Looking at the list from the last post I wrote - it seems pretty simple to throw together all the necessary and required paperwork for the JET Application. It can be, if you give yourself the time to make sure it all happens properly.
Let's break this down piece by piece and go into what may or may not be need for each section...
~ Main Application (signed) - 1 original and 2 copies needed ~
This is pretty straight forward. It's the big application. If you've ever worked, gone to college or even applied for a rewards card with your local pharmacy, then you would know how to fill out an application. If you have never filled one out - then it's really just a "answer all of the questions that are applicable to you" and very straight forward:
-general things(name, address, nationality, personal info)
-questions about the program
-employment history (relevant to the program!)
-your requested placement (if any)
-education information (college, grad school, courses)
-level of Japanese comprehension (auditory, written and verbal) and any other foreign languages
-any kind of educational experience (courses, practicum, etc...)
-they like to sneak little questions like this in there too: "Explain in a few sentences the proposed direction of your current or future profession and its relationship to the JET Program:"
-Japan-Related studies/activities
-Extracurricular stuff as well - sports, leadership activities
-How did you hear about the program? What got you interested in Japan?
These are the main bulk of the application - very straightforward and not too much thinking involved - besides that little question they throw at you there about your profession. The application itself, probably took me about 3 days to fill out, mostly because I was making sure I was putting the correct info in, and follow each set of directions...I would have loathed myself if I had not been able to apply due to not answering about my job or college career or not signing them!
Then there is an
Authorization and Release Form (signed) ~1 original and 2 copies ~ you need to fill out and sign with the main application.Very simple. Just don't forget to sign it!!!
The
Self-Assessment Medical Form (signed) ~ 1 original and 2 copies ~ is only more complicated if you need to answer yes to certain questions - then the Physician's Form needs to be attached as well (in my case - my nut allergy) and signed.
Statement of Purpose ( 2 pages max) ~ 3 photocopies ~ Here is your doozy of an essay. Take everything you've ever done, learned and wanted from and for the JET Program and mush it into a 2 page essay...exactly...what!? It was probably the most difficult part of the application for me. I had so much to write down, but not enough space to write it all. I did 2 drafts myself and was finally comfortable sending off the finished piece. The essay needs to be NO MORE than 2 pages, 12 pt. font and double spaced. The two main components of the piece are as such;
Relevant Experience - describe applicable experiences, professional skills, relevant interests and personal qualities, and how you feel these will be useful to you in as a JET.
Note: That's a lot of stuff for just 2 pages - and that's not even all of it!!!
Motivation for Participation - state why you wish to go to Japan and be in the program and why you're interested in the position (ALT or CIR). Address what you hope to gain, both personally and professionally, and what effect you hope to have on the Japanese community and internationally as a result of participation in the program.
Now maybe it's just me, but that's a lot to throw into one small essay. It was probably one of the hardest things for me to write AND mean all of the things I was feeling and wanting; and I was a writing major in college!
My SoP ended up being something I could be proud of - I will put a copy up on here for an example - so please don't steal it. I will find out.
My SoP:
Staci's SoP 2012
This is something that each person will write on their own terms. I know people who wrote it over and over again for months. It took me 3 days to write this and be confident it was good enough. Write drafts, ask your friends and family to read it and just make sure
you are happy with it.
The
Transcripts ~ 1 original and 2 copies ~ are very straightforward again. If you've graduated (any college OR grad schools) you just need to provide an original, registrar sealed documentation of your course works. Make a couple copies - it only cost me $5.00USD to get the transcript - but I also made the fantastic mistake of accidentally missing out some information on the request form ^_^;; oops.
A
Proof of Study Abroad ~ 1 original and 2 copies ~ is only if you've done it. I didn't personally; but it is very similar to your transcripts. You need to include transcripts from the place you studied abroad and make sure everything is clearly stated.
Your
Proof of Graduation/Expected Graduation Date ~ this varies ~ is again, only if you've not graduated. If you've already graduated and have your BA or Masters or what have you, you're all set and your transcripts will cover this perfectly. If you've not graduated yet, but will do so before July 1st of the year you're applying, then you need to provide proof that you'll be graduating. This can be time consuming, especially if you're not 100% sure that you're graduating or are transferring credits to your college/university.
Proof of Teacher's Certification and/or TEFL/TESL Certificate ~ 3 photocopies ~ This is only applicable if you have one obviously. You needed to check yes for questions 14a or 14b for this to refer to you. I've decided to go for my certification online and hopefully I'll have it by the time I'm home from Japan.
The
Proof of U.S. Citizenship ~ 3 photocopies ~ is extremely straight forward. You have 3 options here to to choose from.
- Valid US passport - you'll need the photocopies to be of the photo, name and signature.
- Birth Certificate
- Naturalization papers - you'll need to contact the INS for copies of this paper work.
The last and final piece of the puzzle are your
Reference Letters ~ 1 original and 2 copies ~ These in my opinion can make or break you. They are a huge piece of this entire package. Without good, concise and honest letters, you may as well not apply. It might not be your downfall if you're other information is stellar; but I'm a firm believer that if others believe in you, it's easier for you to believe in you. There need to be 2 letters of reference from 2 separate people. They want you to avoid using family or friends for these references. In my case I asked a couple of different people and used whomever got back to me first. My current manager at Staples, an old colleague from the Dept of Youth Services (whom I taught with) and an old adviser and colleague from college were the picks I got. I weighed the choices here and decided to go with the two colleagues I taught with due to the length of time they've known me (4+ for the college associate and 2 years for the DYS one) as opposed to my Staples manager who hadn't even known me for a full year (even though she was so sweet as to help me out!) You need to have them both use the
Release Form when they do their letters so as to make it formal (as we've figured out, the Japanese love their paper trails!) and then the rest is extremely specific...
Each person needs to have the reference form as page 1. Followed by a personal assessment on their organizations (or personal if not-applicable) letterhead. All of these must be prepared for this application and cannot be canned or "cookie cutter". They must then make 2 copies of the original and all need to have original signatures and reference forms. There needs to be 3 sets of forms and letters in the same signed and sealed envelope. They need to be put in the larger package you're sending the Embassy and not sent separately.
The only other thing is to remember to include your self addressed, stamped envelope. This will be key to them mailing you your application confirmation (of receipt).
And that's all the paperwork (for the application!) its a lot to read about - but trust me; it doesn't take half as long as it seems. The most important thing you'll learn from this process and from JET in general is PATIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!! And a lot of it. This is a long and drawn out process and a lot of people drop out because of the time span. It's a long time to wait for something and its never guaranteed to be a success. But you'll never know till you try. I did and now I'm heading to Japan in a little over a month and a half.
O tanoshimi kudasai!
