Sunday, August 4, 2013
Placement Info!!!
I just realized that I forgot to update that I received my placement! I am a Hiroshima-ken ALT ^_^ So, I am a prefectural JET! However, I have yet to be contacted by a predecessor and, as I have yet to get home, I haven't seen if I have any further information in my mailbox. But, HIROSHIMA WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Almost Organized
I am still on my way home from my vacation at the Pennsic War, but I wanted to stop in and give a brief update on things. I will try to be more thorough and devote more time to each separate topic, however, I really don't want to forget some of the advice I have at this point.
First of all, if you are an alternate, as soon as you find out, I highly suggest going through all the forms for shortlist candidates. I didn't do the IRS form or Certificate of Health because I didn't want to obsess about waiting for an upgrade. This was a mistake. If I could go back in time and do it again, I would have filled out my IRS form back when I was notified of my alternate status and I would have had everything ready to go as soon as I got upgraded. As it is, I was traveling and had limited access to computers and payment options, so I am filling out my forms to get properly mailed tomorrow morning.
Second, Susan in Boston sent some great info (it looks like all US JETs get it) on doing the IRS form; LOOK AT ALL THE INFO! I didn't look until later and it makes me a dumbass, even if my situation was a bit difficult. Also, the IRS directions are fairly clear and picking up a phone is easy enough to do and they are just an (irritating) phone call away. But, definitely read all the information available to you and don't assume anything.
Thirdly, if you are like me and love to be over-prepared for everything, but often fail at it, be in constant contact with your coordinator about any and all changes and carry that IRS form in an envelope with a stamp on any vacation you might take. I had a change in medication, but I had assumed that I was not going to be upgraded and so I didn't contact JET. Susan doesn't think it will be an issue, but I need to get a new Physician's Form sent out ASAP just in case it is a problem and my upgrade is rescinded. As for the envelope, I really truly wish I had bothered looking at the IRS form. I think it might be my new reference letter obsession. If I had had two envelopes and two forms ready to go, I would have been in grand form to mail my stuff out the day I got the upgrade.
Fourth, and last of all, do NOT obsess waiting for an upgrade. I had moved on, I had interviewed for a shift supervisor position, I was off to vacation. I was no longer thinking about JET as my upcoming year (though it being an option was a lovely thought), so when the call came, I was absolutely ecstatic, but the wait wasn't awful because I was ready to have a great life either way.
So, I think that's my main list of things that I didn't want to forget. I will be home in Maine tomorrow evening and I will do my best to spend more time on individual forms and whatnot.
First of all, if you are an alternate, as soon as you find out, I highly suggest going through all the forms for shortlist candidates. I didn't do the IRS form or Certificate of Health because I didn't want to obsess about waiting for an upgrade. This was a mistake. If I could go back in time and do it again, I would have filled out my IRS form back when I was notified of my alternate status and I would have had everything ready to go as soon as I got upgraded. As it is, I was traveling and had limited access to computers and payment options, so I am filling out my forms to get properly mailed tomorrow morning.
Second, Susan in Boston sent some great info (it looks like all US JETs get it) on doing the IRS form; LOOK AT ALL THE INFO! I didn't look until later and it makes me a dumbass, even if my situation was a bit difficult. Also, the IRS directions are fairly clear and picking up a phone is easy enough to do and they are just an (irritating) phone call away. But, definitely read all the information available to you and don't assume anything.
Thirdly, if you are like me and love to be over-prepared for everything, but often fail at it, be in constant contact with your coordinator about any and all changes and carry that IRS form in an envelope with a stamp on any vacation you might take. I had a change in medication, but I had assumed that I was not going to be upgraded and so I didn't contact JET. Susan doesn't think it will be an issue, but I need to get a new Physician's Form sent out ASAP just in case it is a problem and my upgrade is rescinded. As for the envelope, I really truly wish I had bothered looking at the IRS form. I think it might be my new reference letter obsession. If I had had two envelopes and two forms ready to go, I would have been in grand form to mail my stuff out the day I got the upgrade.
Fourth, and last of all, do NOT obsess waiting for an upgrade. I had moved on, I had interviewed for a shift supervisor position, I was off to vacation. I was no longer thinking about JET as my upcoming year (though it being an option was a lovely thought), so when the call came, I was absolutely ecstatic, but the wait wasn't awful because I was ready to have a great life either way.
So, I think that's my main list of things that I didn't want to forget. I will be home in Maine tomorrow evening and I will do my best to spend more time on individual forms and whatnot.
Friday, July 19, 2013
UPGRADED
So, I GOT UPGRADED!!!!!!!!!!!!
I got the call this afternoon. Susan (Boston's JET wonder) asked me a couple questions and is sending my info to Tokyo. I am currently printing my IRS form and my Medical Check form and AM COMPLETELY FREAKING OUT!!!!
I just wanted to share the excellent news and I am on vacation (SCA's Pennsic War) and I won't be back until August 4, so I will share more info on the forms and my excitement then!
Oh, and, I am probably leaving on September 3, so just about a month and a half away!
I got the call this afternoon. Susan (Boston's JET wonder) asked me a couple questions and is sending my info to Tokyo. I am currently printing my IRS form and my Medical Check form and AM COMPLETELY FREAKING OUT!!!!
I just wanted to share the excellent news and I am on vacation (SCA's Pennsic War) and I won't be back until August 4, so I will share more info on the forms and my excitement then!
Oh, and, I am probably leaving on September 3, so just about a month and a half away!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Fingerprinting and FBI Background Check
So, progress has been made. Yesterday, I sent out my passport name change paperwork, expedited, which means that today is fingerprint day.
Fingerprinting, for the FBI background check, is really important. I am choosing to get it done at the local police station because I am hoping that having it done by a someone who takes prints as a government employee means that other government employees will accept them. Make sure the prints are clear and to the required standard because the FBI can reject your prints and JET will probably reject you because it won't be in a timely fashion. So, there are a couple things with this.
1) Print all the forms you need. Applicant form and print card, if needed.
2) Police stations will require you to bring your own print card. I don't know about private places.
3) Bring multiple cards, spend the extra money if needed, to make sure you have clear prints. You don't want a smeared print.
4) Bring money for print collection. My station charges $5.
5) FBI Check costs $18, I believe JET says somewhere to not use a service, so I am just sending mine directly.
6) Make sure you make a copy of your applicant form for your reply form.
It seems that some police stations have specific times or require appointments, mine just requires an officer to be in the station. So, make sure you know and allot your time appropriately.
When you mail your prints, make sure to specify not to bend the envelope during transit because damaged prints won't work right and will be rejected. I think that's everything... I hope that helps. Good luck everyone!
Fingerprinting, for the FBI background check, is really important. I am choosing to get it done at the local police station because I am hoping that having it done by a someone who takes prints as a government employee means that other government employees will accept them. Make sure the prints are clear and to the required standard because the FBI can reject your prints and JET will probably reject you because it won't be in a timely fashion. So, there are a couple things with this.
1) Print all the forms you need. Applicant form and print card, if needed.
2) Police stations will require you to bring your own print card. I don't know about private places.
3) Bring multiple cards, spend the extra money if needed, to make sure you have clear prints. You don't want a smeared print.
4) Bring money for print collection. My station charges $5.
5) FBI Check costs $18, I believe JET says somewhere to not use a service, so I am just sending mine directly.
6) Make sure you make a copy of your applicant form for your reply form.
It seems that some police stations have specific times or require appointments, mine just requires an officer to be in the station. So, make sure you know and allot your time appropriately.
When you mail your prints, make sure to specify not to bend the envelope during transit because damaged prints won't work right and will be rejected. I think that's everything... I hope that helps. Good luck everyone!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Alternate Paperwork
I have now received the list of things needed for paperwork as an alternate.
1) Reply form
2) Copy of FBI Background Check application
3) Photocopy of VALID passport
4) Proof of Graduation (if not already submitted with JET application)
5) FBI Identification Record sent directly to JET (to your consulate)
These are all fairly straightforward and easy. I am making a separate post related to the fingerprinting and background check, so that leaves only one concern. Do NOT be me. So, I didn't have the money to fix my passport if I didn't have to, which means my old passport is technically not "valid" because it has my maiden name. At this point, I sent it out (once I knew I was an alternate and might need it) to get the name changed and I sent it expedited, so hopefully I get it in time. However, I am really concerned that my passport won't be back in time. It does note that, if your passport was included in your application, then you don't need to send another copy, but I am not 100% sure that I did. I believe I sent a copy of my passport and a copy of my marriage license to show my name and legal-ness... So, yeah, now I'm freaking out about it...
Anyway, there is more stuff if I/you/anyone gets upgraded. Once upgraded you will need these.
1) Certificate of Health (I think this includes a TB test)
2) Copy of IRS Residency Certification (Form 8802)
3) Passport
4) Visa application
5) Passport picture
6) Everything you already needed as an alternate
I hope this is helpful and I hope I get my stuff all straightened out ><
Thursday, April 4, 2013
The Day After and More Preparation
Okay, so I gave myself a day to be sad that I wasn't shortlisted and now I am ready to get my ass in gear.
As an alternate or a shortlister, there are forms to fill out, which I haven't gotten yet, and other things to get finished. Today, I got my passport sent out to be renewed with my new name. Tomorrow, I will be setting an appointment to get my fingerprints taken as soon as possible to get my FBI Background Check done.
I will update again as time continues and I get more information on what I am doing as time goes on. I know I'm just an alternate, so as time goes on this year, my blog will become less useful, but I'll try to keep good records on everything as I go.
And, I'm a bit torn... I'm hoping I get upgraded because it is a bit sad knowing that I have already decided that this is my last attempt, at least until some time in the future I might change my mind... I'm not sure if it's better to chase the life I want or if I want to chase my dream... But, I am glad to have been listed as an alternate.
As an alternate or a shortlister, there are forms to fill out, which I haven't gotten yet, and other things to get finished. Today, I got my passport sent out to be renewed with my new name. Tomorrow, I will be setting an appointment to get my fingerprints taken as soon as possible to get my FBI Background Check done.
I will update again as time continues and I get more information on what I am doing as time goes on. I know I'm just an alternate, so as time goes on this year, my blog will become less useful, but I'll try to keep good records on everything as I go.
And, I'm a bit torn... I'm hoping I get upgraded because it is a bit sad knowing that I have already decided that this is my last attempt, at least until some time in the future I might change my mind... I'm not sure if it's better to chase the life I want or if I want to chase my dream... But, I am glad to have been listed as an alternate.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Results and More Waiting
So... I'm an alternate. Which, I guess, means that I must have given some decent advice over this year. It's good to know that what I did didn't result in failure, so hopefully this blog is a good reference for everyone else.
Now, I guess I can start blogging about the rest of this as an alternate, not just an applicant. I guess I now wait for my paperwork to fill out and mail back. I need to renew my passport with my name change (the worst part is I have that all done and ready to go but I need to fax my marriage license to Sallie Mae for them to change my name, they are a bunch of assclowns) and do some other stuff for the official things.
I'm going to be honest that this sucks balls. I mean, realistically "Alternate" means accepted just no position available yet. However, it also sort of means putting life on hold some more. If I get upgraded in like September and I've gone back to school to finish my teaching license, then that kind of sucks... And it means I don't want to make any real plans because spending money on something that I may not end up doing and can't get the money back also sucks... So, the waiting is rubbish... And the not knowing you are rejected and not getting it at all until December also sucks... But, no matter how crappy it seems, it does mean that I was good enough this year, just not necessarily as good as other people, and I am happy enough with that.
Now, I guess I can start blogging about the rest of this as an alternate, not just an applicant. I guess I now wait for my paperwork to fill out and mail back. I need to renew my passport with my name change (the worst part is I have that all done and ready to go but I need to fax my marriage license to Sallie Mae for them to change my name, they are a bunch of assclowns) and do some other stuff for the official things.
I'm going to be honest that this sucks balls. I mean, realistically "Alternate" means accepted just no position available yet. However, it also sort of means putting life on hold some more. If I get upgraded in like September and I've gone back to school to finish my teaching license, then that kind of sucks... And it means I don't want to make any real plans because spending money on something that I may not end up doing and can't get the money back also sucks... So, the waiting is rubbish... And the not knowing you are rejected and not getting it at all until December also sucks... But, no matter how crappy it seems, it does mean that I was good enough this year, just not necessarily as good as other people, and I am happy enough with that.
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