Tokyo and Yamaguchi Orientation › Newcomer's Guide


Tokyo and Yamaguchi Orientation


 


 

Tokyo

There are three groups that arrive in Tokyo for the JET Program Orientation: Group A, Group B, and Group C (strangely enough). Representatives from Yamaguchi will be at Orientation A and Orientation B. They will help you out with any problems you may encounter and escort you from Tokyo to "the Guch." The Tokyo Orientation is fun - there is time at night to go out to the bars and night clubs. Not only will this fully introduce you to the high costs of Japan, it's a great way to meet tons of people. Keep in mind that there's not a lot of time to really explore Tokyo other than the nightlife.

You will have been asked to prepare two bags when you come to Japan-one for the Tokyo Orientation, and the other for direct delivery to your new home in Yamaguchi. A helpful reminder about your bag for the Orientation is do not pack what you do not absolutely need. It will be hot when you get to Tokyo, you willl be tired, and what you do not have forwarded (this service is free of charge!) you will have to carry. That being said, you also do not know when you will receive the bag(s) you send. For some people, your bags will arrive before you do, and will be waiting in your apartment when you get there, but for others, it may be a day or two after you come to Yamaguchi before you get them. With this in mind, you might want to pack a few omiyage (presents), some extra clothes, and a book just in case you do not get your bags straight away. Your first couple of days in your new home may be tough - culture shock can hit hard alongside fatigue and feeling overwhelmed - if your bags have not arrived, and you are not prepared with what you brought in your orientation bag, it could make things even harder those first few days.

Yamaguchi

Each orientation group will fly together from Tokyo to Ube Airport, in Yamaguchi ken. When you arrive at Ube, people from your school/office will be there to meet you. If you are lucky, your predecessor may still be here for those last minute questions, useful advice and perhaps badly needed translation service. It is quite possible that your school/office staff will be as excited and nervous as you are.

When you arrive, the students will be on holiday, so you may have very little to do as far as work goes. Some of you will be dragged around to see the local "sights" while others will be in their office killing time. This is a good time to start thinking about your self-introduction. Ask your office/school for any supplies you may need.

Orientation will be an afternoon and following day in early August, and then in the first few weeks of the month there will be a "newcomers only" orientation. People will help you travel to Yamaguchi City for our orientation. The information given to you in Yamaguchi will likely be more useful than what you will get in Tokyo. It is also a fun time as you will finally get to meet everyone in the prefecture.