So, I’m Moving to Japan

When? I don’t know yet. Probably July. What city? Also don’t know. I’m at the whim of whoever hires me to teach English, but I’ve requested Kyoto. Why Japan? The short answer: Because I want to and I can. The longer answer (and the first paragraph of my JET Program Essay):

Since I can remember, I have been magnetized by Japanese art and culture. Whenever I taste the intricate flavor profiles of Japanese cuisine, admire a Japanese fabric pattern or visit a zendo, I am struck by how things that are so complex can be so sparse and elegant. I feel moved by the juxtaposition of detail and simplicity, modernity and tradition that are distinct to Japan. While I have been fortunate to experience many aspects of Japanese culture in the U.S. — the Japanese Gardens in Portland, OR; the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.; countless sushi and ramen restaurants, karaoke bars, and Hayao Miyazaki films — there is no substitute for immersion in the actual environment that gave birth to these contributions. I have only had a small taste of something I wish to devour. I want to spend time in Buddhist temples, participate in tea ceremony, and ramble through rock gardens. Most of all, I want to connect with the people who make Japan what it is.

— Me

How? That’s up in the air.

I have interviews lined up with a few companies.

• JET (Japan Teaching & Exchange)
• ECC (Education Communication Community)
• AEON (I cannot figure out if this one is an acronym or a Japanese word.)
• iTTTi (Also, no idea what it stands for, but the branch I’ve applied for is called Peppy Kids Club. So, that’s fun.)
• Interac

JET is the coveted Japan English teaching dream job.

• They cover round trip airfare to Japan. No other company does that.
• They are the highest paying and, from what I’ve read, the first year is income tax free. WHAT?!
• Since they are a Japanese government initiative and not a private company, they are more mission driven than profit driven. So, recruiting new students and other salesy type things would not be part of my job description. Their purpose is to promote intercultural exchange between Japanese students and other countries. Basically, they have heart.

They are also the hardest to get into and have the longest and most rigorous application process. Applications (think grad school level intensity) open up in October and close promptly one month later. Those who are invited for interviews are notified in early January. Interviews are in late January/early February and results are not given until April. From what I hear, 5000 people apply, 2000 are selected for interviews, and 1000 are placed.

Yay me! I got an interview.

That’s February 1st in Boston. Fingers crossed!

In the two months between November and January when I was waiting to hear back from them, I got a little antsy. So, I applied with those other companies.

Given the rigmarole of the JET process and my total lack of confidence around being a suitable candidate (I’m old, I don’t speak Japanese, etc.) I was not expecting to get first and second interviews with all of them so quickly, but I did!

I will be going to the Peppy Kids Club second interview mid-February in Toronto. But because I know JET is my first choice and I won’t find out the results until April, I have postponed all other interviews until then.

Anyway, that’s what’s up with my process.

One more thing about the “Why”

For posterity, because I’m hoping all this will change, but I’d like to mark this moment in my personal history: I don’t have a partner, I don’t have kids, I don’t own a house, and I don’t have a dog. I want all of these things. But I don’t have them. So, what is the one thing I can do that I couldn’t do if I had any or all of these things? Literally, whatever I want, including and especially travel to a foreign country for a year, or even indefinitely. So, there are gifts to every circumstance and I am deeply grateful.

Originally published at rebeccainjapan.home.blog on January 19, 2019.