Applying to the JET Program- Vlog #5-more on the Application

[Spazzosity]

does being in the millitary and being stationed at a base also mean working abroad?

[myargonauts]

@Spazzosity I think you could include that experience if relevant into your 2-page statement of purpose to show that you have experience living in and adjusting to a foreign country

[fallenangelforever]

SInce I am a Japanese Major would it be a good idea to that I'd be interested in teaching Elementary schools since I'll know a decent chunk of the language? Would that help it seem like I'm not to over qualified for ALT?

[Crosscountrytraveler]

i have a friend from japan that was my roomate for 2 years and is my bestfriend

could that be intercultural experience?

[myargonauts]

@Crosscountrytraveler I think you could work that into your letter of intent, saying something like, "Havinf spent two years living with a Japanese roommate, my interest in and knowledge of Japan expanded...."

[maegunterror]

thanks so much for all the tips and information. i can't wait to go to the japan embassy tomorrow to ask for an application form for next year

[harr7959]

I have worked in Japan as an intern for 2 well known Japanese architects. Do you think it would be good to have a letter from one of them?

My plan as of now is to get letter from 2 of my college professors. One of them is a Japanese history professor and the other is a Japanese language professor. Should I substitute 1 for one of the Japanese architects?

[myargonauts]

I think it would be good, but I believe the letters have to be written in English - not sure if that would be a problem for the architects.

[geezwoman]

It can actually be in Japanese.

[CUCProductions]

lol

[11889music]

What if I have a very close friend (or friends) in a certain region of Japan?

Might they be accommodating to this sort of thing?

[myargonauts]

sure - I'd put those places down as choices for placement on the app and then if you get the interview, they'll most likely ask why you chose those places and you can explain that you have friends that live there and they told you what a nice place it was, etc.

[demonvamp33]

you should do a video on just your elementary schools

[Hoonta]

Keep them coming. I unfortunately have been slacking on my application due to waiting for my reference letters.

Luckily all the tough parts are already done.

[BusanKevin]

It's getting pretty chilly in these parts as well! Happy Halloween!

[hitmanlineman54]

hey remember to send in your absentee ballot

[myargonauts]

done.  :)

[tigereyes1020]

Thanks again for all this help. I have decided to try for a CIR position ^-^! I was just curious about what Shimane looked like so I looked it up on google. The area looks really beautiful!

[myargonauts]

good luck becoming a CIR!

[Graehaus]

Great Insight Jason, thanks for the Vlog.

[bjeramos]

i appreciate this. i'm about to send out my application, so i'm a little nervous and neurotic, simultaneously.

[sumerall]

I've been thinking for a while about the CIR route. Can you please say something about them.

[myargonauts]

I have a vlog in my original JET series that is an interview with my friend Roger, a CIR from Australia who also lives here in Shimane. Go check it out (you can search CIR)

And the JET Programme website has a good FAQ about being a CIR.

[AzureEyesD]

Are you going to do a Vid about your interview experience?

[myargonauts]

yes - I'll do a series of vlogs on the interview process, but closer to when they'll actually take place next year.

[CharacterForming]

Another great vid, thanks. Here in Ireland we are still applying with hard copies.

Carly: I think Jason kinda covers that in one of his vlogs from the other JET series. Basically, look at where you are going, when you arriving and plan accordingly. Most of the Japan guide books have charts for weather and the seasons.

[Carly1223]

Hey Jason, how did you deal with living in cold conditions for the first time? That's a big concern of mine right now. I'm from Barbados so I've never experienced winter before (never even seen snow before) and I'm worried about how I would cope with the winter conditions since I'm from the Caribbean. How did u do it? Is it better to bring winter clothes or wait until you get there?

[myargonauts]

The winters here can be cold, but not so cold that you'll just want to stay in bed. :)

You'll get used to it - you just have to take steps to make your house a nice warm place despite having no insulation. Wait to send your winter clothes to yourself in October or November - you won't need them until then.

[TheWhitey]

How cold? Above freezing or below? Because here in the UK, it has started snowing in late October, when it would usually start at the end of December up north.

[myargonauts]

here in Shimane (in south-western Honshu) it rarely goes below 0.C, but it's not how cold it is outside that gets you, it's how cold it is inside that is the problem. Japanese houses are not insulated and there is no central heating in my schools.

But we don't get a lot of snow where I am, so that's good.

[watsursnbaby]

Thanks Jason!