2012 JET Application Questions?

[bmlong]

Hi! I have a question. (obviously)
This is for the U.S. application.
When filling out the application I noticed that I had to fill in all blanks. Under Academic Specialization there is a place for teaching certification. I put down "no" because I do not have one, and yet it says I need to fill in the date part with a valid date. Would it be OK to leave this blank? Since I have no reason to put a date in it and I don't want to feel like I'm lying about something.
Thanks,

[Teari]

merky and miami, thanks so much for the input It definitely helps as I tend to over-analyze and worry already, let alone bringing JET anticipation into it XD

How crazy excited is everyone right now? I'm SOOO thrilled the app is finally up and gettin' done ;D I will be back with more questions >_>

[miami_coordinator]

Thanks so much for fielding all these questions. I know it's a lot, so I really appreciate it.

7. Hometown and Home State
"Enter the town/city and state which you feel most comfortable representing while on the JET Program."
•Could you explain this part a little more? Does this refer to place of actual permanent residency, or simply any place you just feel most comfortable with? For example, say I've lived in another state for a short while, and feel more comfortable representing that state than my current one.

2b. ALT Placement (for CIR applicants only)
"Would you like to be considered for the ALT position?"
•Will my answer to this affect the decision process for being a CIR, or is it only considered after rejection for the CIR part?
i.e. A hypothetical scenario: the reviewer thinks I'd make a great ALT. Would that steer me away from acceptance as a CIR?

31. Japanese Language Certification
•I passed the JLPT at one point, but it was several years ago and the level I passed doesn't reflect my current Japanese level. My transcript is a better indicator of my level, so should I still include my JLPT certificate?

26. Teaching Background
c. Teacher Training and/or Education Courses
•I've taken courses in my school's Education department, but they were not for teacher-training but rather research-type courses. Should I put those down? What about Counseling courses? Do they count?

Dates
•If I'm studying something on my own and don't intend to stop anytime soon, should I mark the date as, for example, 01/01 - present, or do the fields have to have actual, specific dates?

25. Higher Education Institutions Attended
"Note: You must provide official transcripts from ALL institutions listed here, unless your final transcript includes the following regarding transfer credits (institution name, course names, grades received, dates taken)."
•My undergraduate transcript includes all of my transfer credits, minus one class -- it's one of those required classes geared for orienting freshmen to college. I also have transfer credit for a summer class from another uni. Should I include all my transcripts, just to be safe?

Experiences, Studies, etc.
•Should I put down my classes, volunteer work, and international/intercultural experiences in chronological order, or can I order it based on relevancy to JET?

"If you have additional experience you would like to include, you may add attachments, provided they are in the same format as the chart in the print out version of this application and do not exceed one page"
•Is that one page maximum for each section (International/intercultural experiences, Japan-related studies...), or one page for all the sections?

Thanks again!

7. Basically, it just means which town do you want to represent as a JET? If you moved a lot, which feels the most like a "hometown?" Or is there a nearby city that you think you'd rather be representative of compared with the suburb you actually live in? Or perhaps you want to claim you're from the place where you went to college or university? Sometimes this question can influence placement, as occasionally contracting organizations specifically request JETs from a sister city or a sister state. It also gives your future coworkers a little bit more information to get ready to research about you (for example, your mailing address may currently be in Los Angeles, but if you actually grew up in Boston your whole life, you may want to say that you're from Boston; there can be a big difference between someone from LA and someone from Boston).

2b. The CIR/ALT switch would happen at the interview stage. Typically, the change happens because your Japanese language skills are not considered to be sufficient for the CIR position OR we do not anticipate there will be enough CIR positions to accommodate all qualified applicants. The change may happen in the interview itself, or it could be that afterwards the interviewing panel may decide to recommend the CIR applicant for an ALT position instead. It should be noted that it's not an automatic switch; a CIR applicant would still need to meet the basic requirements that we look for in ALTs (sometimes I see CIR applicants who approach the ALT position as if it's a guaranteed condolence prize). Some applicants who are not accepted as short-listed CIRs will be accepted as alternate CIRs rather than short-listed ALTs, even if they stated they would be interested in the ALT position. This typically happens when we consider the applicant to be a better fit with the CIR position and also because we always need to have CIR alternates in case some drop out. In response to your exact question, yes, it is possible that if an interviewing panel thinks you are better suited to be an ALT then they would likely recommend you to be an ALT rather than a CIR (but only if you stated you were open to this possibility on your application). The other alternative in that situation would probably be either rejection or being put on an alternate list.

At the application reviewing process, CIR applicants will not be viewed as potential ALTs. They will be judged upon their merits as a potential CIR and must be able to demonstrate (generally through language tests and/or Japanese classes) that they have the Japanese proficiency necessary to be considered for the CIR position. Otherwise, they will not be passed to the interview stage (where they might or might not be considered for the ALT position depending upon what their actual Japanese language proficiency is).

31. Yes, you should note that you passed the JLPT and provide a copy of the certification if you are able. If your increased Japanese proficiency is because you took additional classes, we would be able to note the advanced level of those classes as well as the fact that you took them after you passed the JLPT. Additionally, your rating of your skills would presumably put you at a higher level than that JLPT's level.

26. In general, I would say that it can be advantageous to put any sort of education-related class, but it will be up to you to determine how relevant they may or may not be. It would probably be best to include them in "other teaching experience" rather than "classroom experience." If a reviewer does not consider the classes that you put to be qualified examples of educational experience, he or she may choose not to count them (but you wouldn't be penalized for putting them there).

Dates: Yes, writing something like "01/2010-present" should be acceptable. I did that on my trial application and it was accepted (some things changed since then, though, so you may want to confirm in the PDF copy). If for any reason that is not accepted, I would recommend putting a future date, such as the day before anticipated departure, to show that you are currently doing that particular thing and will continue to do so up until departure.

25. For transcripts, in general, I would say that you should get separate transcripts (including for the summer course, unless all of that information is listed on your main transcript). We need to see the course titles and grades for all classes. It may or may not be necessary in a case where it's just the one class for which you presumably did not receive transfer credit, but my advice is usually to be absolutely certain and get the extra transcripts.

Experience/Studies: I do not believe that order matters, although it is customary to list things chronologically.

Additional Pages: It is a 1 page maximum per section. Each additional paper should be added after the page in the application which contains the relevant section.

[miami_coordinator]

Sorry Miami, I have a couple more questions...

I finally got around to photocopying my passport as proof of U.S. Citizenship, but my photo didn't come out and is just a black blob in the shape of my outline. Is this okay? Or should I either get a photocopy where my image is visible or send a photocopy of my birth certificate instead?

Second question, I've only taken one college course that I can put under the Teacher Training and/or Education Courses section, but I got a poor grade in it (C-). Should I still put this on my application? I mean, they can see the grade in my official transcript anyway. But, I'm worried that even though I want to show that I have taken a class about teaching, the grade would cancel out the experience anyway...

Thanks again for being the answer guru.

At this stage in the process, the photocopy you are describing is fine (as long as all of the other relevant information is legible). If you are accepted as a short listed or alternate candidate, though, you would need to provide a clearer photocopy of your passport where the picture is clearly discernible.

Yes, you should still put the course in that section. After all, whether it was an A or a C, it's still experience you have that other applicants may not.

[miami_coordinator]

Hi! I have a question. (obviously)
This is for the U.S. application.
When filling out the application I noticed that I had to fill in all blanks. Under Academic Specialization there is a place for teaching certification. I put down "no" because I do not have one, and yet it says I need to fill in the date part with a valid date. Would it be OK to leave this blank? Since I have no reason to put a date in it and I don't want to feel like I'm lying about something.
Thanks,

I think we fixed that problem. Try it again and see if it's working.

[miami_coordinator]

merky and miami, thanks so much for the input It definitely helps as I tend to over-analyze and worry already, let alone bringing JET anticipation into it XD

How crazy excited is everyone right now? I'm SOOO thrilled the app is finally up and gettin' done ;D I will be back with more questions >_>

No worries - I was the same when I applied (and we had to use paper applications then, so I had to stress over whether it looked unprofessional to use whiteout and whether my handwriting was legible enough or not).

My advice is to forget about the other applicants. Don't compare yourself with them. Focus on you and what you have to offer (and also what you want to gain out of the experience). And stay excited! Don't get bogged down in the nerves and the stress of applying and contemplating living in another country. Over 50,000 JET alumni have preceded you. It's definitely doable, so focus on the positives!

[JaegerNJos]

I apologize for rehashing my original post, but now that the U.S. application has gone live, I can ask some specifics that I wasn’t able to last time. I’ve noticed a couple of these questions that “seem” like they’ve been answered in responses to others’ questions, but I’ll go ahead and ask them fully just to make sure I can “cross my i’s and dot my t’s,” as it were. Thanks again for the quick and thorough responses Miami_coordinator!

I’m still a little confused as to how to answer question 14b. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Arts in the Teaching of Languages (MATL) program, emphasis TESOL, and will complete my degree in the spring semester (May 2012). In addition to MATL degrees in Spanish, French, or TESOL, my department allows non-degree students to obtain a TESOL certificate by either a.) completing the “core” MATL required courses in foreign/second language acquisition and teaching (12 hrs. study) or b.) completing 12 hrs. in TESOL courses. As a MATL emphasis TESOL student, I have completed the 12 hrs. of required language teaching/acquisition courses and 18 hrs. in TESOL courses (over and above what is required to obtain a TESOL certificate), so after your previous answer, I met with my Graduate Program Director to discuss how I should answer the question. Unfortunately, I don’t think she understood the situation very well; her reply was that I was obtaining a Master’s degree in TESOL and to include a CV, even though I told her the directions clearly state that resume’s, CV’s, and the like will not be processed by the scorers.

Consequently, my question is, should I answer “Yes” to question 14b, to which I could state that I have taken between 20-60 hrs. of coursework and that my expected completion date is 05/2012?
Also, would a letter from my Graduate Program Director briefly describing the program and my enrollment/expected date of graduation be sufficient for “separate written proof (from the institution granting the certification) of your qualifications or enrollment in a program which will lead to certification, including your date (or expected date) of completion?” One of the biggest reasons I initially applied to this program while on the waitlist as an alternate in 2009 was because it gave a Master’s degree upon program completion, rather than just a certificate, and I hate for all the extra time and effort in obtaining the degree to go unnoticed.

I also have a question about 25 and 26a that I think have been answered already, but I’ll check to make sure I understood the answers correctly. In question 25, in the field where we input the abbreviation for our degree, the form only allows for three letters to be entered. Upon completion, my degree will be a MATL, not an MA or an MAT, so would the appropriate response be to type MA* and include the full degree abbreviation on a separate page? Also, regarding question 26, only four “slots” are available to list teacher training and/or education courses. Since all of the courses in my MATL program have been teacher training/language education courses, should I include the others I have taken on an extra sheet of paper, formatted the same way as the application is formatted?

Thank you very much for your assistance Miami_coordinator, you certainly are going above and beyond the call of duty by answering all of our questions! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

[nyllyn]

Good day, dear Miami Coordinator of Supreme Intelligence. I have a question about the US application.

The error with question 14b about teaching certificates has been fixed on the HTML version of the application, but it is acting strange in the PDF version. All other boxes on the PDF have been automatically filled in with my typed answers, or a "Y" or "N" - however, the box for 14b is blank, even though I have selected "No" on the HTML application. Would it be acceptable to simply fill in that one box by hand with a simple, black-ink "N"?

Thank you for your time!

[Gekishinken]

Good day, dear Miami Coordinator of Supreme Intelligence. I have a question about the US application.

The error with question 14b about teaching certificates has been fixed on the HTML version of the application, but it is acting strange in the PDF version. All other boxes on the PDF have been automatically filled in with my typed answers, or a "Y" or "N" - however, the box for 14b is blank, even though I have selected "No" on the HTML application. Would it be acceptable to simply fill in that one box by hand with a simple, black-ink "N"?

Thank you for your time!

I'm having the same problem and was wondering the same thing

[acrossthesea]

Hello,

I'm an aspiring JET applicant, and I just want to start by saying how much I appreciate your answering all these questions. Nice to have a reliable source of information. Anyway, I have two questions about the 2012 application.

1. The instructions clearly say to fill in anything that does not apply to you with an "N/A." In the section that asks about formal study of Japanese history and culture, I filled in "N/A," as I have never taken such a course. It also has a space for "Grade Received," which of course is also not applicable to me. However, when one attempts to write "N/A" here, there is only room for "N/." What would you recommend writing here? I am hesitant to just leave it blank based on the instructions, but then again "N/" looks kind of foolish. I know this is neurotic and specific, but I figured if I could get an informed answer it would be beneficial for me and others.

2. I have obtained a verification of enrollment from my college's records/registration office. It is not a letter per say but an official form that has all the requisite information on it. I know the first set of application document requires original signatures... This form is on college letterhead and is stamped with the registrar's seal. The signature on it, however, is a stamp of the head honcho's signature. I imagine they need his signature on so many documents that they just made it into a stamp. Will this be sufficient? The document is very obviously official and legitimate; I just don't want to be disqualified based on the technicality of not having had someone put pen to paper and sign their name. Any insight would be much appreciated!



Thanks so much!

[merkypie]

Write NA instead.

[HikariKaitou]

So I have kind of an unusual question about the permanent address section: I've recently found out that my family and I will be moving to Korea in January so I wouldn't be able to receive anything sent to my current home address after December, but I also don't know what my address in Korea will be yet. What should I put there? I have an aunt and uncle in the US that I plan to stay with in the event that I am selected for the interview stage. Should I put their address? What would you suggest?

[jenipo]

I'm looking over and I'm just about done filling out but for the medical portions. It's asking what was the last time I visited the doctor and it disregards basic checkups and routine visits. I don't remember anything but that in the past few years. Do I just put N/A or...

[em1001]

Thank you for all your help Miami! I have what I hope to be my final couple of questions.

Should we only list relevant experience once? I have volunteer tutoring experience. So it technically falls under both the Other Teaching/Tutoring experience category and the Volunteer category. Should I just list it once? And if so, which category would it be best to list it under?

Also, if we volunteer but our hours vary (as in there are certain weeks or months where I don't volunteer at all but other times when I volunteer multiple times a week) how would I list this in the hours/week section?

*Edit: Also, under the "c. Teacher Training and/or Education Courses," would I list the courses I've taken that make up my TEFL Certificate here?

[手乗り大河]

I have a couple of question that I have searched the internet for, but I have not found a concrete answer for them.

1. What are the rules for entering N/A? Should you enter NA if you cannot enter N/A, because there is not enough room? For drop down menus, should you leave them blank? Should you enter N/A to questions that are only for CIR applicants (I am applying for ALT)? I don't want to get scrapped just for that!

2. The question about dietary preferences has me losing sleep! My husband and I are vegans, and I don't know what I should put down. I am afraid if I say I don't eat meat, dairy, or eggs, they might scrap me right away, because they will think I am to much trouble. I don't want to lie, but I want to get the interview at least!

3. They talk about adding attachments or additional information, have you ever done that? Any examples?

4. Where would you put in self-study Japanese? They only ask for specific classes. Again, would I put N/A for every entry space?

5. If the town I currently live in has a sister city with Japan, would we be more likely to get placed there if I chose it on the application?

Thank you very much for reading this and for any advice!