Applying to the JET Program - Vlog #3 - Who does JET want?

[HarukaNUsagi]

Hello. I will apply for JET in a year, but I will have no international experience. Will this put a huge dent in my application? especially since their screening is more selective now? I have taken Japan related courses in college (religion, history, language), though. What's your opinion? Thanks!

[myargonauts]

@HarukaNUsagi No, I don't think a lack of experience abroad will sink your app, as long as the rest is strong. Concentrate on getting some experience locally with kids if you can and making sure you get 2 good letters of rec and write a strong SoP.

[TheRedDash]

So if know you need at least a bachelors degree to apply to jet, but what if you don't know the language? are you suppose to take classes for it or learn while your in japan teaching (if you chosen).

[myargonauts]

@TheRedDash you are encouraged to study Japanese while on the program and they offer free courses to help you learn, but you don't have to have studied Japanese when you apply

[TheRedDash]

@myargonauts

oh i would def take them if there free. Perfect!

[myargonauts]

@TheRedDash ok - and just to be nitpicky, since I do teach English after all, you'll also need to work on your English, because knowing the difference between your and you're and there and they're is important too.

[TheRedDash]

@myargonauts

Oh yes of course, when it comes to Youtube (which i am on in the early mornings mostly) i get that blurry vision and do not realize how badly i type on my ice tea filled keyboard. Thanks for the Tips and hope your alright after the other earthquake a couple days ago :(

[Spazzosity]

question: im not the brightest person in the world and i can honestly say i dont get the greatest grades. I am currently in highschool and i am interested in this JET program. I was planning on joining the US navy when i get out and have some college time on the side. Could i still have a greater chance of getting accepted if i have some sort of millitary background? Thankyou.

[myargonauts]

@Spazzosity I can't really say if military service helps or not. Of course, experience abroad helps and if you got stationed in Japan, that could help as well.

[fallenangelforever]

IF you are a japanese major will that be too advanced for being an ALT? I dont know how fluent I'll be when I graduate but I have a strong feeling the CIR would be to difficult for me. How can I make it known that I know the language but I don't know too much that I get denied. Studying abroad for 4 months won't look bad will it?

[myargonauts]

@fallenangelforever Studying abroad is a plus. That will look good on your app. If you can speak Japanese fairly well, that is helpful. They might even ask you to teach at elementary schools, where the teachers don't speak English so well. If you're not at least above JLPT 2 or you have no interest in being a CIR then you should apply for ALT. Many more ALTs come to Japan every year.

[YourHilariousDeath]

JET is definitely something I really want to do. I think I would do fine on the interview now that I've watched your vlogs about what to expect : ). And though my teaching might be awkward at first I'm sure once I get used to the kids, and the whole situation I'll do just fine. My other concern is that I want to go Japan on exchange in my third year of college. I would only be there for 4 months or so, would that affect mt chances in any way?

[myargonauts]

@YourHilariousDeath any overseas experience will help on your application - so go for it!

[YourHilariousDeath]

You mentioned that JET is looking for outgoing people. I'm a bit of an introvert. Do you think I have any chance of getting accepted? I am learning Japanese right now, and expect to know it fairly well by the time I apply, as well as get some experience with children, perhaps tutoring or something like that.

[myargonauts]

@YourHilariousDeath I think you still have a chance, assuming that you can be engaging and personable in the interview, but the real question is are you sure you want the job? Yes, you get to go to Japan for a year or 2, but you have to teach young children while you're there - and to get them interested in English, you often have to put on a show. Not all the time, but especially with younger kids. So make sure it's something you want to do.

[Takaiboshi]

I know someone who is Japanese who wants to be a CIR. Is that possible? He's practically American, the only difference is he can speak Japanese and write a decent amount. Oh, and of course he looks Asian. : )

[myargonauts]

@Takaiboshi If he is a Japanese national - then he can't be a JET. If he's Japanese-American or Japanese-Australian for example and holds a passport from a country other than Japan - then yes, he can be a CIR.

[Takaiboshi]

@Takaiboshi alright, thanks Jason. : )

[risingsun08107]

lots of help buddy, thanks. I'm writing up my statement of purpose right now and I'm not the all-american kind of guy (super outgoing, plays all the sports, lots of friends, etc. etc.) but I do have some employment experience with international students and with children so I hope that will work to my advantage. What do ya think?

[myargonauts]

@risingsun08107 definitely highlight that relevant experience in your essay - JET takes all different types of people, so everyone has a chance. Best of luck!

[yahapom]

10/10 very helpful.

[Turtwigisdabomb]

5/5 very helpful. I was wondering what should your gpa look like to stand a good chance of landing this job. Thanks alot:)

[myargonauts]

@Turtwigisdabomb GPA is not that important, but as the program gets more competitive, it could play a larger role in who gets picked. What classes you take, for example any classes on Japanese history, lit, politics, language, etc - are more important than overall GPA. And on the app, the two biggest factors are the essay and letters of rec.

[biped19]

Does the Jet program, and Japanese culture, frown upon people who are, how should I put it, hefty? Lol. I'm not 800 pounds but I'm not skinny as a rail., trying to lose some more weight.

[myargonauts]

@biped19 well, I am hardly a skinny person either, and I got along in Japan just fine most of the time. I have a video about being fat in Japan on my TaishaJason channel, so check that out.

[ShinobiSl4sh]

aren't they just looking for people who were native english speakers which would make the exchange part of the JET factor? Because i was wondering to teach japanese history with a ph.d but first trying the jet program to understand the classrooms of japanese highschools

[myargonauts]

@ShinobiSl4sh you can certainly apply with a PH.d, but you would certainly be over-qualified perhaps depending on your field of research.

[narusasu]

Do you think it would hurt me to mention that I took 2 years of Japanese? I made Cs in in the two intermediate semesters. D : I heard that grades are looked into, do you know what kind of GPA they're looking for? I'm not the best student out there but, I'm doing a lot better then when I first started out.

[myargonauts]

you should definitely mention that you studied Japanese in your essay - they do like interest in the language, and in the app there is a space to indicate that you studied. Grades aren't all that important, as long as you have the degree.

[narusasu]

ok, thanks. That makes me feel a lot better. ^_^

[vonmagictouch]

It'd be pretty interesting if you could post a class of yours, you know, just to show how's the contact with the japanese kids;

(If you already did, I apologize..I haven't seen all your post yet :p)

[myargonauts]

I did have vids like that up in the past, but my BoE asked me to not show school or kids anymore, so I took them down. But there are other ALTs here on YT where you can see classroom activities.

[BittersweetVictory]

Thank you so much for all these videos you have dedicated about your job! I can't stress it enough. You took a lot of pain and time out of my search for the perfect job. Haha, anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you helped me carve my future, and I am so grateful. :)

[myargonauts]

very cool - glad the vids are helpful!

Good luck!

[Crzeimasha]

I'm really worried about the "too outgoing" part. I have way to my energy ever since I can remember and I tend to see everyone equally no matter what age group because thats how I've always wished to be treated as a kid....How do you get over that?? I mean it's really hard for me to look a little bit down on others in order for them to respect me like most teachers do.(Just a little to get respect no harrasment)....I feel I am way too open minded for society...wow ok. Off topic.

[Jakeslc55]

Hello,

I'm currently interested in a future possibility of living in Japan, after I finish college which I am starting this year.

How ever - I've had mixed ideas on what I would like to do. I would highly consider a major in Japaense, but I am afraid somthing like that would effect my chances at JET which looks like a great program.

How ever I don't want to go to Japan with out speaking it - would you think majoring in computer science and minor in Japanese be better?

[myargonauts]

You can major in anything you want - I really don't think it affects your chances of getting in. Of course, taking some Japanese classes or classes about Japan, its history, etc certainly can't hurt. I minored in Japanese studies.

[Crzeimasha]

Is living for 4 years too long?

[myargonauts]

I'm not sure I understand your question...

Are you asking if I think that being a JET for 4 years is too long? meaning that I should have quit after 2 or 3 years? hmmm... well, some of the job certainly starts to repeat, but I've enjoyed my last two years a lot, so it wasn't too long for me.

[GrapplerJMo]

i know a guy who has been an alt for 10 years with a private company...and he doesn't know squat about japanese and it still works out for him

[Crzeimasha]

Yes thats pretty sad. I know someone who has lived in spain for 8 years and doesnt know a word of spanish. Exaggerating but you get the gist.

[chiknhed6]

I just want to let you know how much I appreciate your videos, they weren't for nothing, and they helped me significantly.

I just have a quick question. Once you are finished with the JET program, will you stay in Japan or return to America?

[myargonauts]

thanks for the nice comment. Right now it looks like I will return to San Diego in the summer, but I might return to Japan in March of 2010 if I can find a good job.

[blproducer]

Thanks for the info! Keep on keepin' on.

[Forveya]

heheh...'genkiness'...

[sharingansasu2]

I wanna apply for JET so badly, but I'm only a freshman in HS, I got quite a wait then...

[Forveya]

study your face off in japanese

[sharingansasu2]

xD I will

[J9xluvsxy00]

About the whole applying/interview/hiring thing.. does having a tattoo a bad thing? I heard that its pretty much taboo in Japan to have a tattoo/tattoos, so I'm worried. Plus, having a masters is also required right? Just having a bachelors isn't enough?

[cocopuffsweet]

i love you!!

[joshuawaynecoleman]

I sent my app last week. I did a study abroad to Dublin, Ireland and I have 3 years in the classroom. I hope to get the interview.  Any good sites to prepare for the interview?

[joshuawaynecoleman]

I just sent in my app last week. I am nervous about the process. I did a study abroad and I have taught for 3 years. I hope my essay and interview will be good enough to go. Any good sites to recommend to prepare for the interview(if I get an interview?

[myargonauts]

you can search here on YT - there are a few vids to be found about the interview process, and I'll be making some vlogs about it next year in Jan or Feb. Good luck!

[rvs4102]

Thank you for posting such useful Vlogs. I really appreciate it, as an aspiring JET! I should have my application finished within the next week or so :)

[myargonauts]

thanks for the comment - good luck on your app!!

[katietb3rw]

Thank you for being so informative! I have been watching your videos sequentially and this one was, by far, the most helpful for me.

[myargonauts]

great - I'm glad the vids are helpful

[watsursnbaby]

Hey Jason I have always enjoyed watching your JET vids and think I may be going to the JET information seminar at my college CSULB this next week.

[myargonauts]

cool beans - hope it's informative and interesting.

[nworbnow555]

Maybe you covered this stuff in your other videos, but what do people do AFTER JET?

I suppose it depends on the degree/skills you have, but, in general,  will it be hard to get a job when you get back to the US if I spend, say, 2-3 years in japan after college?

[myargonauts]

I haven't vlogged about this topic before, but it's obviously something I'll be facing myself next year.

I will vlog about it next spring.

There are seminars you can attend as a returning JET and I know the UK, for example, has a job fair for returning JETs to help them find a new job - companies looking for people with experience living abroad or in Asia.

It will depend greatly on what your original degree is in and what job you're looking for post-JET.

[nomec182]

Do you feel its somewhat of a requirement to have traveled outside your home country? Will they think that you cant handle the culture shock if you havent even been outside your own country? Im trying to decide whether to go to Japan next summer or get pilot training.

[myargonauts]

I have no special knowledge of the statistics on JETs who are chosen, other than me speaking to the ones I meet here in Japan and that I knew in the LA group before we all left.

I can't say that no foreign travel is a deal breaker, but I do know that if you have traveled abroad, it certainly HELPS your app, since it shows you have some experience adapting to a different culture.

[Madmatt2600]

Thank you Jason. I have been somewhat foggy on the whole idea of what the role of a JET participant is. I found a lot of the online sources to be somewhat vague and lacking. I may have just not found the right ones. Your videos have really helped me in making the final decision to apply to the Jet program this year. I have most of my documents together and have started on the application, so keep the VLOGs coming.

[42317]

So I practice the art of disguise...

I'm a Japanese culture studies major with the experience of a single exchange year in northern Japan. I need to go back to that country or die of reverse homesickness.

I would really prefer ALT to CIR because I like teaching a lot (I did teach Japanese adults English at a private institute) and many people praise my explaining abilities.

I can't let all this go to waste because someone thinks I'm overqualified!

(CIR would be better than nothing, though.)

[qwertycoder]

hey jason ive watched most of your vids related to the JET programme. i am currently in my first year in college studying foreign language Japanese as my major. this'll be my associates degree but the jet programme wants you to have a bachelors degree i dont want to wait 2 extra years if i dont have too. does me having a japanese major effect the decision bad or good.

[myargonauts]

ya gotta have a BA or BS degree - sorry.

[tommiskey]

You say you've met SO many JETs that speak 0 Japanese and know little about the country when they arrive, and then you say "but they definitely don't want that"? Isn't that a contradiction, since those people are apparently getting picked?

I was one of those JETs who spoke no Japanese and knew little about the country, but I had teaching experience and interest in international relations. I also had adaptability and a sense of humor, which are necessary survival qualities in Japan.

[myargonauts]

yeah - that's where these impromptu rambles sometimes catch me in a contradiction. You're right - they do hire people with zero Japanese and little knowledge of Japan, so I guess that's not a huge detriment if you have other skills or experience that make up for that.

[Rictof]

I suppose modesty is a good approach to take if you've had a lot of exposure to the culture. You're getting a little scruffy there Jason :) I only wish you filmed more kendo like you film your sumo matches.

[myargonauts]

growing my beard as part of my upcoming Halloween costume. :)

I'll try to post some kendo stuff in the coming months.

[Rictof]

I had no idea they celebrated Halloween. Is your next vlog going to be in your costume?

[42317]

They don't. It's just an imported fad.

[tanolisjp]

Hi Jason, Great Video! Your videos are a constant inspiration for me to apply to the JET programme.

A note on the CIR vs ALT thing, in some countries, like Singapore, there are no openings for CIR, because no one in Japan requested a Singaporean for the position. So there is no other way except ALT. However, from what the CLAIR co-ordinators say, there is still a chance to become a CIR, just that some years as an ALT might be necessary before that happens.

[myargonauts]

thanks for the comment - that's good info.

Yes, it is possible to change job types and become a CIR after your first year as an ALT.

[Shabozinator]

Hello Jason,

I would first like to start off by saying thanks for doing these vblogs they are a great resource for us potential JETs. The question I have relates to the application. My question is regarding the placement section of the application. I want to ensure the best chances of acceptance, therefore I will pretty much take any location. How do you recommend someone go about section of the application?

[myargonauts]

good question and the topic of a whole upcoming vlog. thanks!

[jessman1999]

So, what about someone like me who is a Japanese Studies Major? Is this going to hurt my chances to become a JET ALT or should I just opt to become a CIR? To be honest I really want to teach as an ALT, but I am open to anything really.

[myargonauts]

No, I don't want to make it seem like if you've studied about Japan that that is a bad thing. I was a Japan Studies minor after all.

But every now and then you meet a JET or potential JET who tries to "Out-Japanese" the Japanese or seems to prefer all things Japanese over their own culture. And I guess the best candidate will have a balance of interest in Japan and knowledge of their own country.

[jessman1999]

Oh, ok. You kind of had me worried there for a minute.  Yeah I'm into Japan well sort of... I'm not a huge Anime or Manga fan (oh no what a tragedy), but I do like their culture. Not to mention I don't want to be Japanese I'm proud of being an American. Well thanks for the clarification on the matter.

[sepiachoice]

Show them that you are hoping to not only teach the Japanese something about your own background, but also learn something about theirs in the process.

In my S of P and my interview i played up a background in cultural studies, my very positive experiences abroad (though not in asia) and past experience working with children. I'm in Japan teaching now, so i guess it worked.

[sepiachoice]

I'm a first-year ALT in Fukuoka. I wanted to say i mostly agree, but thought i'd give people another perspective. I am one of "those" who was selected with zero japanese language experience and very little prior knowledge of the culture. For people in that position, i would def reccommend emphasizing your enthusiasm for cultural *exchange*

[myargonauts]

good advice - thanks for the comment.

[lleverfreell]

Thank you for this informative video! Without seeing this, I might have overemphasized my knowledge of Japanese culture, so it's good to know to restrain a little.

[bjeramos]

awesome guide-through. i was wondering what kinds of people would be successful. maybe i'm somewhere in the middle?

[nanodances]

Thanks for addressing that issue, really helpful vlog! I'll keep looking into it.

[basch2020]

JET wants Gaijins! They want you to do foreign things and speak foreign languages so that they may understand your culture a little better. Nice vid.

[rodgerswan]

very informative blog! I've been working on my letter of intent lately, and thankfully it sounds like I'm on the right track with what I'm writing about. These videos are a great asset in keeping on track with the application, so thanks again!

[NichiBeiTrader]

Interesting advice for those that are applying.

[emergencyincas]

Good to know. I have a pretty sturdy interest in a handful of things Japanese (ghost stories, castles, what-have you) but I can't say that I've mastered any of them. Jack of all trades and all that.