I won't be driving if I get accepted, so I'm looking for places that have convenient public transportation systems and perhaps <3 hours away from a big city. Ideally this is in the Touhoku, Chuubu, or Kantou regions. Unfortunately most JETs get placed rurally, suburban if lucky. Does anyone have recommendations to put down on the application?
Applying for JET, need geographical recommendations.
- Thread starter Ryan-
- Start date
- 20 Aug 2003
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Unless you can show some serious reason why you should be placed somewhere, the best you can do is list what 3 places interest you the most.
Got a medical reason you can't live somewhere?
Know family somewhere? (Don't mention girlfriends or boyfriends.)
Have previously lived somewhere?
Even with sound reasons, JET can just put you anywhere if the BOE or school(s) say they want someone like you.
What do you mean by "I won't be driving"? Don't you have a driver's license? Are you afraid of driving on the left? This fact alone could be off-putting, as most locations are so rural that they require driving.
Got a medical reason you can't live somewhere?
Know family somewhere? (Don't mention girlfriends or boyfriends.)
Have previously lived somewhere?
Even with sound reasons, JET can just put you anywhere if the BOE or school(s) say they want someone like you.
What do you mean by "I won't be driving"? Don't you have a driver's license? Are you afraid of driving on the left? This fact alone could be off-putting, as most locations are so rural that they require driving.
- Thread starter
- #3
No medical reasons, no I don't know anyone there, no I've never been there, no driver's license.
I know they can put me where they would like to, but I'd like to select three places that would be suitable on the offchance that I get a placement I request, and I'd like to be able to justify it when they ask why I selected those places.
I know they can put me where they would like to, but I'd like to select three places that would be suitable on the offchance that I get a placement I request, and I'd like to be able to justify it when they ask why I selected those places.
Elizabeth
先輩
- 22 Apr 2003
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Without a car, less than 3 hours away by what mode of public transportation ? Via Shinkansen the a distance is relative from Tokyo to Morioka, by local train and numerous stops, if you're lucky, it's more like half way to Nagoya. :?
Chidoriashi
In imagination land
- 2 Feb 2007
- 824
- 63
I would suggest you look for cities that run along the Tokaido train line. But there is certainly no guarantee that you will be able to get by without a car, even in medium sized (100,000-300,000 person) towns. You could end up living really far away from your school, and I would imagine the buses tend to be pretty infrequent and inconvenient in towns that have the above populations. In order to most certainly survive (conveniently) by bike and bus I would say you should shoot for towns that have at least 800,000+ people.
Elizabeth
先輩
- 22 Apr 2003
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- 135
Find a few off the beaten path small or medium sized towns in otherwise isolated prefectures with a strong cultural identity. Places that are destination cities for traditional craftsmanship, original architecture and history or that specialize in promoting a local attraction. Not only is it more realistic in terms of placement, you'll immediately stand out from anyone in it for the shopping, socializing and other big city extravangas.
MeAndroo
先輩
- 29 Jul 2004
- 767
- 16
While it isn't impossible to get around without a car (particularly if you are a strong cyclist, have lots of friends with cars, or are lucky enough to be in a large city with public transportation), I strongly advise getting your driver's license if possible. Getting an international license is a simple, $15 process and attempting to get a license in Japan after the fact with no home country license is a long and costly process. You'll be spending money and vacation days (since the DMVs are only open during weekdays and during school hours) attempting both the written and driving tests, and the easier you can make this on yourself, the better. Something like 85% of foreigners fail the driving test the first time in my prefecture, largely based on counter-intuitive rules and wildly varying instructors.
That said, even in my country town, there have been JETs who didn't need a car and got around fine. This is a decision made AFTER getting here, though. They also had to ask for rides to every monthly meeting, every demonstration class, and every BOE or school run party. It's not that bad if you're close to folks in your area, but being at the mercy of someone else isn't a feeling I think many enjoy.
I also find a car to be extremely helpful as a JET. It snows often here, I'm constantly toting teaching materials between 3 schools, and it offers a great deal of freedom. That said, the "every situation is different" JET mantra will be drummed into your head if you get in, and you may find that none of this advice applies to you.
In terms of city size, you can request away, but it's all a crapshoot. Hope you get in, though, and find a placement that works for you.
MeAndroo
先輩
- 29 Jul 2004
- 767
- 16
Just a small heads up, it's much easier to get your Japanese license if you've owned your home country's license for at least 6 months (they verify by looking at your passport and/or the date issued listed on your license. The written test is much easier, and you can get to the driving test faster. This is much cheaper than going the all-Japanese route (which can cost something like 300,000 yen if you start from scratch and go through their driver's schools).
Elizabeth
先輩
- 22 Apr 2003
- 9,839
- 135
MeAndroo
先輩
- 29 Jul 2004
- 767
- 16
Interesting to hear that the prefectural rules vary just like US state rules do. I had always thought they were the same, but I suppose it makes sense why they ask if you've ever taken the test in any other prefecture.
FWIW, I failed once, and passed on my 2nd try. I have friends who passed on their 3rd, 4th, and even 6th.
- 20 Aug 2003
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- 416
After the fact may reduce your chances.
Emoni
先輩
- 20 Sep 2003
- 1,779
- 67
I'd count on it. No matter how flexible, no one is going to high someone who can't even get to work. Having a car is absolutely necessary in many JET positions.
You better rethink that stuff on your application damn fast.
Emoni
先輩
- 20 Sep 2003
- 1,779
- 67
I see, well nevermind then. Hope it goes well.
