Applying to the JET Program - Vlog #2- Don't procrastinate!

[11889music]

So, for the letters of recommendation, they have to be copied twice, then put into one of those 8X11in orangish envelopes?

Also, *we* send them, right? We don't have them send them separately ?

[myargonauts]

@11889music the person that writes the letter needs to give you back two copies in a sealed envelope - size of envelope is not important - so that you can't see what they've written. Both copies in one envelope. Then, you take that envelope and the other envelope from your 2nd letter writer and you send both when you send in your complete app packet. The letter writers DO NOT send the letters.

[Mandilore]

Hey, if you're former U.S. military, are you required to show the DD Form 214? (fyi, this is the form U.S. military veterans have to show to prove that they are veterans).

[myargonauts]

@Mandilore I believe there is a space on the application where you can mention that you are a veteran - but I don't think you have to send in any documentation with the initial application. They may ask to see some proof later on, altho I don't think your veteran status influences your chances, unless you were stationed in Japan, and thus have experience with the country.

[chibiamai]

Oops I forgot about letters of Recommendations. I graduated from college 4yrs ago I have a BA degree. and I never got those letters before I left. Do you think it could be too late now to get those letters? I know that I can get my transcripts. but I worried that i can't get the letters.

[myargonauts]

@chibiamai If you're 4 years removed from college, then you don't need a rec letter from a professor anymore. One should be from a business/work colleague/boss and one can be from anyone other than a direct family member - but if you still know any of your old profs, then they can still write a letter if you want them to.

[chibiamai]

@myargonauts Oh good. I'm glad to here this. Thanks for your help! I will keep this in mind when I do decide to go for it and apply for JET. Right now I'm still deciding because it's such a big move. Thanks for your time.

[ShinobiSl4sh]

Just out of the blue say i was born in another country but i am now a citizen of us is that like + kudos points?

[myargonauts]

@ShinobiSl4sh I think the JET Programme likes diversity, but when you interview for the position of ALT, you need to demonstrate good pronunciation of English, and sometimes people born in others countries who become US citizens have below average pronunciation. Some would argue that this could be a plus, since most English spoked in the world is now by non-native speakers, but in JAPAN they want native level fluency and pronunciation from their teachers.

[saharacloud2]

thank you for the tip, but how hard was it

[myargonauts]

how hard is it to get into the JET Programme? It's pretty competitive - with about a 1 in 6 acceptance ratio.

[saharacloud2]

thanks

[saharacloud2]

My major is Digital Arts and I'm a freshman right now, can I still teach English in Japan? Although my major is not teaching or majoring in English

[myargonauts]

For the JET Programme, it doesn't matter what your degree is in. For many other schools/jobs. then a degree in English, Teaching or ESL is very helpful.

[calgarymoni]

It is November 27th for canada. We are applying right now and I find your videos to be amazing. I am so happy I found your Vlog, it has put my mind at ease. Thanks so much!

[Degenskonto]

procrastinate = to put up?

[myargonauts]

no, it means to "put off" or "delay"

[Degenskonto]

Hah yeah, thats what i meant but i translated the swedish version "right off" or how to say lol

[chickenseechickenpoo]

How come you said SASE? We call them SAE's in the UK, or stamped addressed envelopes.

[myargonauts]

In America we say SASE, which stands for self-addressed stamped envelope

[shindehchan]

hello! For Canada it's Nov 27 ^__^

[YUQUING]

lol hair on your tongue ^^

[Crzeimasha]

I have to say I'm really grateful you are posting these videos. If I was accepted to this program 5 years ago I wouldn't care about it today haha.

[SpinningBirdKick1]

You only need two letters of recommendation? whew..I would hate to need like 4 or 5.

I also find it different that you need a 4year degree from any major. Im getting mine in secondary education:english. gambarimasu.

[biglmac]

Hey Jason! I'm from Canada. I'm graduating in 2010 (May) and I'm hoping to go that July (or whenever). Thanks so much for your videos! I know I'm early so I don't need to freak out... but I'll check out your videos as the deadline gets closer so I know what to expect. I might have questions for ya later. Thanks again!

[patmeeker]

Hi, do you know if my recommendation writer should put all 3 (copies + original) together in one envelope? Or should each have its own envelope? Thanks!

[myargonauts]

all together in one envelope - sealed and signed by that person. and you need two recommendations - good job getting a head start on this. :)

[stoffer03]

I feel that I have so many questions ...How about people that speak english as a second language but have some sort of cambridge certificate ?? would they accept you in that case? and you also mentioned something about assistant teacher or something like that, how do their assignments look like?? can you chose where to you will be placed in Japan or do they chose that for you randomly?

[myargonauts]

I don't know what a cambridge certificate is. In theory you're supposed to be a native speaker of English, altho you can be a JET from other countries too - check out the JET link on my main channel page for more info.

Look at my big JET playlist "becoming a JET" for more info on placement.

[Jaradcel]

Just FYI - Singapore's deadline is Nov 28

[JasonsinJapan]

cool - thanks for the info!

[Jackmyster99]

lol im 14 and already getting all the information. im going on exchange to Japan next year for 4 months. that will be fun. but hopefully i will be doing JET when i graduate

[FitchKid92]

me too!

[oXLuluLamperougeXo]

me too

[NullnV01d]

Hmmm I could watch this now but I think I'll just do it later....

Hehe just kidding. Thanks for the good info, only watched the 2 videos so far but looks like you've got a mountain of useful information that will be...well useful!

[CharacterForming]

Keep the vlogs coming :) The deadline for Irish applicants is December 5th.

[dorfmeister86]

Great show Jason, thanks for sharing your wisdom, South Africa written applications are now open, deadline is 19th of January 2009. Do you know of many South Africans over there? Is there a racial (cultural) preference, Im asking because one does act as a cultural ambassador?

[myargonauts]

I've known 4 South Africans during my time here in Shimane. 2 are black, 2 are white. Is that what you mean?

I wasn't able to understand any of their accents. LOL

Seriously, all are good folks and each stayed for at least 2 years (except the newest, who just arrived in Aug)

[basch2020]

Hey Jason, UK applications opened yesterday, they close 28 November.

[myargonauts]

cool - thanks for the info

[sheerblade]

Jason, you are a font of knowledge. Keep these great video's coming, and you might get to see a load of JET's come to Japan thanks to your video's making it easier for them to understand the whole process.

[SchoolhouseTechno]

It's probably gonna be 2010 when I graduate...but even though this will probably be useless at that point...it's still fun to learn about...don't ask me why...

[OsakaPapa]

Yet another great video, Jason! :D I'm held up right now in my application because I'm stressing over my third choice for a place to live, but other then that, I have my references picked out, and should be well on my way to getting this done :)

Keep em coming, you always have great info!

-Matt

[rodgerswan]

fantastic video. Yeah, i've started on the application, have nearly all of the online app. done, now I need to get all those extra forms done. So Hoping to take care of that within the next week or two. thanks again for this series!

[Hoonta]

Thanks for the new series!

I just want to add some emphasis on one of the steps.

The references - track down who you are going to ask asap!

They are more than likely not going to write them up and be done with them in a day, or even a week. You don't want to be late(disqualified) because of someone else.

[pocketyeti]

The date for the Canadian applicants is November 28, 2009

[katorulez93]

10:51 pm here, im gonna load the video and watch it tomorrow morning, i know it will be a nice video as always!! looking foward to watching it!!!!

[lleverfreell]

I'm from Canada, and our deadline is November 28. :D

[myargonauts]

cool - thanks for the info

[Rictof]

Nice video! You seem more upbeat today.

[myargonauts]

yeah - I made the mistake of making vlog #1 at like 2am, and you can tell how sleepy I am.

[Rictof]

Nah, I didn't notice. You're just naturally cool in the way you talk. I just figured you had your moments at improv. I'm not sure if you rehearse before making your videos. You do it all in one clean cut, no complaints here.

[xXNorDakXx]

Thanks

Ben