Job Discussion Forums

jeshipiyo · Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 2

Hi guys,

I'm currently applying for JET right now but was wondering whether or not I should include certain information on the application. One of the questions asks if you've ever had experience teaching English as a second language, as well as experience in other cultures abroad. I have worked as an ALT in Japan in 2006 (for 4 months, successfully!)... but while still on my student visa. In addition, I was kicked out of my study abroad program that year because I had stopped going to class (I have a good reason though--medical problems in the family). I started the ALT job soon after.

If you're wondering how I was able to secure a job despite not having a proper visa, I'm Nikkei and had been in the process of changing my status to Long-term Resident.

I would also say that my Japanese skills are advanced since I did live there for awhile (and spoke only in Japanese with my relatives), but it wouldn't appear so on my transcript. According to my transcript, I've taken up to the intermediate level at my university and then failed my study abroad program.

However, since coming back to school in the States, I've gotten all good grades, took some classes on Japanese culture, and done independent research pertaining to contemporary Japan.

My question is: should I just concentrate on the success I've had in my studies back in the US and not even mention my experience in Japan at all? Although I didn't keep up with my studies during that period, I learned a lot about the local lifestyles, made friends with Japanese students, and felt that I got more out of my experience than the other ryugakusei who were holed up in the classroom and stuck together all the time. As well, I felt that my ALT experience was comparable to JET (my fellow teachers and I attended the same school board meetings and everything) and legitimate in terms of workload--if only I hadn't been working on a student visa! Should I cover up my work experience in Japan for fear of exposing something illegal?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

I think JET is more and more hoping to find people with teaching experience. Because your study abroad will be on your record, it will behoove you to write something about it, just as honestly as you described here. Try to soften words like "kicked out", though.

Are Nikkei eligible for JET? The JET FAQ says "Those who possess dual citizenship with Japan must renounce their Japanese citizenship before the date for submission of the JET Programme Reply Form."

If your language ability is high enough, you might want to consider applying for CIR instead of ALT position, but that's up to you.

jeshipiyo · Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 2

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

G Cthulhu · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 10:53 pm Post subject:

Glenski's covered the main points, but some extra thoughts....

Do not, under *any* circumstances, mention the teaching. You were doing it illegally and the dates will cause that to be noticed. You're going to have a hard enough time over-coming the fact your transcript notes you failed your study abroad - you're going to have to address that very carefully in your SOP, and you *will* need to cover it. Don't panic about it, but make sure you're got it covered.

What you might end up doing as a CIR can vary wildly - even more than ALT's usually. It's not all translation work, or even (IMO/IME) a majority of the work. The guidelines call for well rounded 2kyuu level Japanese for the role, but I've met CIRs with so-so skills in either the read/write or speak/listen parts (never both, obviously!). It's a more competitive position to get - fewer positions and a large number of people applying globally, especially out of Australia and New Zealand. Talk to the consulate and see what numbers they are predicting for this cycle and what they think your odds might be viz Japanese ability. Each consulate has slightly different standards.

Good luck.