Unconsciously incompetant. That’s how GAP’s safety course organisers describe most of the guys who embark on overseas placements. I’d like to say it didn’t apply to me, but since making the first steps in setting up my gap year, I have been incredibly laid back about the whole affair. This had the unfortunate effect of me losing some motivation when it came to learning Japanese, but receiving a heap of information this morning, after being left largely in the dark, I’m sure will relight the flame.
Over the last week I’ve been eagerly checking the post for the GAP activity pack they told me they’d sent out. Not so much yesterday as I was recovering from our sixth form prom, but nevertheless today it came. For my six month placement in Japan, I will be part of Nagoya Daini Red Cross Hospital, which is in the fourth largest city of Japan and a relative stone’s throw away from Tokyo. My list of tasks includes some very alluring jobs, such as batheing patients and making their beds, although I’ve previously heard that the more Japanese you know, the more interesting the work you’re given. Either way, I can’t wait to try out my crude Japanese with the staff and patients I’ll be helping out. If nothing else, it should bring them a few smiles. I’ve recently got into contact with a few others travelling with me to Japan with the company, and I’m pleased to say that they’re a bunch of really nice, sorted people.
For a bit of background info, GAP – Gap Activity Projects – is a not-for-profit charity which organises gap year placements for 17-25 year olds. Being not-for-profit, the price for the service they provide is much easier to swallow than those of other similar organisations. When the flight and insurance costs are taken into account (but not day to day spending) I estimate the cost at being under three grand, which seems very reasonable with that including six months accomodation and visa. Adding to the value, there are some nice freebies like a bike and a rice cooker, although I expect these are only for the placement duration. I also get a cool Red Cross Hospital uniform to wear, I hope it’s comfy as I’ll be wearing it from 8:30, quite early for a sloth like me, to 5:15 in the evening 5 days a week.
It’s less than four months until I depart for the land of the rising sun now, and getting all of this information makes it seem a lot more real. The nerves haven’t hit me yet, but my excitement about the adventure has increased tenfold. It’s a reminder to get my arse into gear and get sorted with insurance, declaration forms and general preparation like getting a basic but sturdy grasp of the Japanese language.
As this is my first post, I’d like to welcome whoever is reading this and invite you to continue visiting. I have e-mail access in the hospital, so I’ll be able to keep this fairly up to date, time permitting. The clock is ticking, and it’s not long until I’ll be trying to find myself in a very foreign place, singing in kareoke bars (I apologise in advance) and eating raw fish. Roll on September!