The process thus far

Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork.

I would say that I never thought moving to another country would be so difficult, but that's just a blatant lie. I think it's a notoriously bureaucratic process - especially when you'll be working for a foreign government while still retaining your citizenship.

So, here's what the process has looked like since results were sent out. About two days after we received notification of acceptance, an email came with the following documents:

• Certificate of Health
• Reply Form
• IRS Form 8802
  

The certificate of health requires an immigration physical and a TB test. This is the piece of the paperwork that is currently holding up my response, as I do not currently have health insurance and am trying to find a physician that will do the physical for under $150.00. Though, in the end, I'll pay what needs to be paid, because it's worth it.



Our JET coordinator has also set up a google group just for the San Francisco JETs, which has been tons of fun (and by fun, I mean 'inbox clogging'). Everyone has been introducing themselves, and it's nice to know I'll be going over having a vague idea of who some of my coworkers are.


The deadline for forms to be submitted is May 9th, and the next round of paperwork probably won't arrive until a few weeks after that (hopefully around the time we learn where we'll be placed). It looks like its going to be fairly turn key from here on out, and the real process will be packing and preparing to leave.


Man, I do not even want to think about my furniture.

Well, I'm in!

I decided a few months ago, that if I was lucky enough to make the cut for the JET Program, I would keep a blog of my experiences. A few days ago I got the good news - I am an official short list candidate for the JET Program.

Phew!

Now all that is left is the last, long wait until departure date. About 100 days, if my math is correct. It's a short amount of time for a lot of preparation. Not to mention fitting in as much Mexican food as I can possibly stomach before flying out. As I sit here and type, 100 days seems like an awfully long time, but (un)fortunately, I know that it will speed by whether I want it to, or not.

This blog is mainly to record my experiences in Japan and help my family keep up to date with my goings on while I'm abroad. There will be a fair share of food and travel talk in this blog, because, I plan to eat and cook my way through as much of Japan as possible. Hopefully this blog will also help to give prospective JETs and idea of what it is like to go through the application process and be a JET, the latter of which I still need to learn for myself.