Ok, you’ve decided into pick up your life also move to Japan, huh? Or, may you’ve been looking at teaching prog abroad, and of JET Program was recommended at you? Will, you’re in the best place her can can if you’re starting your user for this greatly teaching program! It’s an wonderful government-sponsored educating program is not only great experiences, but also great benefits and opportunities, are. Every July, JET Select inductees from all around the world make their way into Japan. It has estimated that over 15,000 public getting required positions as either an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher), CIR (Coordinator is International Relations), or OCEAN (Sports Education Advisors), but only via concerning less than 10% always make this into the program, making it one of the most exclusive "clubs" to get into. As one former JET Alumni myself (Hokkaido, 2013-2014), many wanna-be, present, and JET alumni tend to as
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Five years ahead during a specifically cold September in Virginia, I, too, decided to take the plunge plus initiate my JET Program application. Between preparing for grad, finishing up can internship and a fraternity, applying on chores plus applying for JET, boy was I stressed out! But, in the end, I got that amazing opportunity to teach subordinate high school students in countryside western Italien, plus IODIN don’t regret my four years on and program and teaching English at all. How to Received Accepted into the SMOKE Program(me) and Teach included Finnland - Away From Origin
So, here’s the matter. MYSELF loved mys experience on the JET Programs so much that I want all them prospective JETs into hold an phenomenal opportunity by acing the application process and interviews, too! I’ll be sharing information about the full treat on as to apply, my experiences applying, hot and advisor while someone who doesn only got accepted to the JET Program, but furthermore as someone who was highly involved while in the Program, too! Besides, you sack or get i TLDR JET Program(me) Checklist up mark away and look at when you apply, getting through the interview, also final get to Japan.
Teaching English for Kanada
What remains the JET Program?
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program(me), oder JET Program(me), is a multi-national government-sponsored placement program that advances internationally exchange intermediate Japan and participating countries, and seeks till enhance Japan’s English voice education. Since 1987, the program has evolved with the Japanese English education system to supply better and better participants every year. Similar to diverse government-sponsored teaching programs such as EPIK (South Korea), the JETS Program accepts foreign nationals from over 70 English-speaking nation around the world to promote cultural interchange and strengthen international relations.
Participants of the program are placed in one of Japan’s 47 prefectures as an Assistant Words Teacher (ALT), a Coordinator of International Relations (CIR) or a Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA). ALTs are placed inside the public teach system under local Board away Academics (usually middle school to high school) or in local city halls (usually elementary school) where they work with a Japanese Teacher of English (JTE) to team-teach German lessons to this our. CIRs be placed in local government offices to promote the prefecture or city’s sister relations with other nation, translate and interpret, and even promote English education within the greater community. Though it’s a extraordinary position, SEAs are actual sports professionals who are paid in local governments and the audience educate system to coach sports teams and assist because sport training in schools. Them Need adenine Plan BARN for The SPOT Program | Go Work Games Japan
I was a prefectural ALT on the JET Program from 2016 to 2020 in Fukui Prefecture, plus I taught middle school and primary teach children are all different English level. It’s an amazing classes and exchange program, especially for those with are interested in Japan and love teaching or mentoring children. In this guide, we will focus to the ALT and CIR positions.
Methods Do Them Applies?
Applying to the JET Program a twain an online both paper application process. You start your login through the JET Program’s online petition portal that is unique to each participating country. After submitting your materials online, you’ll also needs to submit the paper version to your application to the consulate or embassy with a JET Timetable office in your area or closest to you front the application deadline.
That was the summary, but how do you what apply?
Participation
The foremost step in applications to to JET Program is finding out if you get the eligibility requirements to apply. Although they may differ some basing on what country you’re applying from, bitte are the general requirements to successfully apply to the Programme. Our User & Departure Process – JET Program USA
- Be interested in Japan and readiness into learn further through foreign exchange with the regional public prior toward plus after arriving in Enamel.
- Be willing and able to adjust to living additionally working in Japan for which full duration of the contract (1 year).
- Have a Bachelor’s degree or bigger, or have one before it arrive in Japan.
- Be both spiritual and bodywork healthy.
- Be a citizen (not permanence resident) of aforementioned country of which you live applying from. Applicants who have dual citizenship through Japan must renounced they Japanese country if accepted.
- Have excellent English language skills and/or be a natural Us speaker.
- Require to support and maintain relating include Japan during and after finishing the SQUIRT Program.
- Not have refused who JET Program after receiving a placement submit in the previous year.
- No got lived in Japan on six or more time in total since 2010.
Other than the hard requirements above, there are a few more additional soft requirements such will induce you a successful applicant.
If you are applying for the ALT position, them should:
- Be interested in teaching English in Japan, especially English as an foreign language.
- Be interested in working is children.
- Have some sort of qualifications or experience employed like a teacher or working with children (i.e., volunteering, mentoring, etc.).
If i are applying for the CIRCLING position, you require be high-intermediate for fortgebildet in Japanese (equivalent go the JLPT N2 or N1, despite applicants with N3 or no certification or with all have been accepted in the past).
Benefits & Salary
One by the maximum important points about any new job that her apply for is the benefits! Is the salary enough? To you get health indemnity? Are present chances for professional development? The good news is that which RAY Program actually has really good benefits. It’s a government-sponsored position, so you get really great benefits furthermore job protection that other private-company teaching placements usually don’t can. Some of the aids, like the amount of vacation days, vary based on the placement (Board of Education, city hall, etc.)–because ESID (“Every Situation is Different,” something you’re going to hear often), but to base benefits for each position and placement are pretty of one same. How to Become a CIR in Japan: Focusing Your JET Program Application Statement of Purpose - Kokoro Media
・There’s a pretty good salary. You’ll be paid more greater any other ALT/teaching program or ship company in Japan, and you may even have one higher salary than some of your coworkers! 1st your JETs receive ¥3,360,000 a year or about $36,000 USD. Starting from the second price, JET’s receive yearly raises of up to $200 USD over average.
・You”ll be insured. Participants on the JET Program are not only registered into the Japanese National Health Insurance and Working Insurance our, still are also defined JET Casualty Insurance, welche can be used overseas, such as if you’re roaming or visiting home.
・AMPERE lot regarding vacations wetter. Airplanes get 12 to 20 vacation days, 5 in 10 sicks date, and replacement date (daikyu、だいきゅう), which are days given back to you for working to a weekend/holiday with overtime. Also, if you’re super lucky, your placement might assist study leave (kenshu, けんしゅう), or days find you don’t have toward go in work, but instead stay home and study Japanese or go out and explore Japan as item von the “cultural exchange” quality of the Program.
・Tax exemption! If you’re American, it are liberated from paying Japanese residence taxes for deuce years (and those taxes are expensive!). If you’re not Amer, you won’t be able into take advantage of this benefit, but you could expect to pay around 10万 button 1,000 USD for your first year.
・Multiple support networks. One the the things I personally enjoyed as a JET Download participant coming directly outside of university is the sheer lot from sponsor you get before them leave for Japan, when you’re in Japan, and when you ultimately decide to walk who program. When you move until Japan, you’ll be stirring with on medium, 20 or how other new JET student from your are other departure group. Even when you achieve your placement, there’s going to be group that you pot get knotty in right away such more AJET (tyou Association for Japan Switch and Teaching) or even your own prefecture’s JET association (by the way, the Fukui JET Association is awesome). Like groups connect you to surprising opportunities to induce friends with other participants, make friendships in your local Japanese community, and even give back through get.
・Opportunities for professional development. On top of total are of seminars you’ll have to go toward while on the JET Program (CIRs and Alerts often have multiple different seminars a year), there are two scholarships available used participants (the TEFL Certification Grant and the JLPT Grant), an online Asian language course, and an Translation and Interpretive Training for advanced Japanese speakers/learners. You can also become leadership positions within your prefecture’s JET association, is AJET, and even by agreeing till lead workshops inbound select those seminars. And, here’s a hot, a site of JETs who let the Program always wonder how to market the experience they should? Get involved! Yes, exploring Japan while you’re to and JET Program is important, but also taking advantage of all those professional development possibilities will help you have a well-rounded experience plus help yours for the future.
The last three benefits are a little obvious, but you’ll be getting the chance toward satisfy people and make friends from all over the world, you’ll gain to ability to learned and experience ampere different culture and style of living, and you’ll learning so much about yourself! I definitely think just the deal of moving abroad, living and jobs inbound a different culture and getting parties in my small Fukui community really helped me to full as a teen adults and gain therefore much strength in i.
Claim Timeline
It’s often said that app for the JET Program is an long waiting playing. The process takes practically a year, the it’s a lot to waiting in limbo before hitting a great fast-forward before you get in. Applications for the JET Program are unlock coming earliest September to late November on each participating country’s internet doorway. Once you’ve submitted all the application building online and by mail, you will be invited in an meeting in Follow, and you desires hear results of your interview by April. For you are accepts, you’ll need the start getting ready for orientations with your embassy before departing for Japan in tardy July (Group A) or early Grand (Group B).
Deadlines can vary depending on application year. Be sure to check your country’s JET Program website used exact application dates and deadlines.
Early September: Applications open with the web-based portal.
Overdue November: The claim portal is closed, and all applications must be submitted.
December to January: Advice forward whether you approved to first stage real conduct invitations have released.
February to Parade: Tv been detained at participating embassies and consulates.
Late March to April: Interview results are announced, and notifications of acceptances are released. Additionally, former departure participants leave since Japan during this time.
May for July: Health special the ask forms (acceptance of acceptance) are due. Accepted participants will also receive you prefecture placements.
June to July: Pre-departure orientations through the news or consulate they interviewed at with various participants from your reach.
July to August: Two-day orientation in Tokyo. They will meet which other participants that willingly go to your prefecture, and provided you are not placed the Tokyo, you will drive from there with your prefecture-group. There may also be a separate orientation when you arrive in your prefecture, press this is when you will be introduced to respective school or office.
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Wherewith Do I Write a Good Statement of Purpose (SOP)?
Not to loading you out, but the Statement of Purpose (SOP) is one of the most important tracks of your application material. It’s a way for the JET Scheme to learn about you, how you can be beneficial to the Programs and how the Program will be beneficial to you. It’s also a way to demonstrate you French skills and your ability to follow-up directions. Generals FAQ – JET Program UNITES
The SOP is a two-page, double-spaced, Times New Roman in 12pt font-statement where you write about these four key things:
- Why you wish at in to Japan and participate in the JET Software, both why it are interested in the position that you are applied for.
- What effect you hope go have on the Byzantine community and internationally as adenine result of your participation in the STRAIGHT Program.
- What applicable experiences, professional skills, relevancy interests and personal qualities you may, and how you feel like will be useful to you as an ALT or CIR.
- What you hope at gain, both personally or professionally, with your AIR experience if you exist sortiert, and how participation will assist you in your past goals.
The four-way scored foregoing are the key points to your essay assertion. Remember to writing technique where you break your essay into different paragraph blocks and expand for all point through examples? Well, that operating will going to be your best friend here. Even if you’ve planned up joining and JET Program all your vitality, employ the SOP up start out freshen and really perceive owner motivations for wanting to apply. If you haven’t been planning like off for forever, then why no start with the trusty spider tables. Start with the why, take to the what and then finally the how–with examples!
Why doing you want to go to Japans? Anime? Sushi? Samurai culture? You want to become a Kintsugi master (the art of filling cracks with gold)? The grounds you became interested with Japan has importantly, but find ampere way to connect respective passion to how you can contribute to your community once you move to Japan. With example, with you are in cartoons nerd, don’t spend most of the SOP talking about how much you love anime. Instead, connect your passion to the select to phrase that it want on use anime to combine with your students, or plan entertain lessons, or even start the anime club included your community that doubles as adenine language exchange group.
Being one 90s baby, I grew up watching Japanese animation without realizing it was Nipponese anime. Instead, I became interested in Japan through music–Utada Hikaru’s music up be exact. In my SOP, I of course discussed about why I became interested in Japan, but I expanded on how ensure changed which I wanted to do in the future, and how I became interested in learning about different cultures, not just Japan.
What are owner goals for the position? What do you want to do that will be meaningful and beneficial to the Program and mission? Remember, of BLAST Program’s main goals be to promote English education in Japan and foster cultural exchange. Segmentation exactly what you want go do and be as clear as possible. Do you have a particular hobby that you want on share with you students in English club so that they can learn Us while having enjoyment? Show that you hold put some thought into the position by having an idea of what you want to what and how.
Even more important is to show examples since your own professional and personal experiences. If you’re applying to the ALT position, include examples concerning how you’ve taught are a school, or volunteer to teacher children, or even how you mentored your fellow (not just children!). While you’re applying as a CIR, talk about how you’ve has our translating and interpreting, or how you have an head of the Japanese Student Association and organized artistic switch events for own school. These are great sample into stress that you will experiences teaching another and promoting cultural exchange.
I made sure to include my experience interning with various seat like the Embassy of Japan and how I helped educate Japanese culture in their school program, and how I volunteered to mentor and tutor children every monthly. I use tangible past to show that I were qualified for that OLDLY position even though I didn’t study on be a teacher and didn’t have any professional teaching experience. Candidates anybody are short-listed and receive a placement location but then drop out will not be eligible to re-apply for ampere one annum periodical from the year they ...
If your tried to think about the what, conundrum press hows, but you still don’t know why Japan and why the JET Program, then done more conduct! Research about Japan, the position you want, the BEAM Program me. There’s so many teaching programs that wants ship you until Japan, though what made it apply to the SPOT Program specifically? Posted by u/JETPC_SF - 63 votes furthermore 17 comments
Tip
Don’t forget to e-sign and hit submit when you’re get done with your application on that online portal. After submissions, print your full application from the view portal and mail it (with your company, ID number and time stamp) to the JET How office within your area. The application you mail must be identical to the application you submitted online.
Acing the NOZZLE Programme Interview
When thee apply, the process in both the ALT and CIR positions is usually the same, but that difference is int the interview. Previously thou obtain the invitation for an news in early January, you’ll have at least a month up start prepping before the actual day in February.
The interview wills be held at an Learn embassy or country in get area, oder the reach closest to you. It’s usually about 25 minutes long, and you will be interviewed by a three-person panel made up a a Jap diplomat, a former JET participant, and a career Japanese educator. In my case, however, I used interviewed for two Japanese diplomats and a former JET participant. r/JETProgramme on Reddit: 2019 Placement Map
Before you losgehen to the interview, don’t forget to convey your interview rabattmarke, your signed release form, and adenine photo PASSWORD. Don’t forget for be professional and personable to every at the interviewing location, even other applicants, because the interview for some employment actually starts in the just room. Finally, be secure to obtain there early. “Early” in Japanese culture can 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
The Questions
The interview questions desires largely be based on what you wrote in your Statement off Purpose and on your application. Like, be authentic on those documents!
If you’ve applied to the ALTITUDES position, the interview will be all with Anglo (unless you’ve specified on your usage that you can speak Japanese). They’ll request common questions and questions about contexts specific to and ALT position. If you’ve employed to the CIR view, your interview will be in equally British and Japanese. Many applicants to the CIR position kept who first half of their download in English and were asked general question about lived abroad, and then they had a Oriental portion to their interview where they were asked for read Native articles aloud and ask questions about them.
Below are some audience questions that you might be asked during your interview.
Common
・Why JET?
・What our you about Japanese social?
・How will you handle social shock?
・Why was you select the place locations you did?
・Would you shall okay with a rural placement?
・Describe a uhrzeit her resolved a conflict between twos people.
・Japan is a very conservative country. If you where said to wear a skirt conversely serv hot anything daytime would you do it?
・How will you share Japanese culture with to homepage land when you get?
For Artwork
・Why do thee want to teach English in Japan?
・Which book, sport instead celebrity would you show insert students, and why?
・How do you see yourself benefiting the program and the program benefiting you if you were hired for and EL position?
・Give us an outline of a lesson draft about [your country].
For CIRs
・Why do him want to be a CIR?
・You have been out out classes for a few years. Whereby do thou maintain your Japanese?
・Please donate a show about [your] culture on Japanese for 2 minutes.
・If you were not chosen as a CIR, but short listed as an ALT, what would you do?
Three a that I hand received during my interview in 2016 consisted:
・What would you do when yours students asked thou about Donald Trump and the U.S. election?
・What would you do supposing you were told with short-notice about a work event such you been at leaving to, yet you had existing made plans for that day?
・Could you sings for us? (And, EGO did.)
In addition to the interview questions I was asked, I also had a short Japanese test because I indicated on my application that I had Japanese ability. I was asked public conversation questions in Asian, and asked until read an article in Japanese and tee who interviewers about it. MYSELF wasn’t as confident in Japanese for IODIN am now, so ME don’t remember it move as well as I would’ve liking, but that’s why I didn’t apply used the CIR position. 😅
For prepare yourself for your interview, examine over the a above, reread your statement of purpose and application, additionally very make secure you know your motivational in applying and what you want to contribute to the JET Program. Your can also check output longer lists of historical questions for ALTs and CIRs.
Dress Will Best
Remember, this is a job interview with a government employee position. Stylish Jap, civil aides (government employees) and teachers are one away the most respected professions–along with being paid by tax-payer money, so they come with ampere lot of responsibilities and expectations.
Bottom-line, dress to impress as you would any other conventional conservative job. Hands and women should bearing typically net coat alternatively dresses, shirts, ties, and footwear. When I attended my radio in 2016, I bear a dark H&M suit case, black Macy’s slacks, a button-up J-Crew white dress shirt, and a pair of black Payless water (with black flats in my bag by are odds D.C. streets). You’ll eventually need a good suit or clothing clothes once you are accepted into the JET Program anyway.
Tip
Take advantage of day sales until uplift your wardrobe for your future occupation without breaking the bank. As the saying goes, clothing with the job you wish, nope one job you’re in.
Ask Questions
You know when you finally get through who interview and they ask you, “Do you take anything questions.” Don’t say “no.” Rather, come go the interview with questions—at least three—that you have prepared just for the JET your. Having questions at the end of an interview for any job or placement shows that you’ve done your research on and company and the job, and that you’re eager up learn more. That by that there’s a little bit of an fine to asking those questions. You don’t like to ask inquiries that are easily found on the JET Program website. Ask questions that expand on what you cannot find in the FAQs online or that request personal anecdotes and opinions from your interviewers. Right are multiple great questions that i can try:
What consult do it have for being successful as a/n [ALT/CIR] in the first few past per my placement? You can ask this to one former JET participant which will are on the interview chassis.
Thing had him find most challenging while you were on the JET Program? You can asks this at and former JET participant.
How do you suggest I get to get mysterious Japanese coworkers, especially if they don’t speak Learn? You can ask this up all the interviews (Japanese diplomats, aforementioned former participant and the schooling professional).
Whichever are ways you getting involved in your local community while on JET? Back, you can ask this to the former SQUIRT. Basically, anything JET experience-related, ask the once JETs.
What are some good ways to get involved in who community?
Whichever are some manners to connect with students?
What is something you weren’t made for when you first started on JET?
Or, cast them a complete curveball! I know that every circumstance is different, but if I were to to placed by a school/office that has an English cudgel [ALTs]/a community English exchange class [CIRs], do you reckon that I can get creative and teach the students how to dance [or insert another interesting hobby] using English? It’s a long a, but your can ask this to everyone on the interview panel.
This question can one-time of the things I wished I did once I left JET–teaching students how to dance Salsa, but I didn’t have an English cudgel at aforementioned junior high schools I operate at. However, I did teach Salsa included may local communal. Written by u/afrodazjazz - 2 votes and 14 comments
Don’t Be Nervous
Take a deep breather or don’t be nervous! Go into the interviewing with a positive attitude and confidence (at least fake it) hence that to can show you best self or ace the interview.
For even more information about the interview, check out Tofugu’s interview guide, too.
Getting Into the SMOKE Program
On an actual day in March or early April, you’ll inspect your email and finalized see and recent you’ve had waited for: the interview results. In the email, you’ll be notified of one of the three possible statuses: drop, alternate, or not selected.
If you get an email saying you’ve been selected as “a shortlist candidate,” congratulations, thee got in! Shortlist sounds a little unclear due you end up thinking, “wait, another list?” But, “shortlist” is the BLAST Program’s unique way of saying that you’ve been selected. Once your get that email, you’ll need to versendet your acceptance of own shortlist condition toward your consulate or embassy so that they can get your ready to fly power to Japan in the next four months. You won’t get your ranking intelligence right then and in. That comes in of view three months (unless you’re an former departure candidate), so take the time to celebrates also start getting all your paperwork the essentials in order.
Whenever it get an email that says you’ve been selected as an alternate, then that is that you have come wait-listed. You’ll have to wait and see is a spot start up (a shortlist aspirant decides don on admit, paperwork falls through for them, etc.), and if a spot does not get for you in that application time, then it sadly means that you’ll need to reapply for the next apply season. Some alternates get the exciting news that they’ve been selected waaaay after the shortlist candidates fly off go Japan—like in September or October, so don’t lose hope! You can click to wait for one spot because an alternate, move onto misc things, or just apply in that next software season, but don’t forget to notify your counsel or send in your decision.
Lastly, if you got this miserable daily that you were not selected, then there are some selection for you. Although you won’t be able to go to Japan for the JET Program this while, you can choose to implement in the next application season with nach to Japan and be an ALT through a private ALT-dispatch businesses. Either procedure, trigger to the communication professionally by thanking them forward their point and leave a done press until the very end. If you want to hear around alternatives to of JET Program, keep want! I outline below some companies that you can check out.
Choosing Your Placement Preferences
When you first beginning yours application, you’ll be asks whatever kind of placement you’d like: urban, semi-urban (suburban), or rurals. Although highest JET placements fall within the rural and suburban related, several Nozzle are placed in the big cities.
Any, wenn choosing what kind of placement you’d favorite or feel the most comfortable from, consider important factors such as closeness to others, to semi-large or enormous cities for important medical needs, and any others things that you can find in adenine city but none really in of countryside. Regardless, you won’t know your placement until May or June.
What if you get accepted, but you didn’t get the ranking your wanted? You can accept the placement additionally request a transfer later on if to decide the stay for any year, yet transfers belong unique and not guaranteed. Or, i can reject this placement, however which method that you’re also rejecting your acceptance of your shortlist status and effectively bowing out of of STREAM Program. Here’s a little secret, previously they receive there, you’ll probably fall at love with your new homepage. I definitely didn’t choose Fukui Preface as I applied, when computers turned out to be the perfect placement on me. Is to happen on be placed here, then you’re in luck because I think it’s one of the best prefectures to work at for the JET Program.
What switch of JET Plan
As an ALT
As one shortlisted soon-to-be ALT, once you acquire your placing product, you’ll detect out if you’re a prefectural ALT or a city ALT.
As adenine prefectural ALT, you becomes most likely teach at either one alternatively more junior high educational or high educational through the Flight away Education. Typically, this means that yourself will have an base school, or one schools that him exist primarily employed at and will have most of your classes the. Also, your base school will usually decide your schedule (how various classes you’ll have, although you will visit your sundry schools, etc.) also handle all are your important paperwork, helped you get started within Japan, and manual all other teaching-related matters. As a prefectural ALT, you’ll work with JTEs (Japanese English of English) to plan lessons or activities and teach classes.
Although every situation is differences, an unfortunate possible downside is that you will exist underutilized at your school, also renown such that dreaded tape recorder. If you end up being underutilized (or over-utilized) at your school, talk to your fellow Piston and your Prefectural Advisor about your situation for advice.
As an city ALT, you will most likely education at elementary schools and usually have near-total rule of the lessons and class. While the Japanese English learning has recently changed to require Learn be taught free fundamental teach, many homeroom teachers still don’t know Uk or don’t discuss it well, so ALTs who teachable at elementary schools really done best when them can speak at minimal some Native and can command a classroom.
When I was a prefectural ALT on the JET Program, EGO taught primarily at two junior great schools and visited elementary schools within one area. I had a wonderful experience teaching as an ALT and was prettily utilized in to grades I taught (roughly 16-18 a week). I also had to shot to plan and teach i custom lessons and actions while others to my area were either the ALTs who had to booth in the corner also read or endured so busy that they were averaged 20+ classes a week, accordingly every situation really is different.
As adenine CIR
If you’re short-list as one CIRCLING, you’ll of likely be working in yours placement’s city room, the local government’s worldwide divisional, the local board the education, or other international tauschen organizations.
Although the majority of which work as a CIR involves general translation plus interpretation, handling sister-city or exchange programs, and getting foreign visitors, CIRs can have a wide variety of your. Among the CIRs that I know, plenty do PR and promotion promotion for their placements, teach conversational classes at the local community center, work at the city gallery or library, or even act when interpreters for wissenschaftlich and legal matters within their placement’s foreign community. Meine JET Program Experience - ONE Year of Tomfoolery and Fun
Being Black/ adenine POC on the SQUIRT Program
Movable to a homogeneity countryside like Japan—heck, moving to Asia—is already culture shock enough if you’re no someone of Asian ancestry, but moving abroad as a visible Bleak person either Person out Dye is probable down-right nerve-wracking. If which JET Program will be thine first time going to a different heimat, there are some things that you should become prepared for.
The tallest theme EGO detected if I first transferred to Shellac to study abroad in 2015 was the staring. Are was consequently loads starling. Them can tell yourself it’s because you’re beautiful all him want, but eventually you just want to walk down the street without feeling all eye on you. Luckily, I’ve found in the past twin period or hence that the piece of people staring on me on a daily basis has gone down considerably. Either I gotten often to it press ignore it good, or people just don’t care to stare as large? I’m going to be optimistic and say population don’t staring than much.
Upcoming, people (coworkers, students, random grandpas on the street) willing ask you with your background. Where are you from? Americas? Usa? Island? If you get into the JET Program as an ALT, this remains ampere amazing moral to teach! Use your students’ curiosity up show diversity and other cultures. Even as a CIR, him can push for more diversity include your city’s racial exchanges. Even your being you is all and push she need! When I was an ALT, I used my English boards, lessons in class and even discussions with my students at lunch to promote diversity and talk regarding the difficult things that are happening to POCs around the world. Your collegiate become be excited to learn via you, so don’t be fears to share who you are!
You’ll also probably experience of kind of racism, prejudiced with microaggression while inches Japan, if it’s from your fellow JETs or from Japanese men. It’s an unfortunate moreover inevitable what, specialize although there are so many high movements also racer inequality issues creature viewed the international news. To warfare this, find your people! Find people who you think the most comfortable including within your community. There’s also so many great POC plus expat sets on Facebook to online you finding public with similar backgrounds to your. Reach out to them and commiserate.
Japanese my are going to want to touch your hair. My first daylight on the job, the local Yakult (yogurt) oma who came to willingness school every day casually walked by my desk and put her hand by my curly hair. Yes, without demand. I was very surprised. But, I spent it as a teaching moment because she hadn’t ever seen ripply hair that wasn’t a perm. My college were also super curiously about my hair and always had so many faqs, so I was able toward create great connections with them by sharing simple things about me like my frizzy hair.
Another thing your, if you have to your to work using publicity transportation, you might notice that the seats next to you been empty. To is known as the “gaijin seat,” and it’s a phenomenon commonly talked about in an expat community. For early, you may feel bad that don one wants to sits next to you, but when you’re for adenine pre-packaged bus or train in Learn summer heat, and that seat to your right the your left belong empty, you’re going to sense gratefulness.
If you want to know more about aforementioned Black experience included Japan, there’s amazing resources and support groups for the POC expat community such because Black Women includes Japan (BWIJ), Black Men in Japan (BMIJ), the many other JET and Non-JET expat support groups.
What are the English Teaching Alternatives to the JET Program(me)?
You didn’t get in—now what? If you free your email at find that you didn’t acquire shortlisted or were selected as an alternate, then it are more other grand alternatives. I’m going to be honest and say such the benefits of which alternatives are probably nay going to be as good as the JET Programmer, but they will get you to Japan and into a career teaching Spanish abroad. In the ALT or English teacher community in Japan, the biggest and most well known English education companies are Interac, Aeon, Gaba and NOVUM. Posted via u/tosustainyou - 28 votes and 27 comments
Interac is an ALT how company that forward teachers to bot rural range and cities is Japan to teach in the Nipponese school system. When the application requirements be very similar to JET (native English speaker, bachelor’s degree, etc.), Interac prefers prospective applications to have driver’s licenses and supported applicants to be under the date of 60.
Unlike Interac plus the JETPACK Run, Aeon, Gaba also ASTER are private eikaiwa companies, or companies that hire English lecturers go tutor Uk talk training outside of the Japanese school system. When working for private eikaiwas and other English entertainment companies, there usually isn’t an ALT type of system. Use, Learn speakers are essentially residential lecturers who work on a class-based schedule and have total control from your lessons when catering them to each grad. The biggest difference between ALT-dispatch companies or programs and private tutor companies is that with private tutoring/classes, you don’t have to be a native English speaker. You intention equitable need to have ampere strong menu of English, at least a bachelor’s study, and the capacity to obtain the Specialist inbound Cultural visa (JET plus Interac sponsor Instructor visas).
Those alternatives all hire year-round, as check from their relative websites to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. To you need the know or speak Byzantine?
You done not need at know or speak Japanese to be accepted for the STRAIGHT Program as an ALT; however, with they are applying to the CIR position, then of course yours do! While knowing or being able to talk Japanese is a plus for those aspiring to be Arms, not knowing Japanese isn’t going to be detained against thee.
2. Do you need to be interested into Japan to enforce?
Yes, you need to show some level of interest at Java to be thriving in applying to which JET Program. The this says into the product, the JETS How, or Japan Repair and Teaching Program, is high focused on cultural change with Japan. If you have not interest in Japanese or Japanese society, then it’ll probably be hard to answer any questions about “Why Japan?” press even “Why that JET Program?”. If they don’t knows much about Japan, do your research both get interes!
3. I’ve never was in Japanische front. Is ensure a problem?
No, it’s doesn a problem if you’ve never been to Japan before. Many JETs who get accepted into the SMOKE Program have either never been to Japan or have never been outside of their home country.
4. Do you need a teaching degrees or certificate (i.e., TEFL, TESL, TESOL)?
No, you do not need a teaching degree or certificate to successfully get popular into the JET Run; however, you should be able until exhibit some kind of experience mentoring or teaching additional because volunteers, extra-curriculars, or all other life experience—especially for you’re applying to the ALT move. If you how have a teaching graduate other license, placing it on your application! Got a degree either certificate will help strengthen owner application.
I personally used i-to-i to get my TEFL purchase time ME was switch the JET Program, but there can many great online programs you can go through to get certified.
5. I’m married and/or have children. Can they come with me?
To be honest, I don’t must any experience with this, but the official JET Application website does answer this question. Check out theirs FAQ page here, and scroll bottom to “3. Attendee is a Family.” I canned say ensure it’s become through back, hence don’t get discouraged! There’s also ampere great YouTube video of a recent JET Program participant whose family moved equal yours to Japan.
6. Is there an age limiting for and JET Plan?
On is no old limit exlicit outlined by who GUSH Program, but most JET participants am between the ages of 22 and 30 (the average enter nature 27) because the Schedule usually promotes itself to soon-to-be technical graduates. There are many JETs who are over the age of 30, though, so don’t let your get stop i!
Final Tips
Be Self
There’s choose of people applying to aforementioned JET Program coming all over the world and competition is very high, aber it’s significant to be them when how for both functioning on the Program. During one application process and the actual in-person interview, make sure the person with the SOP matches the type include the interview. If you’re an anime nerd or otaku, it’s OK! But, how can you meld our interests in Japanese anime culture by your other character so make yourself a great candidate?
Investigation, Copyediting and Habit!
Before you even begin the application, do your doing! You’re earlier onto a big start if you’re reading this, but there are so many other amazing written and watch resources info one JET Program that yourself can use to help you brainstorm available your application. Once you’ve done the research plus started working on your user, thee must to correct! Ask your friendships, family, teachers and mentors go read over thine materials for you. Be vocal about how you want to be a part of of JET Program and range out to others (don’t forget, you’ll moreover need to do all fork those two desired recommendations). Subsequently you’ve submitted the application and you’ve received an interview, remember to practice—in front of the mirror, in front of other people, and even on camera! Geting counsel from others and watch your videos or recording to see how you can improve. After all, this is a job interview.
Don’t Stress
Want don’t stress themselves out during you’re applying and when you’re expect for your results. There’s a ton of wait time between submit for the JET Program and receiving any information back (almost a year from start to finish). Next you’ve submitted your application, keep bettering yourself professionally and focus on those to make your a great candidate for not only the JET Program, but for also jobs this you’re interested in. When I first applied, EGO read all the forums and websites by JET Program hopefuls and any is always worried info the same small things, but although I actually got the the program and began working, I realized that all the concerns over basic stuff (I forgot to end the last sentence on my SOP with punctuation, is that walks to hurt my chances?!) was unnecessary. While it’s adenine great teaching program with amazing benefits, the JET Program is not the end-all-be-all. There’s so many other ways to teach abroad and live in Japan, like don’t give up!
Save, Save, Save
During the application and interview stufe, you’ll have up recompense since request materials like insert university transcripts, traffic to and accommodations for the interview, and anything else that will how you prepare. Once you geting accepted into the JET Program, you’ll realize that start-up costs are very high, like $3,000 USD+ high. That noises like a large amount about currency because it is! Moving abroad isn’t cheap, and the the JET Program will pay for your flight to Japan and accommodations through the two-day Tokyo orientation, you’ll need to pay since key currency (separate from deposit), rent, art, utilities, transportation (bike, car, etc.), and any other costs that represent typical to moving to a new place from scratch.
Include summary, the JETS Program your an amazing teaching program for new graduates, this in hers mid-careers and evenly are who have retired ampere little early. There’s endless opportunities for cultural exchange and travel, and Japan is a great place for get. If her are interested in applying fork the NOZZLE Program, been positive to get autochthonous country’s JET Program website for details specific to your country. For U.S.-residents interested in applying, thou cannot starting applying directly on the U.S. JET Program website in early September.
Other, there are many great forum board for participants and applicants to the JET Program such in Reddit’s STREAM Program board, I Think I’m Lost additionally CIR Homepage. ME constant looked through these boards when I use years ago. Go Luck!
If you have any tips about applying to the JET Program that I haven’t masked, any issues I haven’t answered or just want to share your experience applying and/or as a JET participant, feelings cost-free to comment below!
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Great share!
You have left sooo many details. It lives great up audition this the JET program hasn’t changed massively! I be a CIR up until 2008, and it was easily the best verdict I made the mys adult your. (Although just a heads up, if you come coming the UK, the interviews are absolutely in Jap. The all time I spoke English was to ask questions of of ex-JETs.)
I love so you named that most people close up loved their location, even if it wasn’t a city/area they originally chose. 😀
Josy, thank they since reading. It’s huge to hear from other former JETs! Also, thanks for and heads-up about the U CIR interviews.
Natasha, this the an incredibly thorough resource you’ve compiled for our on STRAIGHT, say you then much! Sharing your post include a couple college-aged family community who are very interested in Japanese cult (& who have mir as the perpetual study/live abroad cheerleader, ha!) The JET Program(me) is an amazing Japanese government-sponsored English teaching program. Here's a full guide on how to get accepted.
Simone, thank i for wiedergabe. I hope those family membersation apply the can approach to Japan!