By Jeanne Beck
Read Applying for the JET Program: Part 1 here.
Ever since I ended my tenure on JET (2008-2011 Nagano), I have helped JET hopefuls through their application process. One of the most daunting parts of the application is the two-page, double spaced essay, which is the biggest area to let yourself shine as an applicant.
Tips for writing your JET essay
The essay prompt is as follows:
In the space provided, you must submit an application statement of purpose/essay regarding your motivation for applying to the JET Program. Applicants should take this opportunity to address all of the following:
- Why you wish to go to Japan as a participant of the JET Program and why you are interested in the position for which you are applying (ALT or CIR).
- What effect you hope to have on the Japanese community and internationally as a result of your participation in the JET Program.
- How your experiences, professional skills, and relevant interests will be useful to you as an ALT or CIR, and will further the objectives of the JET Program.
- What you hope to gain, both personally and professionally, from your JET experience if you are selected and how participation will assist you in your future career.
- Applicants should take this opportunity not only to explain their motivation for applying but also to showcase their knowledge of standard conventions for proper American English grammar and spelling.
The best advice is to start early, brainstorm all of the possible ideas you can share, and work on your essay in multiple short sessions. Usually, when applicants start to write their essays, they end up with a 3-4 page document! If this happens to you, don’t panic! This is a sign you have a lot of JET-related ideas to share.
To help hone your essay, focus on the essay prompt, as well as think about the following:
- Strive to integrate your past experiences, visualize your time on JET, and connect your JET experience to your future. Any experiences you have had teaching, tutoring, studying abroad, or connecting with other cultures are great ones to highlight. Feel free to share a short story about how that event changed you or encouraged you to pursue the JET Program. Make sure your essay isn’t focused entirely on the past though; if you’re not connecting those experiences to Japan then you’re not helping yourself. Finally, think about your future. Are you hoping to work in Japan after JET? Work in a field where you will connect with Japanese businesses or institutions, or Japanese people? In what other ways will JET benefit your future
- Learn about the role which you are applying for and think of what skills, talents, and abilities you bring to the table that would match your role well. One thing that is stressed in JET information sessions is that JETs need soft skills – to be flexible, patient, outgoing, adaptable, have a positive attitude, sense of humor, creativity, and initiative. For ALTs, think about what it takes to make great lesson plans, develop engaging materials for class, help plan an English camp, coach speech and debate students, or lead children in songs and games. Don’t think you have to be an education major to have relatable skills. I was just talking with a marketing major who really wants to do JET – imagine the amazing materials she’ll make for her school!
- Think of concrete ways in which you could connect with your Japanese community. Beyond the hours you will work in local schools, JET wants you to connect with your community. Of course you won’t know where you will be placed until much later, but think of some of your interests and how they might concretely be realized in Japan. Some communities will have cooking clubs, mountain hiking clubs, English tour guide clubs – you name it, and with each of these activities is a chance for you to meet local people, internationalize Japan, and practice your language skills. Be sure to show your specific interest in Japan, Japanese education, and Japanese culture.
Don’t forget to check your English!
A major part of the essay is demonstrating your knowledge of standard American English conventions. Run your essay by several people who know you well to not only edit but also perhaps remind you of some related experiences to address. Remember when you were a junior counselor? Babysat for the neighbor’s kids? If you are a current student, I also highly recommend making an appointment at your university’s writing center, especially with editors who focus on grant and proposal writing.
For more information on the JET Program visit the website and for local JET alumni connections visit the Heartland JET Alumni Association website.
Jeanne Beck is a doctoral student at Iowa State University’s Applied Linguistics and Technology program and graduate assistant for Speech Communication courses. She holds an Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) in Education Administration from William Woods University, and an M.Ed in TESOL Education, a BS in Middle School Education, and a BA in International Studies from the University of Missouri. She has taught undergraduate, graduate, and teacher training courses at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, South Korea; high school English on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program in Nagano, Japan; and ESL, ELA, and technology classes in rural K-12 Missouri public schools. Her interests include CALL, technology training for teachers, project-based language learning, EL testing, EL policy, and rural EL needs. She has presented at TESOL, MIDTESOL, JALTCALL, served as an ed tech co-chair for MIDTESOL from 2018-2019. She co-authored an English textbook in South Korea and has written for the MIDTESOL website and Language Magazine.
