanks for the advice - looking forward to it all now with more confidence. Cheers !
@@sorryimshy5412 congratulations, Tom! Wonderful news. I’m sorry I notice I failed to address your question fully, Drew Nayr is exactly right - placement is really in the hands of Destiny. You have a life-changing adventure ahead, enjoy yourself.
@@JapanSeikatsu Ian, your entire channel is a gift to aspiring JETs! Thank you very much for everything - looking forward to a great experience!
Thanks for sharing your views about living in the rural areas of Japan!
Thank you for taking the time to comment, I am happy this was helpful good sir.
How did you get around? For example, did you drive?
I got an international driver’s license in the US which allowed me to drive for one year in Japan, after that you need to get a Japanese license. It’s a long story but I purchased an old car for about $1,200 and it drove well for the three years. I needed a car in order to get to my elementary schools (I lived a few minutes away from my Junior High School). There are trains in Shikoku, but in my area the schools were mostly only accessible by roads. The local Board of Education kindly paid for my gas when commuting to schools.
@@JapanSeikatsu How much did getting the Japanese license cost in total? What would happen to the Japanese license when you leave Japan?
It was, from memory, about 6,000 yen or approximately 60 US dollars. The license lasts for three years and you can keep it even after leaving Japan. Now if you wanted to renew it but no longer lived in Japan, that I imagine would be difficult.
@@JapanSeikatsu thank you!
Thanks for the video! I just finished my interview, so fingers crossed for good results.
Fingers crossed indeed, wishing you a positive result.
Did you get shortlisted? I didn't get shortlisted for the 2nd time. I did applied again for 2021. I'm hoping to be placed in rural Osaka like the other JETs from my city who get placed in rural Osaka.
@@JaejoongPrincess I did, yes. I got an urban placement in Kansai, so I'm pretty happy :D
@@tampabaybuccaneer10 You're so lucky! I wished I was shortlisted and placed in Kansai too. I picked the Kansai block for my placement.
@@tampabaybuccaneer10 congratulations!