So, I’m trying to get to Japan. That’s all shiny and fun and awesome, and if it’s sometimes a lot of work, that’s totally fine. And tonight I had an interview with one of my programs.
I think it went well. I think I sounded enthusiastic and dedicated, and also intelligent. Full of youthful idealism, maybe, but that’s probably a good thing for a potential teacher.
Privately, however, I am SUPER HARDCORE ANNOYED.
Before I left for New Zealand, I did my best to be Totally Prepared. I got together my entire application for JET, I wrote emails, I tried to make sure everything was set for my time away so I didn’t have to futz with things from across the Goddamn World. Including, incidentally, emailing the people at Interac to make sure they’d have everything they needed, in the event that I kept passing their hurdles.
Me, via email: Do you guys need anything? References, transcripts, firstborn, etc?
Interac: Hm. Fill out this form. And write this statement of purpose.
Me: Awesome! So I guess you don’t need anything else then, right? No references, transcripts, or babies?
Interac: Thanks for that form, laterz!
*insert wavy lines of several weeks later*
Interac Interviewer: So, should you pass this interview process, you have a group meeting thing. And then you have another interview, which is basically all these same questions again, only more. Oh, and the people in Tokyo? They’re going to need a photocopy of your diploma. Also, your transcripts.
Me: *stifles annoyances for duration of phone interview* …can I get that address?
What Interac apparently FAILS TO APPRECIATE, is that Oberlin can’t send off my transcripts without a) 5 USD (which I’m lacking at the moment, being IN NZ) and b) my signature, in writing. Which means, that unless I BRILLIANTLY remembered to pack my extra copy of my Official Transcript with my various bits to New Zealand, I have to mail them a letter across the wide, wide oceans, wait for them to slack off in the registrar’s office for a week, and then wait for it to sail all the way back across the world to Japan.
If I didn’t pack it, I have No Goddamn Clue where in my room it is. Which doesn’t sound like much of a hardship for my parents to go ransacking through, except that there are three solidly packed containers full of clothing and bits beneath my bed, plus a couple of other boxes, and it might be ANYWHERE. Mailing that letter to Oberlin again really would be a faster and easier option.
I have time. This really isn’t an insurmountable disaster or anything. It’s just … I asked, damnit! I specifically said I’ll be away. It would be much better if I could organize things before I left. Is there anything you might need? Anything at all? And all they gave me was forms. They are making my life harder, and geez, like setting up a brand new life in New Zealand isn’t tricky enough already without this stupid shit to muck things up.
1 comment
Comments feed for this article
April 9, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Roger
That’s Japan for you! I had to fill in all those forms, get the transcript sent (also by mail like you,) and send them all in. They make you do all that to get the visa, and it wouldn’t make much sense to get it all from you up-front if they weren’t sure that they’d hire you (that would make me even madder…) But, it’s worth the footwork when you get over here.
At least they’re not asking for the physical that JET put me through…cost me $600 out-of-pocket since my insurance wouldn’t cover it. I was glad when I heard that.