The JET Application

It is currently November 04, 2009 and I am so very close to finishing the application.  The due date is November 24, but anyone who knows me, knows that when it comes to things like this I like to be 100% absolutely sure that I will have the application turned in on time... and on time means early.

What has taken me so long to get the application together? I wondered that myself, and it isn't waiting for others, or procrastination. Honestly, the thing that held me back the most was my Statement of Purpose... You'd expect that with something that I want so greatly, it'd be easy for me to type up two pages of information stating, what skills, experience, and characteristics I possess would be appropriate for whatever position, and what i expect to gain out of the experience... The regular Statement of Purpose guidelines... It took me about two weeks to type my Statement of Purpose. I went through about four versions of the essay and each time, I'd get about a page into the essay and realize it wasn't what I wanted. So, I would stop and walk away and leave it alone until I felt ready to write again. This cycle took me two weeks... until finally I sat down, wrote an opening paragraph I liked then backed off and came back wrote a little bit more until I finished the essay.

I really felt good about the essay too, I think it really encompasses my desire to join the JET program, but also thoroughly expresses my skills, experiences, and characteristics that would be helpful with the program.

Any way, I will have another post once the application is turned in.

And... It Begins... Once Again!

J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS!!!!... Sorry, Jets fans, but that's not what this blog is about.

The Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program, or JET Program, is an exchange program that allows participants to engage in cultural exchange in Japan through three main positions. You can apply for three of the following positions: The Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), The Coordinator for International Relations (CIR), and The Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA). If you want more information on the specific positions check out their official website.

I have begun my application process with the JET Program to apply for the ALT position.  I fit the eligibility, and it provides me with an opportunity to teach and gain experience in a classroom environment. Some of you may recall my last blog and how detailed the application process was, well multiply that by 10.  No, its not that bad really! An online application process helps keep your paper work down, so it really isn't that bad.

Where I'm at...  I'm literally in the wee beginnings of this application process.  I've completed the online application, but I have not submitted it, because I want to review, fix, and make sure EVERYTHING is correct and according to the instructions.  So, I've completed that and I'm also in the process of collecting the necessary documents required to complete the application process, i.e. transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a plethora of copies of each.

The process is long, tedious, and just like the other application process I'm going to be just as nervous.  Let me summarize the application and notification process. Let me note this information can be more accurately obtained and if you're interested in applying you should use the official JET website regarding the application process. Just google JET Program.

Application - Notification Process (abridged):

-October:  Application opens

-November:  Deadline for Application

-December to January:  Initial Screening (this is where they select the applicants for the next step)

-February:  Interviews

-Early April:  Selection announcement

-May to June: Placement Notification

This is an extremely long process and hopefully I will receive wonderful news in April.