Today I received two exciting bits of correspondence from JET, one an e-mail from my predecessor and one a parcel of my JET Handbook ‘08 and Japanese for JETs books.

My predecessor informed me on several notable bits:

• I will teach at 3 junior highs and 6 elementary schools in the southernmost town.
• Another new ALT and I will be the third generation of JET people to work there.
• A third ALT will continue teaching in the town, so there will be 3 ALTs and also 1 CIR.
• It is likely that I’ll be inheriting all the furniture and appliances I will need.
• My schools will range from 4 to 260 students.
• Driving during working hours is prohibited so I’ll be taxied between schools.
• The transportation cost will be covered.
• I can go snorkeling at the beach in the local river park.
• My predecessor highly recommends leasing a car ($1,000/year).
• Despite it not getting below 5ºC (40ºF), I should bring winter clothing.

I’m not sure why driving during working hours is prohibited, but it’s nice to know that leasing a car isn’t super expensive and transportation for work will otherwise be covered.

One thing I am really wondering about is how I am supposed to consistently teach at nine schools.  About this and much more I’ve sent a number of more questions to my predecessor:

• Any big things that surprised you about JET, teaching, etc when you started off?
• How did the experience change for you over time?
• How many schools, classes will I teach per day?
• How many days per week will I teach? 
• Did you often teach on Saturdays?
• Are some of these schools cram schools?
• How was it to keep track of all the different classes and students?
• Did each school have their own JTE or did one travel to each school with you? 
• Did you have to teach on your own right off the bat at any of the schools?
• Does the BOE pay rent or will I pay rent?
• What are the internet connection options?
• How was the teaching situation different for you between schools and school levels?
• How long does it take to ship things to/from the U.S. (or other nations) to Izuhara?
• What did you do for getting an international driving license?
• What is the parking situation like where I will probably be living?
• With so many schools, did you get much chance at all to take vacation?