A Strange Place to Be

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.

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.

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.

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 pm

I can't speak for how TEFL will affect your chances in applying to JET, but as someone involved in deciding where to place JETs within my prefecture, I can speak of its influence once you're on JET. Higher level academic focused schools request ALTs with experience in teaching and some kind of certification, so if you have TEFL it can help your chances of being placed in a school with high level English learners. It's not a guarantee, of course, but it certainly is a big help. In my prefecture, the government is seeking ways to improve the quality of education and the skills of educators, and the board of education is told to seek ALTs with certification such as TEFL, CELTA, or a teaching license.

Best of luck.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cool JET Vlog

So, the JET facebook group has a few members and one posted up this vlogger that I am really enjoying. Now, I must admit that I don't really like vlogs (most people are terrible speakers and I don't wanna look at their faces), but I am really enjoying this or at least finding it interesting and helpful. I bring this up because I think that he has some helpful (if slightly old) advice on applying in a 22 video series, so here is the link to his series on applying: myargonaut's JET application series.

Sorry for two short posts in a row, I have ZERO ideas right now ^^;

It's over 1,000!!!!

I hope to one day be able to title a blog post "IT'S OVER 9,000!!!!!!" But, for now, I am WICKED excited to be able to say that I came home from a concert just now and saw that there are over 1,000 views of my blog! I am so, so excited!!! Thank you everyone for reading my blog <3

Woo!! Helping People!!!

So, I just wanted to put a big thank you out there because today, I got my first paper that someone wanted me to help with! I hope that I was helpful to her and I hope that other people will use me to improve their writing too! ^_^

Here are some helpful things, if you want to ask me for help. These will help me edit better for your needs and limit my feedback, so that you get more of what you want.
1) What country you are from, also, if you give me the prompt for your country, that may help as well.
2) What kind of editing you want. Do you want just grammar? General feedback? Both? I can do a full edit, which would include grammar, a comments section, and some general tips.
3) Rewrite help? If you want help writing a section because you know something sounds funny, you could send me the sentence with the paragraph and I could give suggestions for the specific section to make your writing better. However, I will not do this for a full paper because it is a LOT of work and then there would be too much me in the paper, when JET wants you.
4) Which sections. If you want me to read your whole paper, but focus on specific paragraphs, numbers the paragraphs and tell me what you want extra help with.
5) Just so you know, when I read and edit papers for people I consider to be peers, I treat it like a writing workshop. I read your paper once and make comments (the comments section). I read your paper a second time for grammar and a couple comments on weird/difficult to read sentences. I skim your paper a third and final time to check for final edits. I then add a couple comments on things that I think in general about your paper. I can be very harsh, my family thinks that I am the high school teacher everyone hates, but is much better off for having. I definitely don't hold blows for peers, unless you ask me to; I want your writing to be the best it can be and coddling you doesn't help anyone.

And here are some general writing/editing tips from me, in case you don't want my help, but you do need some help on your own.
1) Read aloud. Checking for commas this way is easiest. In fact, when I write, I speak under my breath, so that I know where I pause and need commas. Also, this makes it much easier to catch weird/difficult sentences.
2) Show, don't tell. Don't tell me a list of things you did. Show me a story, paint the scene, so that I see you, not listen to you talk about you.
3) Cut excess words. Rewrite sentences and see if you can remove words by changing verb tense or sentence order or whatever else, just cut the excess, so that you have room for the important stuff.
4) Use details! Details make it about you and not a motivational speech. No one wants your generic paper about the necessities of teaching and uniqueness of Japan; JET already knows all this crap and now they want to know about you, your experiences, and what you have to bring to the table.

That's it for yet another post about edits and SoPs and my writing opinions. Please, more people send me papers ^_^

And again:
THANK YOU FOR USING ME!!!! I enjoy helping out and having something useful to do with my time! This is a perfect opportunity for people who want feedback on last year's SoP because I am currently unemployed and have tons of time to read and edit your papers.

Facebook Group

So, I don't quite know what to post, but if people are reading my blog regularly, there is a good chance that you are applying this year. If you are applying this year, come join the 2013 JET Applicants Group. I am Christine Sprague, just so you know. I believe I have mentioned my willingness to proofread SoPs and whatever else and you are welcome to ask me stuff on fb too.

Sorry for the short post, just wanted to get the fb group out there.

Is It So Hard to Be Nice?

So, I love the interwebz because the interwebz are horrible and wonderful at the same time. People are the internet are frequently creepy or mean. I think that a lot of this is because, in real life, we are expected to be polite and whatnot, but on the internet, we have no fear of retaliation. Honestly, I see no reason to take it that far. I am the first person to admit that I can be a bitch, but I try to keep my mean and sarcastic side to myself, unless I'm dealing with friends who can take it and know that I probably don't mean it. On the internet, people act like it is their God-given right to be ass holes. Obviously the nice person, the honest person, or the people who lack tough skin are the ones to blame, if they get offended. You should be a jerk or grow a pair or get off the internet. Not true. There is nothing wrong with being nice. There is nothing wrong with asking a seemingly dumb question. For JET forums, I don't know that there is anything wrong with asking a question that there might be an answer to 56 pages of threads ago.

Yeah, I like honesty. In fact, I hate lies, even kind ones. I would rather you be brutally honest. But, brutally honest and douche-y are different. There is no need to mock people or cut them down; tell them that they can find it, how to find it, where to find it, or just suggest searching on their own first, but don't just insult them. I think that, on the internet, it is especially important to be less of an ass because online you can't hear sarcasm. There is no sarcastic grammatical device that makes it seem less harsh. Plus, there are just a lot of assbutts (thank you, Cas) out there.

So, to the decent people, just keep being nice and ignore the people who have to be mean. If mean people want to hang out with mean people, that's great; I love being a jerk to my friends too, but not to new people and people that don't know me. I shall continue trying to be nice and helpful in response to all questions and maybe spread some friendliness ^_^

Also, if you don't act like a tool, you have far less of a chance of future employers finding your profile somewhere and going, "WOW!!! That guy's a prick, we don't want to hire him!" So, keep it nicer and you'll probably save yourself a lot of trouble, while still helping people.

/End rant :P

Seriously Though, Money.

I know I talked a little about money before, but I just wanted to reiterate. Every time I go and read old threads (I mean like last year, the year before, etc), there are people worried about getting together the couple thousand needed for the first month or so. I really suggest that if you have your heart set on JET, you start working some extra hours. I know that most people applying are in college or recent grads or lucky enough to have a full-time job, but sucking it up to work Saturdays or close at a crappy little store a couple nights a week would get you some extra cash and save you the stress, when it comes time to really have that money.

Obviously, I like to give lots of advice. Honestly? I love that this blog has gotten so many views (being the unsocialable person I am, it's the coolest thing ever), but I write a lot of this stuff for my own sake. So, if I keep saying, "GET A JOB YOU USELESS n00b!!!!!" I am talking to myself. Currently, I am graduated, my internship has essentially ended (and was unpaid anyways), and am unemployed. Depressing, I know. I'm also trapped with an issue of not knowing when I'm moving.

Some more fun time about ME!!!! I believe I have mentioned that I got married last October, but my husband and I have been living with my parents because it was close to school and fairly cheap. This has been killing me (mom, dad, brother, I love you, if you are reading this, but I don't want to live with you anymore or ever again). I want to live with my husband, pay my bills, keep my house, and just be the adult that I know I am. Sadly, this is impossible living with my parents. We pay rent, but it can get touchy and passive aggressive. My husband pays the bills (best husband evar let me quit my job because full-time student + 30ish hours of work + a gajillion education observation hours was bad for everyone). I want to be an adult. We lived mostly on our own for a few months, but because of me needing to finish school ended up moving to my parents home. We did well. We paid bills, did grocery shopping, did our chores, and managed quite well. I want to get back to that. Most of all, I WANT A JOB! T_T I currently can't get one.

Getting a job for the people knowing that they leave for JET in August is tough. I feel their pain because I want a job in the short term before I move, but I have no idea when that will be yet (as I write this post). My husband is working on getting a new job within his company in the area of Maine that we want to live in, but that could be mid-June or next January; I don't know. So, if I only have a few weeks, a job is absurd and seems douche-y of me, but if I have months, it's douche-y that I am sitting around doing nothing. I want to work.

I am working on things I need to get done. I just got fingerprinted in ME to apply for my teaching certificate, that way I know what I need to get my certificate (stupid inter-state differences). That will put my fingerprints on file, so that hopefully I can apply to be a substitute teacher. I also plan to get a job that is as close to FT as I can get, probably in the evenings/afternoons/weekends. It will suck because I'll work too much and be busy and stressed. But! It will be great if I can pay off some of my student loans on top of what my best-father-ever is so magnificently paying. Also, I really mean it when I say to start saving now. Even if you are taking the change from your trips to the store and throwing it in a jar, it counts. Save five bucks a week. Every penny is one less you need, when you finally get that "Yes" from JET. Now I need a job, so I can follow my own advice ^^;

Learn Japanese!

I talked about this in my post about English and knowing it, since you'll be teaching it, but I have a thing about knowing the language of the place you are in. I feel that if you are traveling somewhere, you should at least TRY to learn some of the language, enough to get by. If you are going to be living somewhere, it is clearly good manners to learn the language, so you can communicate with the people around you.

That being said, if you are applying for JET, you are planning to live in a foreign country for at least a year. This means that you need to try to learn the language, if you have any decency at all. I am trying my best, so even if I can't do much at all, at least I tried.

Now, I know that JET doesn't require you to know Japanese, but this doesn't mean not to try before you get accepted. Learning Japanese is one of the things highest on the list of things to do to make your application look better. It is recommended to people who have been rejected before and for people applying the first time. Just because you try to learn it doesn't mean that you will get in, but it makes you a better applicant and, in my opinion, a better person. Only jerks don't try to learn the language of the land they will live in.

Now, there are other reasons to learn a language, especially for a culture different from your own that you will be living in. Language says a LOT about a culture. I like to shop for bento from J-Box, which is owned by an American who has married and Japanese woman and has started the business; Peter, the gaijin owner of J-List, writes a blog/item update a couple times a week. Frequently, the difference between Japanese and English comes up. When learning such different languages, you create different personalities, as Peter explains. Japanese is very formal in a lot of ways and naturally creates a humbler personality than English, especially American English. In the US, our language is very brash and straightforward, which shows you a lot about the people that live here.

So, as you learn Japanese, you might learn a new way to express yourself, you might learn how to have more humility in speaking, you might realize more about the way you speak normally, or you might discover any number of other things, but the important thing is that you learned about their culture and yourself (most likely). Obviously, you can get into JET without knowing Japanese, but it makes you seem more respectful and more qualified to know the language of the place you want to live. Also, if you like my blog and me, I'll like you better, if you respect the culture enough to try and honor them through their language. (I know, this is totally why you are all going to learn Japanese, just so I like you :P)

Growing List of Things Checked Off!

So, I have my folders all in order for my numerous things to do in the near future, obviously including JET. I have already asked my two references about writing their letters for me. I have received one of my three transcripts (just got it at the beginning of the month). I applied for my TESOL program. I am getting fingerprinted to apply for my teaching license tomorrow. I have a few SoP drafts written. Overall, I am feeling like I am doing well in preparing what I can prepare.

Sadly, I am working on one thing that I feel unsure of completing. I have a severe food allergy, so I have to get a Physician's Form for my application. Obviously, this doesn't need to be done for a while yet, however, I know that last year, my doctor commented on my weight. I don't know if she mentioned this would cause me trouble, but I would really like to get my weight down a bit so that my doctor doesn't mention my weight as a health issue on my Physician's Form... Or I could go to my allergist for my Physician's form, since both my regular physician and the allergist are qualified to speak about my allergies and the allergist probably wouldn't mention my weight. Le sigh... Sad note to add to my cheer about getting my ducks in a row....

I feel like I keep using "ducks in a row." Do I? Hmmmm.....

Editing Available

So, I know most people who have started thinking about the next JET application have started thinking about their SoP. This may sound suspicious or weird or whatever, but I love editing (I've mentioned before). Point being? If anyone ever has an SoP they would like an outside reader to view, I would love to help. I can help with everything from grammar to formatting to style or I can just give you some feedback on how it came off. But, I wanted to put it out there that I would be happy to help any applicants with their SoP as time goes on ^_^ I know that I like to get as much feedback as I can.

Also, I do know that it has been mentioned to not share your SoP because someone is bound to steal it. I swear I wouldn't (especially since I've already been working on my SoP for months). If you want me to read it, leave a comment, find me on the JET forums (chrisd928), or email it to me at gohangirl9@gmail.com. I agree with everyone saying not to make it public, some ass hole will steal your SoP, I just promise I'm not that ass hole :P

Mostly, I enjoy reading people's work and I adore editing. So, if you want a reader and want to help me have something to do, I'm available ^_^

ID Number

This post is ridiculously early as there will be no application for months, but I didn't want to forget and this was a little thing that a lot of people miss.

Your ID Number when the interview list comes out will be your application ID Number on the online application. On the off chance your SASE doesn't come back or whatever, this is it. Now, you just have to wait to have an application in a few months :P

Generally a Good Idea to Not Be a Dumbass

So, nowadays, it is fairly common for companies to check out your facebook, myspace, blogs, or whatever they can find of you on the internet. Because of this, a lot of people recommend that you scrub your internet stuff and make sure you don't cause yourself issues. But, I have a better suggestion!

Don't be a dumbass.

Easy. Just don't post pics of you trashed around town. Don't post pics of all the men you've had one-night stands with. Don't cuss all the time. Don't say things that are rude, unprofessional, etc. If you don't want it known, you probably shouldn't be doing it anyways. I know that I probably have some stuff from ages ago on my facebook that I don't know how it would be received by a company hiring me. But, I know that I don't have anything horrific or recently. I'm sure I've sworn and there are pictures of me having drinks, but they aren't common, they aren't too terrible, and I don't know that trying to hide it is much better.

So, don't say or do stupid things all over the internet and you won't have a problem.

Listing Short International Travels

I had the awesome opportunity to go to Japan for about a week and a half when I was 19 as a freshman in college. This was a course that I received credit for, but I wanted to emphasize that I got to go to a bunch of places in Japan. We went to four different locations and the goal was to experience and learn about Japanese culture. Now, I went to four cities and on the application, it asks what country you traveled to, what city, and how long. I was unsure of what to do to put all four, so I listed each city. I think that this year, I will list all four cities separately, again, and maybe add a sticky note explaining that we went to culturally relevant locations to learn more about Japan, to show why they were such short locations.

Formatting Nazi Christine

So, I am that formatting nazi in class that irritates everyone. Lots of people are sticklers for grammar and spelling, but a lot of people ignore format. When you format your pages, you give a first impression by the way you have set up your page. Make sure that you indent your paragraphs the same every time, even in bullet points, make sure that you have an equal amount of spaces entered or you look sloppy. Make sure that you have your margins correct. Generally speaking, you want double spaced, 12pt Times New Roman.

Now, I know that a lot of people will think I'm crazy, but I'm not (well, I am, but not about this). I would love to work for a publisher as an editor someday and I love editing other people's work, but if I ever want to do all of these things justice, I have to be on top of the small details. In one class, the professor did a rubric, which we were supposed to critique and explain our issues; I said that it had some professionalism issues because the different details weren't all the same in the indents, some were caps and some lower case, it was inconsistent. You don't want that to be the image you convey.

Here's a brief list of little things to check on your formatting to look extra professional:
1) Indent one tab at the start of every paragraph OR add an extra space between paragraphs and no indent.
2) If you use Microsoft Word, it adds a 10pt space every time you hit Enter; remove this. You don't want that extra gap, unless you aren't using indents.
3) DOUBLE SPACE!!!!
4) 12pt Times New Roman. I know it's boring, but it looks professional and straightforward.
5) If you are submitting a specific document, make sure to check their guidelines, especially for margins and page numbers.
6) Set your margins first. Don't write your paper and then change the margins, you could discover that your paper is too long or not long enough.

For the JET SoP, they give you a pretty simple guideline:
7) Statement of Purpose (3 photocopies): This is an essay, in English, of not more than two 8½" x 11" (or A4) pages, typewritten in 12 point font and double-spaced with one-inch margins. Please note that anything beyond the required two pages will not be read.Please type your name and page number (1of 2, 2 of 2) on each page. Be sure to include two copies of your statement in your application package.
Use a standard paper, 1" margins, double-spaced, 12pt. It does not list where to place your name and page number, so I recommend the top right corner. Generally speaking, you want this in the bottom right, but this acts as your header and makes it easier to reference you as the writer. Also, on the off-chance that something happens and your app gets mixed up, they can find your stuff super easy with the name/page number in the top right.

I hope this is helpful ^_^

Make It Easy

Everything you end up writing on your application needs one thing: it needs to be understood. If you are concerned that it is difficult because it reads funny, make it clearer. You just want to make it easy for the application reviewers. Add a sticky note to be clearer, list it in multiple lines if it is an option.

Also, when you start the application process, make sure you are previewing your application before you submit it. You don't want anything to be cut off or strange looking in the actual set-up.

This also applies in short answer questions. If you want to write full sentences, just make sure it is clear. If you want to use bullet points, just be clear. All you want is to make sure you conveyed the info without ruining the reviewer's day ^_^

Proving You Are Who You Claim to Be

So, when you apply you have to prove that you are the person you claim to be. Here is what the JET US website says:

12) Proof of U.S. Citizenship (3 photocopies): Please include ONE of the following documents:

• VALID United States passport: pages which include photo, name, and signature.
• Birth Certificate
• Naturalization papers: if you are a naturalized citizen, please contact the INS for information on receiving copies of your naturalization papers.

I used my birth certificate last year, but I want to use my passport this year. I couldn't use mine last year because I had just gotten married, so my name was wrong. I suggest working on getting your passport ASAP, if you really want to do JET because it can take a while, sometimes your app is rejected because the picture is wrong or whatever. But, it is the best form of ID, generally speaking. I know that my friend uses her passport as her main form of ID because she is from NH, but is in MA a lot and some bars won't take her NH license. Also, when you get into JET, you'll need a passport anyways and sometimes it just takes longer than you want it to take.

That being said, if you use your passport, you will need to make copies. Last year, a lot of people had issues with the copies, generally the picture came out dark or difficult to see. You can do some things to fix the picture issue, if you encounter it: copy the passport in color (this seemed to help a lot of people), lighten the copy, or leave it as is. Miami Coordinator stated that as long as the printed info and the signature are clearly visible, the copy of your passport is fine for the application stage. If you get in, you will need to send another copy with your photo being clear before you can go, but you don't have to worry about that while you are applying.

Another important thing: if you, like me, have had your name changed and your paperwork does not reflect your correct current name, getting your passport renewed and corrected solves the problem. I got married last October, so my name is not the same as my birth certificate or my old passport. I am planning to renew my passport and change my name this summer, so that I have the correct info for the application in the fall. Also, I can't travel with my passport until it is fixed, so doing this as soon as possible is preferable.

Useful Tidbit

Sometimes I find useful tidbits on the forums and I thought this was a super-duper great suggestion. Before putting your application in the envelope, put it in a plastic bag, like a ziploc bag, to protect your application. Hopefully nobody drops your application in a puddle or anything, but this is a great little thing for extra safety.

Sorry for the bland little post today >.>

Teaching Courses vs Teaching Experience

So, anyone who has gone to college for education probably had to do observation hours. Technically, observation hours are course related and, yet, they are not for credit. Last year, I listed my observation hours in my education classes; after rereading my app, I am going to list my observation hours as in-class experience. The reason for this is that you are getting more hands-on experience and, in my case, I participated and worked with students directly during that time. If you have ed classes and observation hours, make sure you list all of them and to your best advantage.

Now, when dealing with teaching courses and teaching experiences, there can be other issues. To finish my secondary ed minor, I took an internship. In my internship, I started a writing center at the high school I graduated from and ran it for the spring semester. Now, the problem becomes how to list this because it is a class and teaching experience. What I will be doing is listing it twice. This is because the internship was a class, we had time to meet and talk and learn. But, it was also work as an educator; I spent hours in the high school and worked with students individually, in groups, and had a few classes. Obviously, I want credit for the class part, but, even more than that, I want to get credit for working at the school, even if it was an internship.

No matter what, make sure you put down all applicable classes and experiences. Also, make sure that you put it in the best place you can and list it twice, at worst they only count it once.

Don't Be Afraid to Have an Extra Page

So, as I wait and wait and wait, I am still occasionally reading old questions on the JET forums. This is a great little suggestion that I did not make use of last year because I had failed to really think through all my information.

On the JET application, there is limited space, which can prove difficult if you have lots of things to say. For every section of the application, you can have an extra page, if you need it. So, in my case, as I've thought about stuff for my next app, I've realized that I technically do a lot of self-study on Japanese topics. But, on the application, there is only room for a couple of topics of self-study; I am planning to list self-study of Japanese language, Japanese literature/Tale of Genji, medieval garb, bento, and a few other things. I didn't even think of these things last year because I count them as hobbies, which was stupid of me. Looking at last years app, I can't fit everything on, so I shall need to attach an extra page. Here is what you need to know for adding extra papers and whatnot to your app:
1) If you add something, format it the same as the section you are adding to. If you are unsure of the formatting, do a print preview to see what it looks like after you print to submit.
2) Make sure you add it to every copy of your application. All three applications need to look exactly the same.
3) Don't be afraid to add. If you are unsure of something's value, add it anyway. The worst that can happen is that the reviewer ignores it; they will probably never count it against you.

There are other things you can add to your app, as well. the Miami Coordinator talks about sticky notes for clarification a lot and I think that is a really good idea. Maybe I'll talk about sticky notes some other time.

Anyways, you want to include all things that seem important. Things like teaching experiences, intercultural/international experience, learning about Japanese culture, all those are things you want to include everything possible. I have a bunch of teaching classes from college and I definitely want all of them in my application, never pick and choose with things like that. Make sure that you use those extra pages to your best advantage.

Questions?

I try to be useful on here or at least interesting, but now that I sort of have my ducks all in a row (or as in a row as I can get them this early), I am out of ideas. Does anyone have a question? A suggestion for something I could talk about? Currently, I be scratching my head and I think I smell smoke as my brain fails and shuts down :P

New Friends

So, I'm really excited. Last year, I felt really impressed by merkypie, the person who started the Aspiring US JETs 2012 thread. I felt like she was on top of it and that the thread gave us all a place to hang out, stress out, and get everything out there. After not getting an interview, I simply posted that I didn't get an interview and quietly left because it was sad to see everything that I was no longer a part of. However, I've previously mentioned that once my friend Staci got her results as an alternate (now upgraded!!!), I was ready to get back on the boards, no matter how early it was.

Obviously, I was a bit over-zealous. I knew that, most likely, no one else would be on the boards, already preparing for the next application. But, I also knew that I wanted to start the Aspiring US JETs 2013 thread. I wanted somewhere for all the new JETs to give us a little advice as they finish waiting out their time as "aspiring JETs" and somewhere anyone as eager as myself could post. For the first few weeks, it was depressingly slow, but a bunch of the new JETs posted some advice and were pretty cool. I think that as more people get on the forums for the coming application, they can already find some useful info at the beginning of the thread and a place to get excited in ^_^

Now, there are a couple other people posting with me! I'm really excited about it. Apparently some of you readers are those very same posters ^_^ But, what I'm most excited about is that, after the time I've spent reading some old threads and compiling info from there and my own experiences, I feel like I am helping people feel confident. I know I'm not some great sage or anything, but I feel like between here and my thread, I might actually be useful and that's best of all. I'm hoping that, since we have so long together, we can become good friends and we can make this our year! For now, I'll be happy that I've managed to be helpful to a couple people and be even happier that I have some friends now!


(Sorry, I know this post was rather useless... But I'd love for anyone reading this, that plans to apply, come chat in the thread. And maybe someone wants to post a comment and say hi!)

Learn English

Japan is a stickler for the technical and grammatical parts of English, so to teach English in Japan, you need to know those parts. Honestly, as a "grammar nazi," I think you ought to learn this period. People do judge you for poor grammar. If you really want to JET or find another way to teach English in Japan, you need to put the time in to know what you are talking about. I think teaching is incredibly important, but you can only teach well if you know what you are talking about.

Learn your commas! Comma splices are disgustingly common and English and a lot of us don't notice.

Learn the correct words!!!! Their/They're/There (check the Oatmeal out, he'll help you :P) To/Too/Two Your/You're

Grammar! Please? Read what you write: if you sound like a dumbass (mix up is and are?), then readers will think you're a dumbass.

Look up what an object is! It matters

Just generally take the time to really learn the language you want to be teaching. No matter how cool going to Japan is, you are going to teach and that is a sacred goal. Also, if you have a grammatically correct SoP, you'll look better because your non-standard English won't damage the readers' opinions of you.

I know that JET never says you have to be an English teacher in general, we are assistants (or will be) and English isn't something that you must master to be in the program, but you really should anyways. Knowing your grammar, knowing your language, knowing how to write are all so important in everyday life. You can argue that you'll never need algebra (I agree), maybe even ignore history, but knowing how to write and present yourself is endlessly important. So, present yourself well and give your students the chance to do the same. You don't want to misuse their for there and mess up your students' education, do you?

Bento!

Bento is one of my greatest loves <3 I own quite a few, less than ten though, I think... I have lots of accessories and love everything bento <3 I started a facebook group a couple years ago to share my pictures and maybe convince other people to be interested and it has grown to hundreds of people. Even better, I've made some great friends and get to see their wonderful lunches everyday ^_^

Bento is a common sight in manga and anime and j-dramas. It's especially common in shoujo because receiving a homemade bento from the girl you like is a magical moment. Making bento is a great way to show someone you love them. It's also a good way to socialize and meet people through your lunch. I used to make bento everyday and my husband would get comments on them at work ^_^ I love this and think it's fantastic!

It's also a really good way to learn some new Japanese foods without it being too intimidating. I've learned to make my own gyoza; I've even done it enough times that I don't need a recipe anymore, I can just figure it out on my own. I have a great love for onigiri, since I ate my first conbini (convenience store) onigiri on the way to Miyajima. I've never forgotten that wonderful riceball... It was filled with a "shrimp salad," sort of like a tuna salad. It was so good <3

Lastly, bento is actually mentioned in the ALT handbook thinger! It suggests making a bento to have with your students ^_^ I think this is a great suggestion and I just can't wait to get into JET and sit during lunch with my students and eat bento. This may seem like a weird dream, but I really want to be able to form a relationship with my students and I don't know that students get the chance in the US to relate with their teachers like that. I never would have sat with my teachers and eaten lunch; it's kind of unthinkable and creepy. But, with a bento, in Japan, I think my students would be impressed and maybe show me their lunches!

I love bento to the point that my friend Staci-chin (as I like to call her) is going to Japan through JET in August and I had to buy her a starting set for making bento! I'm really looking forward to her getting to use it in Japan. I just hope I didn't get her addicted like so many of us are... I fear that I will go Japan and spend all my money on cute bento stuff and not on important things or saving ^^;

Getting Cultural... In the Bath

I think that respecting the culture wherever you are is super important. I am one of those people who gets really irritated when someone living in the US knows no English. Not because I have a problem with them knowing their culture or another language, but because I think it's disrespectful. I live in an area with over 98% white, English speaking residents and I've encountered a surprising amount of people who don't speak English and don't seem to be polite enough to pretend they care. I feel awful when I go somewhere and can't communicate. I feel like a rude assbutt (thank you Castiel). I went to Japan for a week and a half about five years ago and I think the thing I said most was "I'm sorry, I don't know Japanese. I'm sorry, I'm an American." I went to Montreal and happened to encounter a couple people who didn't know much English at a couple stores and my French wasn't particularly suited to shopping in the Hell Kitty store, so I felt bad there. I just think that it is good manners to at least TRY to know enough language to get by wherever you are.

Now, off my soapbox. I think if you are going to travel somewhere or live somewhere, you ought to experience their real culture, like foods (if it's gonna stop you, don't ask what it is first) and activities. Today, I only want to talk about one awesome activity.

Onsen.

Onsen are public bathhouses essentially. If you, like me, read a lot of manga or watch a lot of anime, you know what an onsen is. You go in, put your stuff in a basket, go, in the buff, to sit on a little crate with a shower head, bucket, soap, and shampoo, and wash yourself. Then many have a real or imitation hot spring that you can boil yourself alive in and pass out (just like in manga :P) When I went to Japan, we got to stay in a gorgeous traditional inn in Takayama. It was the best the ever. I loved it. And when I got to go use the baths, I was ecstatic because I wanted to experience that part of their culture that is impossible where I come from. Only two girls of the ten-ish that went down to the baths actually did it. My friend and I decided that there was no shame in it and we wanted to do it. But everyone else left when they found out that the couldn't wear a towel or couldn't have drinks in the bath. Even still, it was wicked cool. My friend and I chatted and showered on our little crates just like they do in manga (less groping though, no comedic conversations about bust-size). Then we went and enjoyed the imitation hot spring and chatted with the guys through the wall separating the baths. It was great. I really recommend that you do it when you get the chance.

Onsen. Do it!

One last thing: a favorite quote of mine, relating to onsen. "You're in the way. You're in the way like steam in a moe anime bath scene." From Odamari-kun in Manabiya. So good <3

Fascinating Placement

I try to say interesting things, but today I can't seem to think of much. However, I do read some other JET related blogs (other blogs besides that) and one of these JETs has posted something super interesting, so today, I'm just going to link you there.

First some background. Merkypie is awesome. She started the US JET 2012 thread and has done SOOOO much on the JET forums. She is brave enough to give out answers and be brutally honest when people are just not being the adults they ought to be. I really admire her presence on the forums and the personality I've seen here on the interwebz. Her blog is pretty helpful on a few things too. I think it's in my blogroll... She started a thread on the Aspiring JETs forum for new JETs to note their placements and whether it was a preference or not, etc. So she made a post talking about it and I'm going to link you here ^_^

2012 Placement Trends as Interpreted by Merkypie

I think this is especially interesting because it gives some insight into how your placement request works or how it may impact where you end up. Don't assume you request something and will get it. But, do request something if you are interested. I think that it's really worth looking into and thinking about where you want to go. You may just want Hokkaido (like me ^^) because it is similar to where you come from or because it is your sister region (Hokkaido is the sister state/region for Massachusetts). You may be more specific; I didn't request Kyoto-shi last year because I know how impossible it is to get in there. This year, I will list it as one of my preferences because as I've done more research I found out it is the sister city to my beloved Boston and since it was my favorite place when I went to Japan, I really want to spend more time there and experience that fascinating mix of history and modernity that I feel Boston and Kyoto both have. But, put in the work and figure out what you really want to do. And don't be concerned when you don't get it. It's Japan! It's all wicked awesome ^_^

Knowing How Much You Want It

At this point in the year, many JETs have already received their placements, which leads to some new issues. Money is scary, as I've already discussed. And then there are concerns about radiation. I can honestly say that no matter where I get placed, I will take it and rejoice. But, I also know that I have wanted this for over half of my life. I want this so bad. I want this more than anything in my life. Before I got married, I knew that if I left my boyfriend/fiance for a year to go to Japan, I could lose him. I know that it'll make for weird transitions in my life. I knew that I could miss some huge events in my family. No matter what happens, JET is my dream. I want JET more than I have ever wanted anything. So, if I got placed in Fukushima, I would go, no matter my family's refusal, the news telling me it's dangerous, money issues, anything that came up, none of it would stop me.

So, ask yourself this, every step of the way: how much do you want it? Do you want it enough to dive straight in with all those risks? Do you want it enough to throw away your fears and go somewhere scary? Are you going to bail because of something as small as radiation risks?

Make sure that you know what is going to try and hold you back, be it money, family, fear, etc. And then tell all of those things that you really want this and they can suck it. Don't let anything stand in your way. Want this more than anything else. Or at least know at what point you are no longer willing to do this. Always know how far you are willing to go, especially when applying for a job on the other side of the globe.

Moneyz!

So, I hadn't thought about some of the harsher realities of the JET Program. In fact, I had skipped over this harsh reality for most of the things in my life. Money is the cruel ruler of all our lives. That being said, when you finally get into JET, you need to have money for your various expenses until you finally get paid. Rent, key money (if you have to pay it), food, transportation, furnishings, etc. This adds up to a lot, especially in the housing needs. JET is currently suggesting around $3,000. That is a lot of dough.

I already save and scrimp little things all the time. I pick up any change I find, return bottles and cans, and intentionally put aside any extra bits of money I happen upon. I do still tend to spend more than I ought to on things I really like (like going out for nice dinners, books, and manga), but I try to save some extra here and there. I honestly really suggest that you start saving now. If you are applying next year, the year after, or any year after that, it is always good to have this extra money for any situation. You'll need it to start JET, but in real life, if you need to move or something happens, you really need to have that cash available to you when you need it.

Funny Little Things

There are some funny little things that need to be done when going to Japan, especially in the long term. I may not be moving to Japan this year, but I've thought a lot about this because I've wanted to live in Japan for a VERY long time ^^;

One of the ones I think about a lot is socks. I have OCD (I refuse to pay to be diagnosed, but my psych major friend was happy to tell me I was right DX) and one of my unfortunate habits is picking the "fuzzies" off of my socks. I just cannot abide socks with pilling or hairs or threads or anything else. I ruin a lot of socks really fast. In Japan, a lot of people see your socks because you take your shoes off when you enter most places. Often you were slippers, but still, people will laugh at your holes and poorly darned socks. When I briefly went to Japan as a freshman in college, one of the suggestions our professor gave us was to buy socks because we didn't want to look like poor bumpkins. When you go to Japan, you want to make sure you have nice socks without holes or tears or whatever else (especially if you pick your socks apart like I do) and you want to maintain your socks. This seems pretty strange, but make sure to think about it :P

Wearing yukata, kimono, period kosode... Right then left when putting it on. Otherwise, you are a dead person... A ghost... I'm glad that normally if I put my clothes on in the wrong direction, I just look rather dumb, but if I put on my kosode wrong... I'm haunting someone >.< So, don't be dead.

There is only one right way to hold your chopsticks. However, if you are a foreigner and not born in Asia (especially if you're white, it seems), Asians will be amazed that you can eat with chopsticks at all. Literally, every Asian person I meet seem amazed that I eat at a normal speed with chopsticks, instead of dropping absolutely everything >.< But yeah, in Japan, there is only one way to use chopsticks and people will think you do it funny if you do it differently. Just hope they are amazed by your gaijin skills :P

I'm sure there are lots more... But, these were the ones I was thinking about and I thought it might be nice to have a Japan related post instead of a useful JET related post ^_^