I've decided that on top of the posts about my experiences in Japan, I also want to delve a little bit more into the process of the JET application, interview and selection processes.
This all starts with a question though....
That's the real big question that you need to ask yourself. In that, there are topics with more in depth questions.
Just a heads up; here is the timeline for this application (for me) and an idea of how much time and effort truly go into the process of applying for something so extremely rewarding.
~ October 31st, 2011~
Well...there's no way to sugar coat it...there's a lot. Here's the list:
-- Main Application (9 pages)
-- Authorization and Release form
-- Self Assessment Medical form
-- Physician's form (I only needed this due to my peanut allergy)
-- Certificate of Health (again for my allergy)
-- Statement of Purpose (which I'll refer to as my SoP)
-- Official Transcripts
-- Proof of Study Abroad (if you've done that, I didn't so no need for me!)
-- Proof of Graduation/expected Graduation(diploma or transcripts)
-- Proof of Teacher's and/or TEFL/TESL certification (if you have it)
-- Proof of US Citizenship (again this is just a US application)
-- 2 Letters of Reference and the accompanying reference forms
-- Self Addressed - Stamped Envelope
All of this...is just what needs to go in the packet to the Japanese Embassy in DC. You need 1 original of each and 2 copies. 3 separate sets of the paperwork. They all go to the same address at the Embassy; but the Japanese are sticklers for paperwork! Making sure all of this is done per every regulation is imperative! If you miss something or aren't sure that something is correct - it could disqualify you from even having your application considered.
That being said...I made sure to have all 3 sets of paperwork plus an extra set for my own records. A few of the sets of paperwork must be original - I'll put next to each what the requirements are when I go into a little more detail about what each one is.
All of these documents are pretty easy to get - but some take time - so timing your ordering or requests is vital. You don't want to be disqualified because you didn't give your school enough time to send your transcripts! But I'm sure, like me, I was done with 3 weeks to spare (overachiever much??)
In the next post - I'll go into more detail on each section - please do not hesitate to ask questions - and a good source for answers other than me is: JET Program Forums - Aspiring JETS
O tanoshimi kudasai!
This all starts with a question though....
Why JET?
That's the real big question that you need to ask yourself. In that, there are topics with more in depth questions.
- Is JET right for you? - Do you love Japan? Do you love to teach?
- How will you benefit from JET? - What are you going to gain from this experience?
- How will you be a benefit for JET? - How will you continue with Japan-US relations after JET?
Just a heads up; here is the timeline for this application (for me) and an idea of how much time and effort truly go into the process of applying for something so extremely rewarding.
~ October 31st, 2011~
- Applications available at the JET Programme Home Page.
Well...there's no way to sugar coat it...there's a lot. Here's the list:
-- Main Application (9 pages)
-- Authorization and Release form
-- Self Assessment Medical form
-- Physician's form (I only needed this due to my peanut allergy)
-- Certificate of Health (again for my allergy)
-- Statement of Purpose (which I'll refer to as my SoP)
-- Official Transcripts
-- Proof of Study Abroad (if you've done that, I didn't so no need for me!)
-- Proof of Graduation/expected Graduation(diploma or transcripts)
-- Proof of Teacher's and/or TEFL/TESL certification (if you have it)
-- Proof of US Citizenship (again this is just a US application)
-- 2 Letters of Reference and the accompanying reference forms
-- Self Addressed - Stamped Envelope
All of this...is just what needs to go in the packet to the Japanese Embassy in DC. You need 1 original of each and 2 copies. 3 separate sets of the paperwork. They all go to the same address at the Embassy; but the Japanese are sticklers for paperwork! Making sure all of this is done per every regulation is imperative! If you miss something or aren't sure that something is correct - it could disqualify you from even having your application considered.
That being said...I made sure to have all 3 sets of paperwork plus an extra set for my own records. A few of the sets of paperwork must be original - I'll put next to each what the requirements are when I go into a little more detail about what each one is.
All of these documents are pretty easy to get - but some take time - so timing your ordering or requests is vital. You don't want to be disqualified because you didn't give your school enough time to send your transcripts! But I'm sure, like me, I was done with 3 weeks to spare (overachiever much??)
In the next post - I'll go into more detail on each section - please do not hesitate to ask questions - and a good source for answers other than me is: JET Program Forums - Aspiring JETS
O tanoshimi kudasai!
Just wanted to say i'll keep watching your blog. I think there is tons of great info here for would-be JETs
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDelete