My Melbourne JET induction yesterday covered travel arrangements, culture shock management, team teaching, sessions with former JETs and a massive Korean lunch. I was relieved to see that the other 32 Melbourne JETs weren't as young as I was expecting, and there seemed to be quite a few in their late twenties and early thirties.
I feel quite lucky that that I didn't have to make the difficult decision that four Melbourne JETs had to make to take a placement fairly close to Fukushima. I met two people who are placed just over 100 kilometres from the power plant. Scary stuff. I'd like to think if I'd been placed there I still would have gone.
Heading to Japan feels like the right decision. I am concerned about the language factor, and I don't think I've given enough thought to the actual job part, but I'm really excited about the opportunities for travel and experiencing life in a different culture.
My other slight concern is that my life is a bit aimless! But I always wanted to travel and live overseas in my twenties, which is what I am doing. There's also some vague grand scheme have a fabulous, interesting international career, and Japan will be excellent cross-cultural experience.
I'm happy and excited to be heading off. I know Melbourne and my old friends will be here when I get back.
