Hi! I'm honestly worried about social stigma, being a plus sized black woman myself. I would hate the whispers and staring and blatant disregard for who I am as a human! I'd also be worried about raising a mixed child in Japan. They would probably get bullies :(
These are all valid concerns tbh... being a plus sized girl myself I can honestly say that it isn't easy. However, it does get better overtime you become less of the shiny new foreigner and just a regular person. Nonetheless, my biggest fear has always been raising a mixed child because lord they don't like things that are different so I really can't honestly offer advice for this part.
My biggest fear is being able to adapt and not letting myself become overwhelmed. As a Hispanic I feel like culture shock will really hit me hard but your videos have really made me more confident in believing that I could make it and thrive.
@astrid cortes You can totally do this! many times we dot realize how strong we actually are and we tend to doubt ourselves! But one thing I've learnt since moving to Japan is that I'm way smarter and good at overcoming challenges than I give myself credit for ands I'm sure that's something you would learn too!! the only thing you might miss as a hispanic is the party scene cause y'all be killing it with the fiestas!! lol
My 2nd attempt to apply, I had my Japanese teacher write me a reference and I successfully made the interview process. I was picked as an alternative on the back burner, but literally less than 2 wks later, they offered me a spot in Onomichi, Hiroshima. I went as an Asst. English teacher over several decades ago, and it was most def a major life oppertunity and experience for me!!
I really wanna do this when I'm finished teacher's College. Praying this happens if it's God will. Your video was very informative ♥ thanks for the information
I'm scared because I don't have a home in Jamaica. Grew up in an extremely toxic household & now I'm living on my own in an apartment I'm grateful for but it's not the safest house or community. My friends are encouraging me that I can do it. And yes, I know the prospect of selling/gifting everything I have & moving to a new country for new & better opportunities is exciting but it's just the thought of not having ANY support in Jamaica that scares me.
Just found this channel and it’s really helpful as someone thinking of applying to the programme once I’ve finished my degree! It’s especially neat to see someone else who isn’t from the USA talking about their experience - everything else I’ve found talking about it has been from USAmericans!
Hey! I’m going to apply this year because I just finished university and am waiting for my graduation in July. Let me know how it goes for you! Like tomi, I’m also Jamaican
@@swisdom9117 I’m from Ireland! Still a couple years from graduation though (almost done my second year) but I’m thinking of taking a Japanese elective next semester
@@swisdom9117 joint major: archaeology and politics. Japan actually has some really interesting archaeology since it got out of the Stone Age way later than most places - also look up Jōmon pottery, it’s really cool.
I saw your day in the life video and thought it looked so familiar and then this video confirmed it, you’re in Iwakuni!! When you showed the train station and the 7/11 I was like I swear I’ve been to that exact place! I lived there in the summer of 2018 with a program called Camp Adventure on the U.S. Marine Base. Iwakuni is absolutely amazing, I loved it so much and I hope you’re loving it as well! Thanks so much for your super informative video! 💕
The only things I'm worried about living abroad is how will I take care of my hair? Do they have Salons that do black hair? Also im an introvert who has never taught before...So would i have to be creating lessons for each class or would I just be an assistant?
unfortunately there aren't many black hair care salons (if any) but there are a few ladies in big cities who do hair. Also, I honestly can't give you a definite answer to your second question, yes I do create lesson plans but there are others who don't because every situation is different...
Hey! Thanks so much for the video, it was SO informative! I just have one question that was mildly unclear. With the living situation, if your apartment isn’t subsidised or payed for, when you initially arrive and haven’t yet started teaching, you obviously have to pay for your apartment out of savings, but once you start teaching does the money you get from teaching cover the rent or do you have to do other jobs to cover the living cost?
I think you got a new camera? The quality of the video got better! Thank you for giving a detailed, comprehensive and concrete description of the JET program. I cannot wait to apply!
@@TomisWorldxEli I'm almost 30, but I look like I'm still in high school. When my advisor found out I wanted to go and teach in Japan she started to lecture me like I was a kid. Some people just don't understand some of us have passions we want to follow regardless of age.
Hey I was wondering how you was holding up during this whole lockdown, being away from home for so long can take a toll on anyone, even the strongest souls. I heard Japan can be quite isolating, I hope you're around people who make your days happy and please keep yourself occupied with tons of books, tv shows (watch kdramas if you don't already, i suggest watching Signal it's on netflix!). Stay safe :) love from London x
omg totally thought I responded to this! I've been doing fine actually!! a bit bored but mostly fine! totally gonna check out signal on Netflix always looking for suggestions! stay safe as well!!
Hi, did u need a recommendation letter from your previous employers ? Can I apply if I am fresh from universities? If yes, where do I get the recommendation letters?
In terms of experience, degree, schooling wat do we need cause currently I have completed high school currently doing a communication course at university wats my next step tbh...
Hi Tomi! Your name actually drew me to the channel, but then I was surprised to see you're from Jamaica, your name Tomi has a root in the Nigerian-Yoruba culture! Do your parents Migrate from Nigeria or your grandparents? I Like your vibe, could feel your great personality from some of your videos I watched.
Hi! Thanks for your video it was so informative, i just turned 20 and am still working on my associates and will eventually work towards a bachelors and apply for this program, i cant wait to try :) one question though, how do you pay for your housing bills like electric, rent, etc. You might say like duh with money but I mean literally, how did you hand whoever the money. Did you have to write checks in japan? Pay online? Cash? Give it to your school? Just curious thanks!
What fields do you take in collage/university to become an English teacher? Is it possible for me to go to Japan as an exchange student and get my bachelor's degree?
I’m pretty sure you can have any bachelors degree for the jet program. It doesn’t say what it wants you to have. Since it’s different from most country’s it’s not how most learn English it’s basic. But to help get accepted do a online or in uni course. It’s called teaching English as a foreign language. It’s less than a year and it helps to get accepted. Overall you can. Do any degree you want to get in the jet program
Hi Tomi! New subscriber here :) Did you deal with any homesickness at all? I live in Hawaii, U.S. and am anxious to be so far away from home. I have the fear of being away and not being able to make any friends while up there. Any tips? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this :)
Hi there! welcome to the family! So to answer your question I would have to say I have definitely dealt with homesickness. However, i deal with it by reminding myself that I can take a trip home at anytime... well not right now lol... and I also spend time with other ALT'S in my area! As for tips i don't think I have any that I haven't shared yet lol. Nonetheless, I can almost guarantee you that you are way braver, stronger and fiercer than you give yourself credit for and if this is something you want to do, you just have to take the leap. Yes you will struggle a little but once your feet touch the ground you'll realize that you can do anything!! This is a lot lol and I probably didn't even answer your question *face palm*. I'm really chatty sorry! hope this helped though!
Tomi's World Wow, thanks Tomi! 💕 You’re right, I definitely think that I need to overcome this fear as I tend to overthink it, when actuality it’s all in my head! Thanks for taking the time, very much appreciated. :) And no way! it helped a bunch!
Can you please tell me if your educational background matters. I'm currently pursuing my BSC honours degree in the major of statistics but at the same time I'm serving as an English language trainer in an institution which is associated with British council.
Great video! I'm thinking of applying for next year! >.< I'm curious about one thing though. I believe JET program can be extended up to 5 years (as what I've heard before.), just wondering if ever you still want to continue living and working in Japan after the program, is it still possible? Can you try different jobs in Japan instead? hmmm
hey there! you can definitely still live in Japan after JET because there are numerous opportunities that JET themselves introduce you to in the numerous exit programs! Personally I have no idea what I want to do as of now even though I really should be figuring it out lol!
I heard you're not getting paid on those 'special days' so is your pay just enough to support yourself there? Or you have a little extra, let's say to send money to a family or maybe travel around the area. I also wanna know if you can do part-time jobs
As long as you tell your BOE before hand it should be fine because some apartments don't allow pets so they'll have to make special reservations on your behalf!
Hi lovely Tomi! thanks a lot for your advice and information but I would like to ask you something: Is it possible for me as an English teacher living in Egypt to work in Japan? And what are the requirements needed for non -native teachers to have a teaching job there?
I've lived in South Korea for almost a year, going to return to UK soon for a few months rest and then I really want to try Japan. Is one year teaching experience enough? And how difficult is it realistically to go to Japan and teach?
Maybe a dumb question, but how much stuff were you able to bring? Carry on, checked luggage, were you able to pay for extra luggage, etc.? Just curious how many shoes I might be able to fit 🙈❤️
Lol definitely not a dumb question! we have to make space for our shoes!! I was allowed to take three pieces of luggage and one personal item so I took a carry-on bag, two huge checked bags (I don't remember the weight allowance unfortunately) and I also took a tiny backpack. We were definitely allowed to pay for extra luggage but I think you should look into shipping some stuff if that option is available because taking all that luggage is going to make a long trip seem even longer! I hope this helps!
Do you get to decide where you want to teach? For example, do you have the ability to choose whether you want to teach in Tokyo or a different area or is it already decided for you?
Hi there! So the right answer would be yes... because technically speaking on the application the program does give you a chance to choose the three cities you would prefer to live in. However, there is no guarantee that you will get any of you choices lol. I definitely did not haha! hope this helps!
How can a guy from India like me get this job with the TESOL certificate of 150 honours from Arizona State University with 1 yr of teaching experience. And how much money did you had with you while moving to Japan
I want to do the program but corona is messing up everything, especially getting stuff like certified transcripts from my uni (Trinidad)...think everything school-wise is shut down until dec 31st
nope, from what I've seen online, the interviewer will just ask you a couple questions in japanese. If you don't claim to know japanese, I believe they'll only ask you basic japanese questions.
Question, is getting into the program very competitive? Will I have to worry about not getting in if they see someone is more qualified than I am and if so, what should I do?
Hi there! yrs! the program is extremely competitive and hard to get into as you are vying for a position that thousands of others want. Nonetheless, to make your application more competitive try being as authentic as possible and show the real you. They have heard the speeches about people who are super into anime and other cliche Japanese stuff. I hope that helps!
