Questions about JET and 2005 application

[ghostdust]

I'm applying for JET for the first time and have a few questions, mostly related to the application. It doesn't seem these questions have been addressed here from what I've read, but if they have, my apologies. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

1) Does it hurt not to have any classroom teaching experience? Should I try to get some training ASAP to better my chances of getting in? I don't think I have the time, but will make the time if I must.

2) Should I try to take the JLPT Level 4 test this December? I'll have to get a plane ticket since the nearest testing location to me is about 7 hours away, plus my application will already be sent before I get my results. I've been told not to bother.

3) The answers I think I could give for Questions 26, 27, and 29 seem to be similar. For Question #26, it asks you to list International/Intercultural Experience. I have had some Intercultural experiences, but I'm not sure what they might be looking for specifically. I work with international students at college for instance, and I have Japanese friends. Of course, I could mention I work with International students in the description of job title on Q#27. I watch a lot of Japanese movies and TV shows (surprisingly I'm not into anime though). Would that fall under #26, #29 (see below), or nowhere?

Unfortunately, I come from a family that has never had the time or money to travel outside the U.S., and since I'm a college student with a low paying part-time job, I haven't been able to on my own yet either. I hate to think this would put me at a disadvantage, any ideas on how to positively spin not having any international experience?

4) For Question #29, Japan-Related Studies, what can be listed in the Informal ("Study of Japanese History, Culture, and Language") block? Would this include having Japanese (not Japanese-American) friends and a significant other? Or the fact I try to study Japanese at least an hour a day on my own? Or does it just refer to classes outside of highschool and college?

5) Question 28 ("Proposed direction of current or future profession and its relationship to JET Program"), I assume they just want future education and career goals and how JET fits into that. For me, I hope to continue my International Affairs studies in graduate school, but narrowing it down to specialization in East Asia and the Pacific Rim. Being a part of the JET Program will allow me to get first hand experience with the people, culture, and politics of the most influential country in the region. Does something like that sound good or even right for that question?

6) Non-JET question, are any of the private companies (NOVA, GEOS, AEONet, etc.) decent? It seems like most of what I read about them has been horrible, but maybe one is good.

7) Lastly, placement request. I know not to list Tokyo, Kyoto , and Osaka. Do they even use JET in Osaka, Kyoto, or Kobe? I have heard very recently that Yokohama and Chiba are phasing out JETs. I'm not sure what the exact details of this are though, if anyone knows more, please elaborate.

Anyway, these are the locations I'm looking into requesting (kind of in order of preference based on the limited knowledge I have of them): Yokohama (if acceptance is even possible), Kanagawa, Chiba city, Chiba, Osaka (same as Yokohama), Nagoya, Tochigi , Fukuoka city, Kitakyushu, Shizuoka, and Ibaraki .

Any feedback on each of these cities/areas would be greatly appreciated. I'm interested more in urban areas than rural. Partly because I'm diabetic, so being placed somewhere close to a hospital and pharmacy is fairly important. Also, I hope to make contacts that may help me in the future after I finish graduate school.

That's it. I think.

 

[m477]

I know a few people from college that have gone on to be JET teachers. I've talked to them at length about it since I was considering applying at one point, so I'm no authority on the program, but I've tried to learn as much as I could about it.

1) From what I've heard, teaching ability/experience has gotten to be very important to the admissions staff these days, especially with more applications coming in each year. It's probably the single most important thing. Sure, interest/knowledge of Japanese is helpful, but they really need people who can *teach*.

2) The results don't come in until March 2005, so it's not going to help your application. It's probably not worth the expense.

6) Search the forum, this has been discussed at length.

7) The chances of getting placement in a big city are practically nil. Most ALT jobs are in small towns or the middle of nowhere. Do some research and find some lesser-known areas which sound good to you.

 

[openup]

Follow the links...

Visit BigDaikon (forum for past, present, and future JETs)
and post your questions there. You'll bet the perfect answers. :nihonjin:

http://bigdaikon.com/

This is a blog written by an American JET.

http://brittstravels.blogspot.com/

 

[Vegetasama]

Does anyone know the acceptance rate of JET? I've heard it is hard to nail down, but any guess would be helpful. I too am getting ready to send in my JET app. I do have some teaching experience so I think this may be helpful.

 

[openup]

Check out the link

Follow the BigDaikon...you willl see the real world.

 

[Ewok85]

JLPT grades 3 and 4 arent worth sitting for, using as a benchmark by doing it on your own is fair enough, but they mean squat otherwise. Even doing grade 2 is a bit of a waste really...

Good luck!

 

[m477]

Level 2 is recommended for the JET CIR position, and it is considered "business level" Japanese by firms that recruit foreigners in Japan who use it as a requirement for many positions. Someone who has mastered the L2 material will be able to read a variety a magazines, manga, watch TV shows, participate in conversations, and understand most of it.

Sure there are a few things that require L1, but L2 opens the door to a lot of things, especially in the professional world. Calling it a "waste" is silly.

 

[Mike Cash]

Add my name to the list of silly people, then.

 

[mad pierrot]

Great Questions.

And pretty much all that needed to said already has been.

BUT,

I want to throw in one more comment.


Take your time with your application. Far too few people recognize the value of being able to sell yourself. If you rush through it, even a qualified person can end up looking bad. Point in case: Both me and a friend applied for the JET programme. My friend speaks Japanese well, had experience teaching, and was an English major. I didn't speak Japanese well, had barely any teaching experience, and didn't have my degree entirely completed when I applied. My friend was rejected. I was accepted. Why? I can't be sure, but looking at his application compared to mine there were difference. Write everything you can on your application. Were you in Boy Scouts? A Life Guard? Don't sell yourself short. Don't just list facts curtly; give them a reason to want to learn more about you. (Which leads to an interview.)

Good Luck!

 

[ghostdust]

Thank you all for the responses so far. Thanks especially to the person who suggested I check out bigdaikon.com. I think as a result of reading through that site, my chances of getting accepted are increasing, but at the same time, I'm increasingly worried I won't make it.

Also, another question. For former employment, could I list a volunteer job I held (as the second)? I was heavily involved with a non-profit community space for about two years, spending anywhere from 10-30 hours a week there voluntarily (while holding a job and going to school). I managed finances, booked and set up special events and music shows, and attended most weekly executive decision making meetings during my time there. We made decisions based on consensus, which I believe is similar to the way Japanese make decisions. I'd hate to leave out this job because I wasn't getting paid.

 

[username5433]

I got a question. It is a little off topic but it does refere to the Jet Program. I know it would help but do you acually have to be able to speak Japanese to join the program? I don't think I have ever seen that mentioned in the forums.

 

[mad pierrot]

@ghostdust
Write it in, but be sure to mention you volunteered.

And no, you don't have to speak Japanese. In fact, I'd guess that more than half came to Japan without ever having studies the language.

 

[Mike Cash]

And of that number, I wonder how many leave without having studied it?

 

[mad pierrot]

None that I've ever met, although how much they've studied varies greatly. Some become Kanji gods, others seem to fart their way through...

 

[Mango]

Luck or blessings

Hi,

I was once a JET for 2 years. I believe I got in because of God's grace.

Before I got into the Programme, I don't speak more than a few sentances of Japanese (only took one course) therefore I don't think you need to know Japanese to get in. What is very important for people who don't speak Japanese is to SHOW interest in wanting to learn the language (even if you have no intention of wanting to learn it).

If you REALLY want to get in the programme, tell them that you are willing to go teach ANYWHERE during the interview if you make it to the interview. Don't be selective. Being not fussy about where you get posted will definitely increase your chances of getting in.

I chose Chiba bec one of my sibling was also a JET there. It has its advantage as it is close to Tokyo so I was able to receive my various monthly overseas visitors from Narita and I don't need to buy a separate domestic ticket to fly out of Japan when I want to go out of the country. Very economical in that sense. Down side was, I am not so keen about the people in Chiba esp those in my town (maybe I was unlucky...)...Anyway, sorry to get side-tracked...

And oh...actually, during the interview, I told the interviewers that bec I want to be given an opportunity to teach in Japan, I am willing to be posted anywhere but if they could be so kind to put me in a place where the rent is cheap, I'd be most grateful!!! I ended up paying 7000Yen (approxUS$70) a month for a big apt - three 6 tatami mat room (much bigger than my current flat here!) as the rest of the rent was subsizided by the school board. I really loved my apt and I was placed in a "small" city of 80,000 people. My boyfriend who was a JET in the next town paid 24000Yen for his house. Someone I knew had to pay 65000Yen for his house.

Depending on what your goal is - save $, have fun or ?? I wanted to earn as much money as I could so I could pay for my post-grad. Therefore, I did not mind living in a small town even if it is boring. But I think it is impossible for one to get bored in Japan. Shops are open 7 days a week compared to here in Austria.

Anyway, you had better reflect that you are a keen learner, enthusiastic, good teacher, someone with good interpersonal skills in your application & on your interview. Try to be chatty and articulate but not irritating during your interview. I believe these were the key elements that got me in though they could also be interested in my application bec I travelled to 20 countries before I applied for JET. Hard to say.

As for someone's question as to how many people actually left Japan without learning the language...many of my colleagues actually gave up learning the language bec they were not happy with the local people. I myself am one of them. I kind of got disgusted with the way I was treated by some of the locals I stopped learning the language altogether after being there for a year (Passed L4 though). Still, I was not as bad as some of my friends. I still made my best effort to speak my broken Japanese but my friends were so disgusted with the people there they refused to speak Japanese even though they knew some words and could utter a sentance or two.

After you pass the first round & get into JET Programme, prepare yourself for the culture shock that is sure to come!!

Good luck!

 

[Vegetasama]

I am glad you hit on this about the JET interview. Could you give more specifics about the questions they ask? Is it ok to say you would like to have a place that is cheap rent? I would like this very much as it would save me money. Also, I've heard that the smaller towns have the cheapest rent, which I also like because I dont want to be in a crazy busy place like Tokyo. I would like to know some sample questions they asked so that I may begin to prepare for an interview (assuming I have one). Thanks!!