Hi! I’m interested to apply for 2024 JET Programme. What are the things I have to prepare for or skills that at least I should learn in advance before the application starts?
Take a look at the application form and guidelines – it will give you an idea of what the programme values and is looking out for. E.g. TEFL certification will definitely help, as well as evidence to show that you are interested in building intercultural relations.
Any type of tutoring can be a great help since it shows you have some hands on teaching experience! Also it can’t hurt to start working on your Japanese! 🙂
List a few things you’ve done i.e. work experience, volunteer experience, travel experience, other relatable skills.
These are the steps and advice I suggest. This was my 2nd time applying and 1st interviewing. I got in this time and I think it’s because of the steps bellow.
1) Start looking for references asap.
I told my references in advance that I would be asking them. When August came, I reminded them to see if they were still ok with it. I also informed them about JET. I explained the program in detail so they could understand how I fit into the program. (If you still haven’t graduated with your BA, 1 of your references has to be associated with your college.)
2) Start the application ASAP.
Do not wait last minute since it is long. I suggest starting it 2 to 3 days after the application opening and turning everything in 1 week before the application ends.
3) Watch JET application videos to understand the process. If this is your second time applying, I still suggest watching them for ideas. (Stay away from videos older than 3 years)
4) Your SOP is not the interview.
Do not write it as answering interview questions. You will get to do that when you proceed to that stage. Instead, write your purpose. These are the key points you need to answer in the SOP.
1) Why Japan 2) Why JET 3) Why teaching (if your applying for CIR, change this to match) 4) How have your experiences prepared you for the job of an ALT or CIR 5) what will you contribute to your school and community 6) What are your plans after JET
It doesn’t need to be in that order. Just make sure to hit all 6 when writing.
5) Let everyone read your SOP.
The more the merrier I let everyone, even strangers, read my SOP. I provided the 6 questions to them and I asked if all 6 were addressed. I also asked for their overall thoughts. I listened to everyone’s idea and perspective.
6) Read the documents directions carefully. One mistake can cost you your interview. (This was one of my mistake the 1st time around )
Good luck. If you got more questions, do not hesitate to reach out to me. My discord is chibi#6295
I’m also going to apply for the 2024 programme. I started studying Japanese (although admittedly I haven’t for like a month) and I also started a tefl course. I’m going to make sure I have all my references ready and waiting too, since following this subreddit it seems like a lot of people wait till the last minute to ask and then panic when they can’t get enough. I’m also getting my drivers licence since I know that something that can help. Best of luck!!
Start considering who you will ask for your references, gain more volunteering/cultural exchange or teaching experiences if you can, or even start new hobbies that you can list on your application (yes it has a hobbies section) that you think might make you like a well rounded candidate. This video, although a little old, gives a walkthrough of the JET application and shows all the questions. Start thinking about the statement of purpose ahead of time. Also the best advice I heard is to give just as much care and thought to the short answer questions as you do to the essay and have your answers to those peer reviewed/proofread as well.
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Take a look at the application form and guidelines – it will give you an idea of what the programme values and is looking out for. E.g. TEFL certification will definitely help, as well as evidence to show that you are interested in building intercultural relations.
Any type of tutoring can be a great help since it shows you have some hands on teaching experience!
Also it can’t hurt to start working on your Japanese! 🙂
List a few things you’ve done i.e. work experience, volunteer experience, travel experience, other relatable skills.
These are the steps and advice I suggest. This was my 2nd time applying and 1st interviewing. I got in this time and I think it’s because of the steps bellow.
1) Start looking for references asap.
I told my references in advance that I would be asking them. When August came, I reminded them to see if they were still ok with it. I also informed them about JET. I explained the program in detail so they could understand how I fit into the program.
(If you still haven’t graduated with your BA, 1 of your references has to be associated with your college.)
2) Start the application ASAP.
Do not wait last minute since it is long. I suggest starting it 2 to 3 days after the application opening and turning everything in 1 week before the application ends.
3) Watch JET application videos to understand the process. If this is your second time applying, I still suggest watching them for ideas. (Stay away from videos older than 3 years)
4) Your SOP is not the interview.
Do not write it as answering interview questions. You will get to do that when you proceed to that stage. Instead, write your purpose. These are the key points you need to answer in the SOP.
1) Why Japan
2) Why JET
3) Why teaching (if your applying for CIR, change this to match)
4) How have your experiences prepared you for the job of an ALT or CIR
5) what will you contribute to your school and community
6) What are your plans after JET
It doesn’t need to be in that order. Just make sure to hit all 6 when writing.
5) Let everyone read your SOP.
The more the merrier
I let everyone, even strangers, read my SOP. I provided the 6 questions to them and I asked if all 6 were addressed. I also asked for their overall thoughts. I listened to everyone’s idea and perspective.
6) Read the documents directions carefully.
One mistake can cost you your interview. (This was one of my mistake the 1st time around )
Good luck. If you got more questions, do not hesitate to reach out to me. My discord is chibi#6295
I’m also going to apply for the 2024 programme. I started studying Japanese (although admittedly I haven’t for like a month) and I also started a tefl course. I’m going to make sure I have all my references ready and waiting too, since following this subreddit it seems like a lot of people wait till the last minute to ask and then panic when they can’t get enough. I’m also getting my drivers licence since I know that something that can help. Best of luck!!
Start considering who you will ask for your references, gain more volunteering/cultural exchange or teaching experiences if you can, or even start new hobbies that you can list on your application (yes it has a hobbies section) that you think might make you like a well rounded candidate.
This video, although a little old, gives a walkthrough of the JET application and shows all the questions. Start thinking about the statement of purpose ahead of time. Also the best advice I heard is to give just as much care and thought to the short answer questions as you do to the essay and have your answers to those peer reviewed/proofread as well.
https://youtu.be/pevayDhsnDU
Thank you all for the response. Really appreciate it. Best of luck to everyone 🫶