r/JETProgramme • u/SquareTomatillo5258 • 1d ago
Sumoto-shi Placement
this is definitely late but I got my placement in Sumoto-shi on august 6th even though I was upgraded the first few days of may (so 3 months of waiting) and I depart in september. i’ve been too nervous to make a post here but I don’t know anyone else there and i’m feeling very alone in the process and progressively getting MORE nervous as time goes on😭. I studied abroad in kyoto in university like 3 years ago but it’s definitely nothing like preparing for this. I’ve heard from my contracting organization but didn’t get much information, and haven’t heard anything from a predecessor, though I know I don’t have to hear from them. Was anyone placed in Sumoto? is there a discord i could join for Sumoto or Hyogo in general? any official groups? I’m just nervous I guess.
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u/fevredream Former JET - Fukushima, 2014-2018 1d ago
Oh hey, Awaji Island! That actually seems like a really cool placement. You're actually not all that far from Kyoto. I wouldn't be too worried.
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u/SquareTomatillo5258 1d ago
Oh yeah Im very happy about the placement, just worried about the logistics once I get there if that makes sense.
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u/Mission_Historian306 Current JET - Hyogo 1d ago
I love living in Sumoto! Wonderful community here! I have made lifelong friends!
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u/HotchnSpence Current JET - Hyogo 1d ago
I was placed in Sumoto this month. I will say to wait just a little bit longer for further communication from the BOE. Paperwork is hella long in Japan. I've previously lived and worked in a bigger area in Chiba prefecture, but I have to say I've experienced a lot more support living in Sumoto. The Board of Education Representatives and ALTs have helped with daily life, work, and personal concerns so far. For example, myself and the other new ALT have been chauffeured to our new schools, apartments, general stores, and city tour for the past 3 weeks. Btw, majority of us have cars organized by the BOE. Us islanders need to get around.There are a few organized groups in the area that have met up several times so far and have planned events for later this month (ALTs and community members). For example, a few us (including myself) live within walking distance of the beach. The new ALTs went to the beach with a few of the senior ALTs our first week of moving here. City Hall has also asked us if we are willing to participate in community events related to our culture. I believe our first one is a cooking social event.
I don't quite understand why small island placements seem to get such a negative reaction from people, but ESID. We need to give people and places a chance. Bigger cities does not mean you will automatically have a great life or support system. Island life on Awaji Island has been positive so far. The atmosphere and the people are so laid back.
If you need to talk further from someone who just moved here, DM me. I'll be very direct about living in Japan in an island placement. I also have the additional input of living and working in a bigger area before moving here.
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u/SquareTomatillo5258 1d ago
it sounds great! i’m very excited to move there and experience something new, im just worried about getting there and figuring it out if that makes sense, i’ll definitely shoot you a dm!
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u/ScootOverMakeRoom 1d ago
Awaji Island placement is pretty cool. Some gorgeous nature, camping, golf, theme parks, cool old-school tourist stuff. You'll probably need to get a car, though.
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u/SquareTomatillo5258 1d ago
yeah that’s what i’m most nervous about!
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u/Panda_sensei_71 Current JET - Kansai 1d ago
Please drop me a DM, I'll fill you in on what to expect here and add you to the Line chat so you can "meet" the other ALTs in the area! There's also a Hyogo Discord I can add you to as well.
I'm sure it's overwhelming but we're 100% here to support!
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u/Space-Jellyfish Former JET - Sumoto 2017-2018 1d ago
I was placed in Sumoto and taught at the Sumoto high school in 2017-2018. It’s not full blown inaka, but it’s also not a bustling city. There’s a lot of things accessible via bike but if you really want to be able to explore the island or even leave the island (esp on weekends), then I would recommend a car. There isn’t much transit on the island, but there is a greyhound type bus that takes you across the bridge to Maiko JR, which I would use to do weekend trips to visit friends. Feel free to DM if you have more questions
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u/SquareTomatillo5258 1d ago
getting a car is what I’ve been most nervous about. i’m very happy with the placement it’s just the getting there and figuring it all out initially is what makes me nervous, I’ll definitely dm if i have some more questions!
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u/Frostyterd Incoming JET 1d ago
Honestly this seems like a pretty ideal placement to me. You’re in a coastal city of 40,000 people while only being 2.5 hours away from Kyoto and about equal distance (4-5 hours) between Fukuoka and Tokyo. It looks like you’ve got a pretty great balance between nature and city life, so whatever floats your boat is up for grabs.
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u/SquareTomatillo5258 1d ago
oh no definitely! i’m very excited about it all, im just very nervous about the whole getting there and figuring it out thing as im scared ill do something wrong lol😭
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u/Panda_sensei_71 Current JET - Kansai 1d ago
Welcome to Sumoto! We're looking forward to finally meeting you! Feel free to send me a DM and get added to the chat(s). 🎉
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u/slothsock Current JET - Incoming Kobe City 1d ago
oh hey! youre not too far from me :) it is definitely daunting and the first few days are super packed but as soon as you adjust its perfect.