ALT Interview Roundtable - preparing to come to Japan

Once again I'm joined by Ashley, Lauren and Seth for a discussion about how to prepare to come to Japan.

We had all just had a lesson at one of my local elementary schools - preparing the 6th graders for their school trip to the Hiroshima Peace Park. And the 3 of them, all first-year ALTs who are staying for a 2nd year, chatted with me about things to bring to Japan, things not to bring and expectations.

Hope you enjoy the discussion and more on the way.

Thanks to Seth, Lauren and Ashley for taking the time to chat.

-Jason

PS - links to books Seth mentions:
The Genki series of textbooks -
http://www.jlist.com/SEARCH/GENKI_INTEGRATED
you can also search J-List by clicking on "study aids" on the left nav bar, or by searching other terms,
like "nihongo" http://www.jlist.com/SEARCH/nihongo

Here is some helpful info on the Minna no Nihongo series of books:

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Learning-Japanese/lm/R9U2CL919EEHV/ref=c...

Here is info on Remembering the Kanji by J Heisig

http://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Kanji-Vol-Complete-Characters/dp/0824831659...

same book at Amazon.co.jp

http://www.amazon.co.jp/Remembering-Kanji-Complete-Japanese-Characters/dp/082...

You'll notice that it's about $38 at the Japanese Amazon site, as opposed to about $24 at the American site. You'd get free shipping from the Japan site, and I've found that the American site charges about $5 per item to ship things to me here in Japan, so it would still be cheaper for this item to have it sent from America. But if you don't have a CC or aren't from America, then the Japanese site offers COD (you pay when the item arrives) and good service.

Good luck!

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Jason
• Shimane
• Japan
• JET
• Program
• ALT
• preparations

[astontsui]

damn, its so weird that i was watching this video before i got into the program, now i hang out with these people...ur videos were super helpful! glad i got to meet u in person at izumo airport :)

[myargonauts]

did we take a picture together that day? You'll have to send me a copy... :)

Everyone in this vid has my email if you need it. Peace!

[wickednellie]

I think I've seen almost all your videos. They're incredibly useful. I don't think I can wait 5 months to apply for JET!

What will I watch for info when you leave?? (Jumping way ahead of myself here, but if I get into JET I'd like to continue your "tradition" of these vlogs).

[myargonauts]

That would be great if someone picks up the baton and carries on vlogging about the job of being an ALT.

Good luck!

[yotafro]

Ashley is very energetic. Her kids must love her.

[drdolittle3]

Hi, I am Seth and ,yes DDoubleyDDad, I completely agree with you. The tie was a bad decision and I regret it horribly, but my kids like it because it had zebras and my favorite tie that kicks but with the ensemble was a horrible crinkled mess because I fall asleep in my clothes. The job is a little tiring.

[missy192]

seth is hoottttttt

[gothanimechick13]

i have the same problem, but i am asian and i live in the states, i have such a hard time finding clothes that fit me. it is too big in length and width size.

[shinmei2006]

seth is a bit ginger beer huh lol...

[Slink12345]

I am using "Remembering the Kanji" I love that book!!!!!

[hmmpf]

I wish I could become a JET too. Unfortunately, they don't recruit in the Netherlands any more. しょうがないね。

[42317]

Haha... women always need more clothes! :-)

English books were available at the store on the campus in Hirosaki... I bought a complete Frederick Forsyth collection there.

Maybe they should try the nearest university.

[msotakud2r]

Enjoyed watching and listening to everyone! Thanks for sharing once more! :)

[freeinjapan]

Oh, I actually haven't gotten the major yet; I don't start college until august even ;D

And, although l haven't lived in japan, I had the awesome opportunity to go visit my exchange sister for 2 weeks(in Miyazaki '07). I knew next to no japanese; luckily, everyone was really nice(especially in the airports)

Hopefully I'll be visiting my aunt in Okinawa this summer, and post a couple of vids :)

Thanks for your always helpful responses, and the vids on JET!!