Applying to the JET Program - Vlog #6- The Letter of Intent or SoP

[DontfearNoMan]

HEY !! I am so excited to apply for JET this year, and out of Canada. I have seen many videos, both from u and others who have been kind enough to share their experiences. The one thing that makes me a little worried however is the fact that I am not white. Lol, i know that sounds bad to say it like that but the ppl I have seen so far, none of them are of "middle eastern" decent. Im not middle eastern but u would definitely mistake me for one. anyway.. have you seen any Arab looking ppl in JET?

[myargonauts]

@DontfearNoMan yes I have. I had a good friend who's parents were from Syria and he was born in Canada who was an ALT in Shimane for 2 years, and just this year a new JET in my new area was born in India and raised in the States, so there are JETs who are not white, black or Asian, but it really shouldn't matter if you're a citizen of Canada and a native speaker.

[stinkyredhead]

Thanks for your vids, your stuff has really helped me with my application. This video in particular is very helpful with my SoP.

Thanks!

[myargonauts]

@stinkyredhead you're welcome - glad the vids have been helpful

[mharris666]

I am applying for next years JET. I plan on attending law school in a few years and I really have an interest in International law, I have written a large section of my SoP that In which I said, along with my interest in Japanese history/culture, that think JET will provide good opportunity to gain experience in living abroad and interacting with a foreign culture. Do you think that is too much of a stretch or a bad reason to write about? Thanks in advance

[jnockels85]

Do you think getting the SoP proofed a bunch of times eventually becomes a bad thing? I am worried I will end up with this SoP doesn't sound like me anymore, it could be prefect grammatically but have no personality. Not sure I will be able to tell where that line is after looking at it so much, am I worrying to much?

[myargonauts]

@jnockels85 yeah - I don't think you want to over analyze it too much - it needs to sound fresh and interesting. But its also a formal job request - much like a cover letter to a resume, and it should be mistake-free and sound professional. Definitely have 1 or 2 people read it for general feel and to spot any mistakes that you might have missed.

[SockCasserole]

I live in Britain and it said all the stuff is due near the end of November for all countries, so it does vary but not that much.

[AriniaLendin]

Let's just say (hypothetically speaking) that you make it into the JET Program and you are lucky enough to extend your contract four times which allows you to stay there for five years. Is there a way of living and teaching in Japan beyond those five years? What other programs are out there? I am just curious.

[myargonauts]

check out my most recent video about other options beside JET - lots of helpful links in the sidebar of that vid.

[AriniaLendin]

Alright, I will. Thank you so much for all of your help! You've helped me out a great deal and I really appreciate everything you have done for me.

[myargonauts]

you're welcome :)

[aquaticblader]

where do you get the application for 2010? or do you have to wait until September?

[myargonauts]

It might be available online before that - look at the main JET homepage in August for updates.

[mountaincritter]

... ... You read "The Shogun" books before you were eleven?

Cool.

[petchay8099]

hi jason! how's it goin'?

love the shirt! :)

wanted to apply for jet but don't think i can this year cuz' somethin' came up :(

but hopefully i can apply for jet 2010 :)

[ToniShinobi]

OBAMA!!! I have that exact picture from your shirt on my facebook profile, found it on dannychoo :) I would love to have that shirt! Also, I understand 1-9, but how do you sign #10 in Japan? Clasped hands? I can't wait! I really hope I make it to JET.

[myargonauts]

for 10 you do two open hands, just like in America

[kansaiPJ]

"President Obama"... has such a nice sound to it! 良かったね！

[girusniper]

Woot November 5th! I just turned 20 =).

Woot Obama!

Great Vlog.

[Jaradcel]

Thanks for the video reply! The problem is that the Singaporean website doesn't show anything on the things the American site does, which threw *me* for a loop.

Get well soon and yes, YES WE CAN!

[lleverfreell]

I am writing my LoI this weekend - have been putting it off for a while, because I feel so pressured to turn up a great product. I really, REALLY want to become a JET, but this strong desire is also putting pressure on me to write the "perfect" essay. Anyway, I'm hoping everything will work out in the end. Another 3 weeks before the deadline!

[mountaincritter]

I know how you feel. This year's application doesn't come out until Sept., and I'm already feeling pressured about writing the perfect letter of intent. I know I've watched this video at least 3 times....

[lleverfreell]

I wouldn't worry too much at this point if I were you. I'm sure you'll write a great letter when the time comes. :)

[WhiteMatrix2006]

I would definitely suggest giving it to a teacher that you trust in. What better way to get a good review on it than from an English/Humanities/Philosophy teacher? I would personally give it to my Modern Humanities teacher to look over who I trust very highly to give me good feedback.

-Billy-

[Hoonta]

I'm going over my essay from last year and I've noticed some things that I should change.

I've had different people look over it this year compared to last year and getting different suggestions.

Thanks for the vid.

Nice shirt too, these are exciting times!

[Graehaus]

Love the shirt. Hooray for change. Again, boss vlog, great work.

[CharacterForming]

Thanks for the vid Jason. App is coming along nicely. I have first draft of SoP done and will revisit it this weekend after leaving it alone for the last week and a half. Waiting on references and transcript, secure in the knowledge that I will have them before the deadline. Another month for those of us in Ireland. Had first ever Japanese lesson earlier in the week. Hilarious fun. Can now introduce myself, count and ask for random fruit lol

[sonikku10]

Thanks for the essay tips~ very helpful no matter who you're writing for :)

Yay Obama!

[Finnishbastard]

Super Obama!