Preparation Update #1

Hey guys, lots happened since the last post so here's a lil fill-in:

JAPANESE VISA
Got my Japanese visa from the Embassy, basically filled out a form and got the visa 5 days later. This visa is my official permit to live and work in Japan legally. Its valid for 3 years.

DEPARTURE DATE
Also got my departure date from the travel agency. I'll be departing on September 12th and arriving Sept 14th. Two days of travelling alone ... uggghh .... esp with a 14hr plane ride in the mix!! I'll share my exact travel itinerary as soon as I get it.

PLACEMENT
So where in Japan shall I spend the next year (or more)?? *drumrolllllll* I shall be in Sendai City. I'm elated about my placement because I never expected to be placed in the city and the ALT's who are already there have lots of positive reviews.

Sendai (仙台市 Sendai-shi) is the capital city of Miyagi prefecture, Japan, and the largest city in the Tohoku region. It has a population of one million, and is one of Japan's 19 designated cities.
There is a wide variety of restaurants, cinemas, museums, art galleries, sports facilities and shopping malls.

I'm thrilled about my placement, Sendai seems like a great city - not too big and not too small :) No specific school or apartment placement as yet, will update on that soon. Also spoke to my ALT advisor - she sent me lots of useful pre-departure information and stuff. Will keep you guys posted as soon as more info comes rolling in ..... xoxo





 

Pre-departure Orientation

Our pre-departure orientation was on August 3rd at the Ambassador's residence. Basically it was a chance for me to meet the other JETS and discuss our preparations for living and working in Japan. Our presenter was a former JET and she provided us with some helpful information. After that session we had lunch with the ambassador. It was a nice experience and I'm still pinching myself to see if this is all real. I won't be leaving with the rest of girls though :( since I was the last to be contacted so I guess the consulate wanted to give me more time to prepare ..... Picked up my Japanese visa as well :) Still no word on placement tho .... Ugghh this programme demands patience cuz trust me there's LOTS of waiting!!!

Only took one group pic cuz I didn't really wanna invade the ambassador's privacy by taking pics in his home.