My second year applying! Excited for the 2025 application opening on the 23rd! I am narrowing down my focus! It is hard, because I am the sort of person who wants to do EVERYHTING, and picking a topic or two to focus on for WHY I would be a good candidate and how it connects to exchange and teaching both is so difficult. I am a graphic design BFA and TESOL certificate holder. I hope my chances are strong this year!:}
Hey! If you don't mind me asking, what was the reason you were declined last year?? If it's too uncomfortable to talk about it I completely understand! :)
My SOP took me the longest time! I am also applying for the program this year haha, I mainly incorporated my major and the "after" since it seemed the most important! Good luck!
@@j.c.madden4547 I hope you get a spot. Its my 3rd time trying to apply. I think my SOP was def the reason both times I got rejected. I have built up other areas of my application since the first two but man am i super nervous. Im not the best writer especially when this is all I can say about myself. I have been watching so many of these videos trying to find inspiration to write my SOP (hopefully correctly this time). I dont want to be as bland as a bag of crackers.
Hi Allison, Just wanted to say a massive massive thank you for sharing your SOP and discussing your experience you've been a massive help! You helped me stop procrastinating lol, thank you!!
Thank you so much for this information for making the right structure of the sop. It’s a big help for me in my preparation for next year JET Programme application .
Hi Allison! I am working on my SOP now as well! Honestly one of the better explanations I have come across. It really gave me a new sense of direction for it other than the traditional resume like format. I feel like I dread those writings and procrastinate longer.
thanks so much! I also initially wrote it like a cover letter before I realized it was way too stiff and impersonal 🙈have some fun with it and good luck!!
@@AllisoninTokyo Hello again! So, results were posted today (10th) and I am moving on to the interview portion!!! 🎊 thank you so much, I truly do believe that it had to do with re-working the SOP format! 🍾🥂it was a long two mons of waiting, it certainly felt longer. Hope you are doing well! 🌸🍫
@@swisdom9117 I can proudly share that I have been a JET for the last 3 years now! It was wild going during the COVID lockdown and navigating that on top of everything else. I have traveled, met great friends from all over the world, interesting teachers, and of course sweet and funny students. I am not the type to sugar coat, like with anything one sets their mind to, there are highs and lows. Nothing great ever comes easy. Funnily enough, full circle moment, I am now preparing my move back to my home country. So overall, I'd say pretty great.
@@justm3dith thanks for the update! I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed your time on the program :) I’m planning to apply this year and hope that I can go and have a mostly positive experience as well!
Hello, I am planning on applying for JET later this year. I plan on using karate as a backdrop in my SOP. I know better than to write like a 'Weeb' as some would pit it. My story is about how I became a more confident person through my journey with karate and how helping instruct other karate students helped me change my perception about teaching in general. I used to cringe at the thought of teaching anything, but I realize teaching helps you learn more about yourself and tests your knowledge. I also want to stress how karate strongly influenced my interest in Japanese history and culture. My first sensei was stationed in Japan and married a Japanese woman named Yuki. Sensei had out dojo adhere to some Japanese cultural norms like leaving shoes outside the main area. My favorite thing he did was teach me about the history of Okinawa and some of the historical figured like Matsumura Sokon and Motobu Choki.
For my TEFL, my first assignment was to write an essay. I chose to write in first person. I did that to be personable like I was telling my story as I was relating to another. However, with JET I may not necessarily use that approach.
Good day, Allison! Am I required to use Verdana for my SOP or are they not that strict with regards to the font that I would use as long as I follow the font size and spacing required? Thank you in advance! You make me realize the importance of writing my SOP according to my own style!
I have a good paying job but it's killing me. They work me so hard and I'm miserable. I wanted to try this because it's something I'm passionate about but IDK if it's work it because it's not a permanent position. Do you think it's still worth trying?
@@kagisotamia5601 Applications are open right now until early November. While the choice is yours, I would emphasize that you only get one go at this "life" thing, and you should spend as much of it as humanly possible doing things you love. I promise you that you won't regret trying, but you'll almost definitely regret not trying. If you apply, you may not get on but, if you don't, then you definitely won't get on. It's your call, but I know what decision I would make in these circumstances.
Hi Allison, I loved this video and I'm curious I don't think I've seen a video on your channel discussing this but I am in the process of getting my Japanese Bachelors but last semester I took an intercultural communications class, and fell in love with the class in general. I noticed that in your SOP you mentioned getting a Masters in Intercultural Communications and that since you said this was pretty much what you had decided to do I was wondering if you could explain a bit more about that? My teachers and advisors at this school weren't able to help me much in telling me what a degree like that could be used for, or if it would be something worth getting and since I'd obviously want to marry it somehow to Japanese I was wondering what your thoughts and experiences were with that? I'm sorry if this question didn't make sense or it was too long I hope you're having a great day!
Well, honestly what I say in my SOP isn't reality 😂😂 But it's true I'm interested in it and the Masters I'm pursuing now is very very similar to this!! I think the key point is that you have another skill to back it up, in this case Japanese. So your natural focus would be on Japan and your home country's communications! But it's true it's pretty vague 😂 You can go a lot of different directions with it! Like working in marketing or in government, for example. My recommendation that really helped me solidify what I wanted to do a bit more is look up a few programs you're interested in, then check their alumni page and see what they do now, or if they don't have one go on Linkedin and see if you can find the program and what people are doing with the degree now 🌸 Hope this helped!!! It's a difficult question because I'm not entirely sure of the answer myself yet 😂
Hey Allison! Thanks for the vid. I’m just about ready to submit my essay. I noticed you don’t have a header or title... Can you confirm that’s not necessary? I can only fit my essay on two pages without em! Thanks
In 2018 the answer was no, but be sure to confirm that on the submission page. If you need it, it would say so. I’m pretty sure you don’t because (at least for US) you don’t submit a word document, you just copy and paste it into the text field! And there’s no centering or anything so a header would look strange 😆
Hi! They're listed on the Statement of Purpose page for the U.S. JET application, I'll leave them down below! 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.
Hey Allison! I've been watching your videos for some time and they truly have helped me with preparing to apply for JET. I'm currently finishing my draft of my SOP but realized the third paragraph is a bit long, do you think it's okay if I break it in two even though they both are answering the third question? Do you think it's possible to send you my SOP for some feedback as well? Thanks Allison
My second year applying! Excited for the 2025 application opening on the 23rd! I am narrowing down my focus! It is hard, because I am the sort of person who wants to do EVERYHTING, and picking a topic or two to focus on for WHY I would be a good candidate and how it connects to exchange and teaching both is so difficult. I am a graphic design BFA and TESOL certificate holder. I hope my chances are strong this year!:}
Hey! If you don't mind me asking, what was the reason you were declined last year?? If it's too uncomfortable to talk about it I completely understand! :)
I hope your application went well!
I’m currently writing my SOP and it’s a bit difficult since I don’t have much ties to Japan but this video is helping me out a lot so thank you!
My SOP took me the longest time! I am also applying for the program this year haha, I mainly incorporated my major and the "after" since it seemed the most important! Good luck!
@@j.c.madden4547 I hope you get a spot. Its my 3rd time trying to apply. I think my SOP was def the reason both times I got rejected. I have built up other areas of my application since the first two but man am i super nervous. Im not the best writer especially when this is all I can say about myself. I have been watching so many of these videos trying to find inspiration to write my SOP (hopefully correctly this time). I dont want to be as bland as a bag of crackers.
I'm working on my SOP now and I really appreciate this video! Thank you, Allison!
Thank you!! I’m glad it helped! Good luck 🤞
Hi Allison, Just wanted to say a massive massive thank you for sharing your SOP and discussing your experience you've been a massive help! You helped me stop procrastinating lol, thank you!!
Aww thank you I’m so glad to hear that!!! 🥰 Good luck 🥺💕
So grateful for this! I'm from the Philippines and planning to apply to the JET Program this October.❤
Thank you so much for your help! I'm preparing SOP for Japanese universities and you have helped me a lot!
Thank you very much for the tips and especially for the example essay!
It was very helpful to see how someone else structured their own SOP.
I'm glad it was helpful!!! Good luck on your application!
Thank you so much for this information for making the right structure of the sop. It’s a big help for me in my preparation for next year JET Programme application .
Hey, were you successful?
@@swisdom9117 hello sorry for the late reply. I didn’t pass the first screening.
@@jimletavilla6569 sorry to hear that :/ did you find out why? And are you trying again this year?
@@swisdom9117 it’s not for me anymore. But I’m working as Esl for Japanese company in my country. Thank you so much! Again
Hi Allison! I am working on my SOP now as well! Honestly one of the better explanations I have come across. It really gave me a new sense of direction for it other than the traditional resume like format. I feel like I dread those writings and procrastinate longer.
thanks so much! I also initially wrote it like a cover letter before I realized it was way too stiff and impersonal 🙈have some fun with it and good luck!!
@@AllisoninTokyo Hello again! So, results were posted today (10th) and I am moving on to the interview portion!!! 🎊 thank you so much, I truly do believe that it had to do with re-working the SOP format! 🍾🥂it was a long two mons of waiting, it certainly felt longer. Hope you are doing well! 🌸🍫
@@justm3dithhow is it going now?
@@swisdom9117 I can proudly share that I have been a JET for the last 3 years now! It was wild going during the COVID lockdown and navigating that on top of everything else. I have traveled, met great friends from all over the world, interesting teachers, and of course sweet and funny students. I am not the type to sugar coat, like with anything one sets their mind to, there are highs and lows. Nothing great ever comes easy. Funnily enough, full circle moment, I am now preparing my move back to my home country. So overall, I'd say pretty great.
@@justm3dith thanks for the update! I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed your time on the program :) I’m planning to apply this year and hope that I can go and have a mostly positive experience as well!
Hello, I am planning on applying for JET later this year. I plan on using karate as a backdrop in my SOP. I know better than to write like a 'Weeb' as some would pit it. My story is about how I became a more confident person through my journey with karate and how helping instruct other karate students helped me change my perception about teaching in general. I used to cringe at the thought of teaching anything, but I realize teaching helps you learn more about yourself and tests your knowledge. I also want to stress how karate strongly influenced my interest in Japanese history and culture. My first sensei was stationed in Japan and married a Japanese woman named Yuki. Sensei had out dojo adhere to some Japanese cultural norms like leaving shoes outside the main area. My favorite thing he did was teach me about the history of Okinawa and some of the historical figured like Matsumura Sokon and Motobu Choki.
Sounds like a good story for your SOP!!
For my TEFL, my first assignment was to write an essay. I chose to write in first person. I did that to be personable like I was telling my story as I was relating to another. However, with JET I may not necessarily use that approach.
Good day, Allison! Am I required to use Verdana for my SOP or are they not that strict with regards to the font that I would use as long as I follow the font size and spacing required? Thank you in advance! You make me realize the importance of writing my SOP according to my own style!
Could depend on country, when I submitted it didn’t matter as long as it’s one of the “professional” fonts! I used Times I think
I have a good paying job but it's killing me. They work me so hard and I'm miserable. I wanted to try this because it's something I'm passionate about but IDK if it's work it because it's not a permanent position. Do you think it's still worth trying?
I would say try it out...
Try something different
@@kagisotamia5601 Applications are open right now until early November. While the choice is yours, I would emphasize that you only get one go at this "life" thing, and you should spend as much of it as humanly possible doing things you love. I promise you that you won't regret trying, but you'll almost definitely regret not trying. If you apply, you may not get on but, if you don't, then you definitely won't get on. It's your call, but I know what decision I would make in these circumstances.
Hi Allison, I loved this video and I'm curious I don't think I've seen a video on your channel discussing this but I am in the process of getting my Japanese Bachelors but last semester I took an intercultural communications class, and fell in love with the class in general. I noticed that in your SOP you mentioned getting a Masters in Intercultural Communications and that since you said this was pretty much what you had decided to do I was wondering if you could explain a bit more about that? My teachers and advisors at this school weren't able to help me much in telling me what a degree like that could be used for, or if it would be something worth getting and since I'd obviously want to marry it somehow to Japanese I was wondering what your thoughts and experiences were with that? I'm sorry if this question didn't make sense or it was too long I hope you're having a great day!
Well, honestly what I say in my SOP isn't reality 😂😂 But it's true I'm interested in it and the Masters I'm pursuing now is very very similar to this!! I think the key point is that you have another skill to back it up, in this case Japanese. So your natural focus would be on Japan and your home country's communications! But it's true it's pretty vague 😂 You can go a lot of different directions with it! Like working in marketing or in government, for example. My recommendation that really helped me solidify what I wanted to do a bit more is look up a few programs you're interested in, then check their alumni page and see what they do now, or if they don't have one go on Linkedin and see if you can find the program and what people are doing with the degree now 🌸 Hope this helped!!! It's a difficult question because I'm not entirely sure of the answer myself yet 😂
Hey Allison! Thanks for the vid. I’m just about ready to submit my essay. I noticed you don’t have a header or title... Can you confirm that’s not necessary? I can only fit my essay on two pages without em! Thanks
In 2018 the answer was no, but be sure to confirm that on the submission page. If you need it, it would say so. I’m pretty sure you don’t because (at least for US) you don’t submit a word document, you just copy and paste it into the text field! And there’s no centering or anything so a header would look strange 😆
Hi Allison, do you think an SOP can be a page and a half? Or does it have to be the full two pages?
If you’ve said everything you want to and think it’s complete then I wouldn’t unnecessarily put fluff in it!! 💪 It’s probably fine!
how did you submit your transcripts ?
Hi Allison, thanks for sharing. Where can i find the 4 required points?
Hi! They're listed on the Statement of Purpose page for the U.S. JET application, I'll leave them down below!
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.
@@AllisoninTokyo thanks so much for the help. I'm almost finished with my SoP.
No problem, good luck! 🤗
Hey Allison! I've been watching your videos for some time and they truly have helped me with preparing to apply for JET. I'm currently finishing my draft of my SOP but realized the third paragraph is a bit long, do you think it's okay if I break it in two even though they both are answering the third question? Do you think it's possible to send you my SOP for some feedback as well? Thanks Allison
I think it's totally fine as long as both paragraphs are at least 4-5 sentences! And sorry but I don't review SOPs 😭Good luck!!!!
@@AllisoninTokyo Ah okay thank you!!! :)
Some segments in the video are stamped not adjacent to each other
Hi, I would like to ask if How many pages??
Does age matter for jet or body size.
No, it doesn't!