Aspiring US JETs 2013

[LA_Coordinator]

Hey, guys! I'm planning on applying to JET for the 2013-2014 school year. I'm from Los Angeles, and I'm currently a senior in college. Just wanted to add my name to the list. Itching to get a jump start on the application already, haha.

Woohoo! Best of luck; feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the application process.

[non-sequitor: Baumkuchen is ridiculously tasty]

[LA_Coordinator]

You, my friend, are in good company. As long as you learn from your mistakes, you can't help but be a more well-rounded person, whatever the outcome. I hope the best for you. And to answer your question about early departure: I say, go for it! I know they don't accept a ton of people for ED, but it's worth applying for it. All you will have to do is to make sure you have your background check in order before you apply. Also, make sure that you have enough money saved up by April so if you're selected you can JET.

Couldn't have said it better myself! To the best of my knowledge, the best thing a 2nd+ time applicant can do is think about how they've grown in the past year to become a stronger candidate.

When it comes to Early Departure, go for it if you are confident that you will be able to leave in April if chosen; if you have any doubts about leaving early, then it might be best to apply for regular departure. Choosing Early Departure won't increase your chances of getting into the Program. However, if you are chosen and then refuse placement in April, you face the same consequences as someone who refuses placement for Regular Departure.

[eledoremassis02]

Thank you very much

Since I am finished with school I've been applying to substitute. The process is really long though. Question about the letters of recommendation, can we use a high school teacher who I've kept in contact with and know well? I was advised against it last year and chose a professor from my online class (was at an online college). I also fear that transferring for Community college then to a 4 year school and then to an online university (it's a real college) also may have hurt me as well. Obviously, it's something I have to consider but that damage is done and can't be changed lol.

Also, I mentioned this on another thread. I did not do official tutoring as there wasn't much of a chance to tutor study abroad students in my College. I did tutor some friend in Japan through the internet by conversing with them in English, peer reviewing English language papers and correcting their English and such. But since it was not done through a school or program I feared that it was not really considered because there was really no way to prove that I had done this. I added some of my friends e-mails but they were never contacted.

Also, I hate to be a pain but me and my brother have been working on video games (I do the art). Should I put that down under my work history? Would it be odd to have my brother listed as a reference?

[OdysseyOfNoises]

Question about the letters of recommendation, can we use a high school teacher who I've kept in contact with and know well?

I wouldn't, because they can't really vouch for your university or professional life. I was on the verge of using my old choirmaster as a reference (knew me from the age of 6, kept in contact and kept singing into adulthood) but I'm kind of glad I didn't now. An academic or professional reference will always look better.

Also, I hate to be a pain but me and my brother have been working on video games (I do the art). Should I put that down under my work history? Would it be odd to have my brother listed as a reference?

Don't put your brother down as a reference, and if it is not professional experience then don't put it down in your work history. As genuine as his words may appear to be there is an almost 100% guarantee of bias. Put it down as a hobby. You'd be surprised how strongly such things are considered on an application.

[Chrisd928]

Firstly, I want to thank Miami and LA for being here and giving advice! I'm glad that there are people to give real advice (rather than me repeating what I've found in old threads or from my experience last year). You guys are awesome and so helpful ^_^

Secondly, welcome to all the new people! I'm super excited to have everyone XD Serendipity, I'm going to leave you under NY for now, since PA doesn't have it's own consulate.

Thirdly, JET isn't really about the college you got a degree from because the degree is a requirement due to Japan's visa requirements. So, don't be too concerned about that. Also, I would have to disagree that a high school teacher who knew you well and you have kept in touch with is a bad choice of reference. I think that it is definitely better than a uni professor who has no idea you even took their class. Yes, I agree that a college or professional reference looks best, but only if they actually know you well and can speak to your ability as a JET candidate.

Fourthly, references. I want them. I just want to do it now >.< But I have to wait for that form... Poo.

[eledoremassis02]

Question about the letters of recommendation, can we use a high school teacher who I've kept in contact with and know well?

I wouldn't, because they can't really vouch for your university or professional life. I was on the verge of using my old choirmaster as a reference (knew me from the age of 6, kept in contact and kept singing into adulthood) but I'm kind of glad I didn't now. An academic or professional reference will always look better.

Also, I hate to be a pain but me and my brother have been working on video games (I do the art). Should I put that down under my work history? Would it be odd to have my brother listed as a reference?

Don't put your brother down as a reference, and if it is not professional experience then don't put it down in your work history. As genuine as his words may appear to be there is an almost 100% guarantee of bias. Put it down as a hobby. You'd be surprised how strongly such things are considered on an application.

Thank you alot.

Good point on the letter of recommendation.

Putting game art as a hobby sounds good because it's really a fine line in the indie game industry. We're working on games to sell but it being "professional" or not can really depend on the individual, I suppose.

[LA_Coordinator]

Thirdly, JET isn't really about the college you got a degree from because the degree is a requirement due to Japan's visa requirements. So, don't be too concerned about that. Also, I would have to disagree that a high school teacher who knew you well and you have kept in touch with is a bad choice of reference. I think that it is definitely better than a uni professor who has no idea you even took their class. Yes, I agree that a college or professional reference looks best, but only if they actually know you well and can speak to your ability as a JET candidate.

Hrm. Personally, I wouldn't choose a high school teacher to write a reference for me unless they have played some sort of role in my academic/professional life throughout college, as well. I agree, though, that it's not a good idea to ask someone to write a reference for you unless they know you well. Hopefully the person writing a reference will be someone who has had a recent and positive experience working with you academically and/or professionally.

Fourthly, references. I want them. I just want to do it now >.< But I have to wait for that form... Poo.

I know it's frustrating for many aspiring JETs who, like yourself, want to get a head start on the application but can't get hold of the current forms quite yet. Sit tight!I know it's tough to wait, but the application will be posted sometime in October.

In the meantime, maybe you could get started on your Statement of Purpose? The Statement of Purpose is a big part of the application (and I know it was the most time-consuming step for me back when I applied). You could use last year's application guidelines to start drafting your Statement of Purpose for this year. Getting started early on this portion could be of huge benefit to you later on, since you'll have more time to edit and improve upon the content between now and the application deadline.

People who are applying for a 2nd+ time could take a look at their Statement of Purpose from last year and reflect about what they can do to make it an even better one which demonstrates how they have grown.

...so, it's great that you're keen to get started early! And even though the application isn't out quite yet, hopefully the extra time you could invest in the Statement of Purpose will pay off in the end.

[Chrisd928]

Thanks LA ^_^ I do agree that a HS reference isn't preferable, but I think a professor who doesn't really know you at all is even worse. Big names and titles doesn't make a good reference in a cultural exchange. Best would be a professional or uni reference who knows you well.

I am applying for my second time this year. But, I've already gone over my old SoP. I even had my Advanced Writing class go over it as one of my peer editing pieces. I have asked other people to read it and give me feedback. I've written other drafts and outlines to see how I feel about other things. Unfortunately, I am now waiting to see how things change, how I want to emphasize different experiences, etc, before I write my final SoP for this year ^^; Which just means more waiting for me. I am over-prepared at this point. All that's left is references, SoP, and the other forms; I think the only thing I can actively do right now is mail a transcript request that I think I haven't done yet...

[Samurai_Steve]

To the best of my knowledge, the best thing a 2nd+ time applicant can do is think about how they've grown in the past year to become a stronger candidate.

I completely agree! I know for certain that I have definitely become a better candidate since last year when I applied for the first time. Will it be enough? That is yet to be decided. But I'm giving it a good one-two punch!

Couldn't have said it better myself!

Thanks!

People who are applying for a 2nd+ time could take a look at their Statement of Purpose from last year and reflect about what they can do to make it an even better one which demonstrates how they have grown.

I have actually begun to do that. I printed out last year's SoP last week and pretty much decided that all of 3 or 4 sentences were relevant or worthy to keep this time around. Yeah, it was pretty bad looking at it in hindsight. But I have so much more to add, and with different things to say, that I am sure it will be much better than last year's. Now I need to start writing the new one...

I think the only thing I can actively do right now is mail a transcript request that I think I haven't done yet...

I hadn't thought of that one. We should get on that, Chris.

[Chrisd928]

Samurai_Steve wrote:

Chrisd928 wrote:
I think the only thing I can actively do right now is mail a transcript request that I think I haven't done yet...


I hadn't thought of that one. We should get on that, Chris.

I have my envelopes and forms all filled out... But I think that I will need to redo them because I have moved since I wrote them...

Actually, a good question for a coordinator. Does it matter when I got the transcript? As long as it is current, is that fine?

[Moosashi]

Samurai_Steve wrote:

Chrisd928 wrote:
I think the only thing I can actively do right now is mail a transcript request that I think I haven't done yet...


I hadn't thought of that one. We should get on that, Chris.

I have my envelopes and forms all filled out... But I think that I will need to redo them because I have moved since I wrote them...

Actually, a good question for a coordinator. Does it matter when I got the transcript? As long as it is current, is that fine?

So long as your transcript is up to date the issue date shouldn't matter. They only want to make sure that you graduated and maybe check out your grades.

[Chrisd928]

Awesome. Thanks ^_^

[Amor Dei]

Greetings,

I'm new to this forum and was recommended to this thread back in May. I'm planning on applying to the JET program in 2013 and thought I may seek advice from those on this site. I'll try my best to adhere to the protocols and get to know some of you, so lets get along! I'm rather busy at times so I may not be able to promptly respond on the thread, so if anyone ever has anything personal to speak to me about please feel free to message me.

Now that my subtle introduction is finished, I've two questions for anyone that may be able to shed some light on a few matters. First, I'm applying for my passport and was wondering if I should apply for both a passport book and a passport card. The reason I ask is that I've heard that foreigners in Japan often get asked to reveal their passports and I know that the cards are much smaller. However, I'm not even sure if the cards are applicable, and I've also read that you can make a photocopy of your passport.

My next question pertains to the actual application for JET. I need to contact the Japanese embassy to get the application, correct? Or do I need to wait until JET is actually accepting applications?

If this isn't the proper place for these sorts of questions I apologize in advance. And if I've overlooked any rules or previous questions about these matters please accept my apologies.

Thank you for your time and patience and your help in these matters. Take care and God bless.

[eledoremassis02]

Greetings,

I'm new to this forum and was recommended to this thread back in May. I'm planning on applying to the JET program in 2013 and thought I may seek advice from those on this site. I'll try my best to adhere to the protocols and get to know some of you, so lets get along! I'm rather busy at times so I may not be able to promptly respond on the thread, so if anyone ever has anything personal to speak to me about please feel free to message me.

Now that my subtle introduction is finished, I've two questions for anyone that may be able to shed some light on a few matters. First, I'm applying for my passport and was wondering if I should apply for both a passport book and a passport card. The reason I ask is that I've heard that foreigners in Japan often get asked to reveal their passports and I know that the cards are much smaller. However, I'm not even sure if the cards are applicable, and I've also read that you can make a photocopy of your passport.

My next question pertains to the actual application for JET. I need to contact the Japanese embassy to get the application, correct? Or do I need to wait until JET is actually accepting applications?

If this isn't the proper place for these sorts of questions I apologize in advance. And if I've overlooked any rules or previous questions about these matters please accept my apologies.

Thank you for your time and patience and your help in these matters. Take care and God bless.

Welcome to the forum!

I am not sure about the passport card. But if you carry a bad, carrying your passport is not much of a pain

Also, the application is filled out online (then printed with all the other requirements and sent to your embassy). The application should be available in October. Hope this helps and good luck!

[Gizmotech]

Now that my subtle introduction is finished, I've two questions for anyone that may be able to shed some light on a few matters. First, I'm applying for my passport and was wondering if I should apply for both a passport book and a passport card. The reason I ask is that I've heard that foreigners in Japan often get asked to reveal their passports and I know that the cards are much smaller. However, I'm not even sure if the cards are applicable, and I've also read that you can make a photocopy of your passport.

The PASS act card, or the passport card is not a passport in any sense of the word. It is a quick border access to the US from near-by sea/land transit systems. It's the same thing as a secured driver's license in Canada.

You will only need to carry your passport on you for a couple of days once you get to Japan. This year, people have received their new residence status cards within as short a time as two days of registering in their destination areas. (Longest one I've heard of was 1.5 weeks, which is still better than the old ARC).

After you have this card you no longer need to carry your passport.