I have just had a really weird realization...
I have known about and wanted to do JET since I was eleven years old. That was over twelve years ago now... When I was eleven, I knew I wanted to teach and I knew I was interested in Japan. When I was eleven, I never expected to get married or find a place that I felt I belonged.
I actually owe this entire idea to the fine folks over at ITIL. They were awfully mean to me, but I understand why. I know that I am kind of a freak. I am the girl that has been bullied for most of my life. I needed books, comics, stories, anything where there was a hero. I couldn't get by without it. And Japan worked well in that because Japan gave birth to so many great heroes and stories in manga and anime. I know that I have an unrealistic view of Japan because I can't experience it where I am from. When I went to Japan, it was beautiful and I really did enjoy meeting the few people I encountered... But, if I went to Japan, I would probably stick out even more as a freak. We don't want to send unbalanced people to represent us and it is definitely a no-no to hire someone who can't handle it. I don't think that I'm unbalanced or so unrealistic as to expect that Japan in real life would be a manga. I am not that crazy.
But, as I read more about other people's experiences and examine my life as it is now, I am realizing that maybe JET is no longer the dream it used to be... I have a husband, something I never expected. I am moving into my first apartment this weekend. I found a family that it seems I was made to be a part of. I found the place that doesn't seem to think I'm a freak. I have a cute little sister-in-law who tries to play dating sims with me. I have a real friends that I don't think I ever expected to have. I have a family that has given me the community I never had in school. I still read tons of manga and tons of fantasy novels... But, maybe I don't need to run away after some dream anymore...
I want to settle down. I want to save money for a house. I want to finish getting my teaching certification. I want to find a steady job. I want kids. I want a life. I don't want to pick up and leave for a year just because I have no place here... So... Do I still really want to do JET? Is JET the dream it used to be? I am really looking at my reasons... Why JET? Why don't I just have the life that I want and save money so that I can go and see Japan through vacations or other experiences? It's strange to look at something you wanted for twelve years and suddenly realize that, maybe, it isn't what you want most anymore...
I have a feeling that I will have to keep looking at this for a long while... I owe the people at ITIL a huge thanks. For all their harsh comments, they ended up opening my eyes and making me really examine and appreciate the place that I am at now.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Prolly no posts for a while
So, I am moving to a new apartment this weekend. This means I have packing to do and cleaning and moving. After that, we have to get internet set up before I'll be back on. That being said, I honestly have nothing terribly useful to advise on, at the moment. I have stuck most of my mistakes up on here already. I have mentioned helpful and good advice that I have found in various places. Until someone has something specific to ask about or I have something that I think up, I will probably only have posts about my own progress, if there is anything specific.
Moving this weekend... Pennsic War at the end of July/beginning of August... TESL in July... Making my kosode in there somewhere too. So I may have stuff to post, but it's summer... Go do some stuff and have fun. Organization, OCD, and JET can wait until the school year! Have a good time ^_^ I'll post something about TESL and kosode at some point.
Moving this weekend... Pennsic War at the end of July/beginning of August... TESL in July... Making my kosode in there somewhere too. So I may have stuff to post, but it's summer... Go do some stuff and have fun. Organization, OCD, and JET can wait until the school year! Have a good time ^_^ I'll post something about TESL and kosode at some point.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Good News About TEFL/TESL and JET
So, I know a lot of people want to beef up their JET application in any way they can and a lot of people think TEFL or TESL certification is a good way to go. The sad news is that it really isn't. If your application is borderline between an interview and not, it could push you over into getting an interview, but it isn't worth a ton of points in the grand scheme of things. So, don't get a TEFL/TESL certification, unless you think it will help you later on in life or you are legitimately interested in the program that you are about to poor tons of money into.
by ZacharyFukuiPA » Wed Jun 20, 2012 10:04 pm
However, I have good news! It is disheartening, when you really want to get your TEFL/TESL cert and everyone tells you how useless it is and how JET doesn't actually care about it and how you'll never actually be teaching, so it really doesn't matter. I know. I really wanted my cert, so I'm getting it anyway because I think it will help me in the future. And then someone was asking about a TEFL Advantage on the forums. The usual slew of depressing statements about how it won't matter and don't waste your money ensued, but a bright light of hope appeared. This is what was said, so take heart and know that though TEFL/TESL won't definitely get you an interview, it is something that some places in Japan do want and look for.
Re: TEFL Advantage?
by ZacharyFukuiPA » Wed Jun 20, 2012 10:04 pmTuesday, June 26, 2012
Name Troubles
In my time examining all the things that could have gotten my app last year disqualified, I found something really obvious and stupid on my part. My name. I got married last October and that meant that I did not have the correct documents to submit with my name. For my proof of citizenship (or whatever that is), I used my birth certificate, clearly, this has my birth name on it, not my married name. This year, I am hoping to use my passport, which I want to renew and, thus, would have my married name.
If you are in the same situation, you can submit your birth certificate as your proof of citizenship, but you need to provide documentation showing your name change. Things that can prove this in most situations are the paperwork from changing your name at Social Security (I needed this for my license) or just your marriage certificate. You probably want to spend the extra dough to get a real official copy of your marriage certificate from town hall, just in case photocopies are not official enough.
Please, don't be stupid and mess these things up. You don't want to be me and realizing eight-ish months after the application that something as dumb as your name not being verified correctly got you disqualified from such a great program. So, correct documentation of your name, do it, it's not hard.
If you are in the same situation, you can submit your birth certificate as your proof of citizenship, but you need to provide documentation showing your name change. Things that can prove this in most situations are the paperwork from changing your name at Social Security (I needed this for my license) or just your marriage certificate. You probably want to spend the extra dough to get a real official copy of your marriage certificate from town hall, just in case photocopies are not official enough.
Please, don't be stupid and mess these things up. You don't want to be me and realizing eight-ish months after the application that something as dumb as your name not being verified correctly got you disqualified from such a great program. So, correct documentation of your name, do it, it's not hard.
Monday, June 25, 2012
The Self-Assessment Medical Form
I don't think that a lot of people think too much about the Self-Assessment Medical Form very early on. It seems simple and not one or the top concerns. It certainly isn't the big ordeal that references or your SoP are, but it is just as important to have done and done correctly. So, I figure I'll put this up here so that people can take a look and know whether or not they will need to get a doctor's appointment or the Physician's Form or whatever else. Here is what the Self-Assessment Medical Form asked last year.
Name
Interview Location
Date of Birth
To the Applicant: (long thing I won't put here)
Important Note: If you have ever had any physical or mental condition/illness (including, but not limited to, those listed in Question 3,4, or 5) you must use the attached Physician's Form. In this form, your physician must state whether or not you are fit to participate in the JET Program, and as such, to live and work overseas.
1. When and for what reason did you last consult a physician? (Colds, fevers, and visits to OB/GYN facilities or consultations for the requesting of contraception may be omitted.)
2a. What diseases, ailments, or injuries have you had in the past five years? If any of these resulted in hospitalization, please give details as to when, why, and the duration of the treatment.
2b. What is your current status with regards to the condition(s) detailed above?
3. Are you currently seeing a physician and/or undergoing treatment of any kind? If yes, please detail below AND have your doctor fill out the Physician's Form.
4. Have you ever been diagnosed and/or treated for any nervous or mental condition (including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, ADD, ADHD, and/or eating disorders)? If yes, you must detail below AND have your doctor fill our the Physician's Form. Please note that we may contact your doctor if further information is necessary.
5. Have you ever been diagnosed and/or treated for any other illness or condition previously undisclosed on this Medical Form (including physical conditions, but excluding minor colds, feversm sprains)? If yes, you must detail below AND have your doctor fill out the Physician's Form.
6. Do you foresee any physical challenges resulting from the need to go up and down several flights of stairs on a daily basis? If yes, please explain.
7. What allergies do you have, if any? Are you currently being treated? If so, how?
8. If you are currently taking, or have taken in the last five years, any prescription medication other than oral contraceptives, please give details (including medication's name, purpose, and dates taken). Make sure to describe the condition(s) for which you have taken any medications listed here in questions 4 and/or 6, above.
9. Are there any foods, which, for medical or personal reasons, you do not eat? If yes, please give details.
10. Please explain any other health-related issues or disabilities that you have below (i.e. if you are legally blind/deaf, use a wheelchair, etc.).
Signature and Date
Hopefully this can help you make sure you have a doctor's appointment if needed and prepare you to get your Physician's Form if you need one. I got one last year because I am severely allergic to peanuts, cherries, and apples (as in anaphylaxis) , so I have to carry an Epi-Pen. The general rule with medical stuff is to disclose it, if you have to ask because it is better to be safe than sorry. You don't want to seem like you were hiding something or be disqualified because you didn't disclose something that you should have. This information can also be really important for you because it can help make sure you get placed near the help you will need.
Name
Interview Location
Date of Birth
To the Applicant: (long thing I won't put here)
Important Note: If you have ever had any physical or mental condition/illness (including, but not limited to, those listed in Question 3,4, or 5) you must use the attached Physician's Form. In this form, your physician must state whether or not you are fit to participate in the JET Program, and as such, to live and work overseas.
1. When and for what reason did you last consult a physician? (Colds, fevers, and visits to OB/GYN facilities or consultations for the requesting of contraception may be omitted.)
2a. What diseases, ailments, or injuries have you had in the past five years? If any of these resulted in hospitalization, please give details as to when, why, and the duration of the treatment.
2b. What is your current status with regards to the condition(s) detailed above?
3. Are you currently seeing a physician and/or undergoing treatment of any kind? If yes, please detail below AND have your doctor fill out the Physician's Form.
4. Have you ever been diagnosed and/or treated for any nervous or mental condition (including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, ADD, ADHD, and/or eating disorders)? If yes, you must detail below AND have your doctor fill our the Physician's Form. Please note that we may contact your doctor if further information is necessary.
5. Have you ever been diagnosed and/or treated for any other illness or condition previously undisclosed on this Medical Form (including physical conditions, but excluding minor colds, feversm sprains)? If yes, you must detail below AND have your doctor fill out the Physician's Form.
6. Do you foresee any physical challenges resulting from the need to go up and down several flights of stairs on a daily basis? If yes, please explain.
7. What allergies do you have, if any? Are you currently being treated? If so, how?
8. If you are currently taking, or have taken in the last five years, any prescription medication other than oral contraceptives, please give details (including medication's name, purpose, and dates taken). Make sure to describe the condition(s) for which you have taken any medications listed here in questions 4 and/or 6, above.
9. Are there any foods, which, for medical or personal reasons, you do not eat? If yes, please give details.
10. Please explain any other health-related issues or disabilities that you have below (i.e. if you are legally blind/deaf, use a wheelchair, etc.).
Signature and Date
Hopefully this can help you make sure you have a doctor's appointment if needed and prepare you to get your Physician's Form if you need one. I got one last year because I am severely allergic to peanuts, cherries, and apples (as in anaphylaxis) , so I have to carry an Epi-Pen. The general rule with medical stuff is to disclose it, if you have to ask because it is better to be safe than sorry. You don't want to seem like you were hiding something or be disqualified because you didn't disclose something that you should have. This information can also be really important for you because it can help make sure you get placed near the help you will need.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The Big List aka The Main Application
On the forums, someone asked, a while back, to see a copy of last year's application. Personally, I'm not comfortable showing my app because it has my info on it, but I certainly don't mind sharing what was in the application. So, here is the long list of all the sections within the main US application (numbered exactly as in the application):
1. Interview Location (what consulate you will be interviewing at)
2a. Position Type (ALT or CIR)
2b. ALT Placement (CIR only, meaning if you don't get CIR, would you be willing to be an ALT?)
3. Name
4. Gender
5. Nationality
6. Date of Birth
7a. Hometown (the place you feel comfortable representing)
7b. Home State
8. Dual Nationality (are you or are you not)
9a. Have you ever applied to the JET Program before?
9b. Have you ever interviewed for the JET Program before?
9c. Have you ever been offered a position on the JET Program?
10. Have you ever been arrested or charged with a crime?
11a. Will you be accompanied?
11b. How many will be accompanying you?
11c. Are your children going to accompany you?
12a. Marital Status
12b. Is your partner a JET applicant?
12c. Partner's Interview Location Code
12d. Partner's Name
13a. Education Level
13b. Academic Specialization (Major and Minor)
14a. Teaching Certification and Date of Completion
14b. TEFL/TESL Certification Date of Completion
15. Driver's License (will you be willing to drive in Japan)
16a. Placement Request
16b. Living Area Classification (Urban, Suburban, or Rural)
16c. First, Second, Third Placement Requests (none of these are remotely guaranteed)
17a. Elementary School (are you willing to teach ES?)
17b. International Economic Exchange (I don't remember what this was in reference to)
17c. Support for Foreign Population (I don't remember this either, they may both be CIR related?)
18a. Previously interviewed, if so, where?
18b. Previously offered a position, if rejected, why?
19. If answered yes to 10, what crime or why arrested?
20. If accompanied by family dependents, write relationship and ages if under 18.
21. Do you wish to be placed near someone? Who? And why?
22. Do you have a strong reason for your placement request?
23. Permanent Mailing Address
24. Current Mailing Address
25. Higher Educational Institutions Attended or Currently Attending, 4 columns
-Name of Institution
-Dates Attended (MM/YY)-(MM/YY)
-Specialization (including both major and minor)
-Degree/Diploma and Date earned or expected
26. Teaching Background, 3 sections, 5 columns
-Classroom Teaching (includes observation hours, time you have taught a class or lesson, worked with students in a classroom)
-Other Teaching or Tutoring (worked in a tutoring center, private, ran a study group, trained new employees, etc)
-Institution Name (where you had this experience)
-Subject (what you were teaching/tutoring)
-Grade Level (what age/grade you were teaching)
-Dates: (MM/YY)-(MM/YY)
-Hours/Week (if irregular, average it out; if not done often, show that it was 1 or 2 hrs/wk to show it wasn't a lot, but you did it)
-Teacher Training and/or Education Courses (classes in education at school or training programs through a job, maybe an after school program, etc)
-Institution Name (where you took the course)
-Course Name
-Grade Received
-Dates: (MM/YY)-(MM/YY)
-Hours/Week
27. International/Intercultural Experience (travel, cultural courses, attend the local Buddhist temple, etc)
-Country and City
-Purpose
-Dates: (MM/YY)-(MM/YY)
28. Employment History (this is also a chart, but it is all the common stuff; if you don't know what is in this section, then you probably have never held a job and should not need to fill this out :P)
29. Explain in a few sentences the proposed direction of your current or future profession and its relationship to the JET Program (basically tell them how this relates to your current and future jobs)
30. Japan-Related Studies, 3 sections, 3 columns
-Formal Study of Japanese History, Culture, etc.
-Formal Study of Japanese Language
-Informal Study of Japanese History, Culture, Language, etc.
-Institution and Course Names
-Dates: (MM/YY)-(MM/YY)
-Grade Received
-Applicants need to rate their Japanese language proficiency honestly in Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening as Advanced, Semi-Advanced, Intermediate, Elementary, Introductory, None
31. Do you have any certification of Japanese Language Proficiency? If yes, list. (this is things like the JLPT)
32. Evaluate any ability you may have in other languages (other than English) using the same scale as with your Japanese ability in 30.
33. List any Honors, Awards, or Scholarships and Dates Received
34a. Extra-Curricular and Volunteer Activities and Dates of Involvement
34b. Leadership Positions
-Organization/Group/Team Name
-Office Held
-Dates of Involvement
35. Are you presently and applicant or do you intend to apply for any other international exchange programs, jobs, or scholarships? If yes, explain.
36a. Where did you first hear about the JET Program?
36b. What helped you decide to apply to the JET Program?
36c. When did you first become interested in Japan?
36d. What was the reason that you first became interested in Japan?
37. Emergency Contacts (list two, make sure one will not be going with you to Japan)
38. Please fill out the Self Assessment Medical Form (and Physician's Form, when necessary) and enclose with your application packet.
Signature and Date
That is the entire application for JET 2012. My next post will be the Self-Assessment Medical Form, just so people can make sure to know if they'll need to get a Physician's Form.
1. Interview Location (what consulate you will be interviewing at)
2a. Position Type (ALT or CIR)
2b. ALT Placement (CIR only, meaning if you don't get CIR, would you be willing to be an ALT?)
3. Name
4. Gender
5. Nationality
6. Date of Birth
7a. Hometown (the place you feel comfortable representing)
7b. Home State
8. Dual Nationality (are you or are you not)
9a. Have you ever applied to the JET Program before?
9b. Have you ever interviewed for the JET Program before?
9c. Have you ever been offered a position on the JET Program?
10. Have you ever been arrested or charged with a crime?
11a. Will you be accompanied?
11b. How many will be accompanying you?
11c. Are your children going to accompany you?
12a. Marital Status
12b. Is your partner a JET applicant?
12c. Partner's Interview Location Code
12d. Partner's Name
13a. Education Level
13b. Academic Specialization (Major and Minor)
14a. Teaching Certification and Date of Completion
14b. TEFL/TESL Certification Date of Completion
15. Driver's License (will you be willing to drive in Japan)
16a. Placement Request
16b. Living Area Classification (Urban, Suburban, or Rural)
16c. First, Second, Third Placement Requests (none of these are remotely guaranteed)
17a. Elementary School (are you willing to teach ES?)
17b. International Economic Exchange (I don't remember what this was in reference to)
17c. Support for Foreign Population (I don't remember this either, they may both be CIR related?)
18a. Previously interviewed, if so, where?
18b. Previously offered a position, if rejected, why?
19. If answered yes to 10, what crime or why arrested?
20. If accompanied by family dependents, write relationship and ages if under 18.
21. Do you wish to be placed near someone? Who? And why?
22. Do you have a strong reason for your placement request?
23. Permanent Mailing Address
24. Current Mailing Address
25. Higher Educational Institutions Attended or Currently Attending, 4 columns
-Name of Institution
-Dates Attended (MM/YY)-(MM/YY)
-Specialization (including both major and minor)
-Degree/Diploma and Date earned or expected
26. Teaching Background, 3 sections, 5 columns
-Classroom Teaching (includes observation hours, time you have taught a class or lesson, worked with students in a classroom)
-Other Teaching or Tutoring (worked in a tutoring center, private, ran a study group, trained new employees, etc)
-Institution Name (where you had this experience)
-Subject (what you were teaching/tutoring)
-Grade Level (what age/grade you were teaching)
-Dates: (MM/YY)-(MM/YY)
-Hours/Week (if irregular, average it out; if not done often, show that it was 1 or 2 hrs/wk to show it wasn't a lot, but you did it)
-Teacher Training and/or Education Courses (classes in education at school or training programs through a job, maybe an after school program, etc)
-Institution Name (where you took the course)
-Course Name
-Grade Received
-Dates: (MM/YY)-(MM/YY)
-Hours/Week
27. International/Intercultural Experience (travel, cultural courses, attend the local Buddhist temple, etc)
-Country and City
-Purpose
-Dates: (MM/YY)-(MM/YY)
28. Employment History (this is also a chart, but it is all the common stuff; if you don't know what is in this section, then you probably have never held a job and should not need to fill this out :P)
29. Explain in a few sentences the proposed direction of your current or future profession and its relationship to the JET Program (basically tell them how this relates to your current and future jobs)
30. Japan-Related Studies, 3 sections, 3 columns
-Formal Study of Japanese History, Culture, etc.
-Formal Study of Japanese Language
-Informal Study of Japanese History, Culture, Language, etc.
-Institution and Course Names
-Dates: (MM/YY)-(MM/YY)
-Grade Received
-Applicants need to rate their Japanese language proficiency honestly in Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening as Advanced, Semi-Advanced, Intermediate, Elementary, Introductory, None
31. Do you have any certification of Japanese Language Proficiency? If yes, list. (this is things like the JLPT)
32. Evaluate any ability you may have in other languages (other than English) using the same scale as with your Japanese ability in 30.
33. List any Honors, Awards, or Scholarships and Dates Received
34a. Extra-Curricular and Volunteer Activities and Dates of Involvement
34b. Leadership Positions
-Organization/Group/Team Name
-Office Held
-Dates of Involvement
35. Are you presently and applicant or do you intend to apply for any other international exchange programs, jobs, or scholarships? If yes, explain.
36a. Where did you first hear about the JET Program?
36b. What helped you decide to apply to the JET Program?
36c. When did you first become interested in Japan?
36d. What was the reason that you first became interested in Japan?
37. Emergency Contacts (list two, make sure one will not be going with you to Japan)
38. Please fill out the Self Assessment Medical Form (and Physician's Form, when necessary) and enclose with your application packet.
Signature and Date
That is the entire application for JET 2012. My next post will be the Self-Assessment Medical Form, just so people can make sure to know if they'll need to get a Physician's Form.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Location, again
So, I know that some people feel like it is still super early for applying (it is), but want to be doing something for JET now, I really want to emphasize that location is something worth looking into. I think that it is beyond worthwhile to look into places you might like to be, not necessarily to set your heart on any specific location, but to have an idea on the kind of place you'd like to be. You can really find some cool stuff that might make you rethink your preferences for locations.
In my own searches (I am so sorry, if I already talked about this), I have found a whole bunch of stuff. I discovered that Kyoto is the sister city of Boston; I am 40ish minutes north of Boston and LOVE Boston. I loved Kyoto when I went to Japan and I can see that relationship making sense. Both cities have this old feel to them, they breath history, but they also have so many modern additions adding new life to them. I did not list Kyoto as a preference last year because I know that it is really unlikely that I'll get placed there, but I am going to list it this year because this new information has added to my desire to live there.
I also found out that Hokkaido is the sister region/prefecture/state to Massachusetts, my home state. I love New England, the northeast, Mass (except its politics), and the climate of our area. I did list Hokkaido, twice, last year because I already knew that I wanted to live somewhere with snow. Last year, I didn't know about this sister relationship between MA and Hokkaido, but now I can add that to my app for part of why I want to live in Hokkaido.
Lastly, I discovered that Springfield, MA also has a sister city,Takakikawa in Hokkaido. This was especially cool to me because I just didn't know about the sister city relationships in my area. I don't know yet, if I will list this as a preference because I don't love cities.
As a final note, it is worth finding a general idea of where you want to live because different places may suit you better. I don't know that I want to live in the inaka, but I don't know that I love the idea of living in a city. I think I may want to live in a bigger town (my hometown has 5,500 people in the 2000 census) because it'll be a new experience and I want to have access to public transportation. Also important is that I don't want to drive in Japan, so placement somewhere that will require driving would be bad for me. So, even if you are going to put no preference, I think you ought to think about where you want to live, just know your options.
In my own searches (I am so sorry, if I already talked about this), I have found a whole bunch of stuff. I discovered that Kyoto is the sister city of Boston; I am 40ish minutes north of Boston and LOVE Boston. I loved Kyoto when I went to Japan and I can see that relationship making sense. Both cities have this old feel to them, they breath history, but they also have so many modern additions adding new life to them. I did not list Kyoto as a preference last year because I know that it is really unlikely that I'll get placed there, but I am going to list it this year because this new information has added to my desire to live there.
I also found out that Hokkaido is the sister region/prefecture/state to Massachusetts, my home state. I love New England, the northeast, Mass (except its politics), and the climate of our area. I did list Hokkaido, twice, last year because I already knew that I wanted to live somewhere with snow. Last year, I didn't know about this sister relationship between MA and Hokkaido, but now I can add that to my app for part of why I want to live in Hokkaido.
Lastly, I discovered that Springfield, MA also has a sister city,Takakikawa in Hokkaido. This was especially cool to me because I just didn't know about the sister city relationships in my area. I don't know yet, if I will list this as a preference because I don't love cities.
As a final note, it is worth finding a general idea of where you want to live because different places may suit you better. I don't know that I want to live in the inaka, but I don't know that I love the idea of living in a city. I think I may want to live in a bigger town (my hometown has 5,500 people in the 2000 census) because it'll be a new experience and I want to have access to public transportation. Also important is that I don't want to drive in Japan, so placement somewhere that will require driving would be bad for me. So, even if you are going to put no preference, I think you ought to think about where you want to live, just know your options.
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