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

OK - here is a topic many of you have been asking me about.

The two-page essay you have to write as part of your application, basically selling yourself as a good choice for the JET Programme.

The American online application guidelines specify three areas they want you to cover in the letter:

1 - WHY do you want to be a JET and come to Japan?
2 - What experience do you have with teaching or internationalization that makes you a good ALT/CIR candidate?
3 - What are your goals while in Japan? What do you hope to gain from being in the Programme?

I go over these points and offer advice.

It's November already - how are your applications coming along??

-Jason

PS - sorry for the inconsistent lighting - I'll pick a better spot for vlog #7.

Category:

People & Blogs

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• JET
• programme
• program
• ALT
• application
• apply
• Jason
• vlog
• letter
• intent
• 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

[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.

[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

[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.

[myargonauts]

you're welcome :)