Do I qualify?
To check if you qualify, click here.
For CIRs and SEAs, you will have other eligibility requirements, such as language ability (functional ability of Japanese as you will be working in Japanese office environment and involved in translation and interpretation services.) and for SEAs, you would have to excel in certain field and be recommended by your NOC/ government agency/ other equivalent recommendations.
Find out more via the JET pamphlet, page 4-9.
Where do I apply?
You will need to apply via the Embassy of Japan of your country. First, check if your country is participating in the JET programme. Here's a list of the participating countries.
For Singaporeans, you can apply via here. Supporting attachments on the application are still available for download at the webpage. The application forms will only be available for download during the September to November period.
When do I start to apply?
Application for ALTs (from Singapore) typically start from September to November period. The closing date for application is usually the end of November. For 2010 intake for Singaporeans, the closing date was 30 November 2009.
As there are quite a lot of application work involved, do check out the website regularly during end August/ September period, so that you will have ample time to prepare for the application.
How do I apply?
For CIR and ALT positions, the application requirements are quite similar:
Written assessment
- Application Form
- Essay - Statement of Purpose
Administrative matters
- Self Assessment Medical Report
- Certification of Graduation
- Certified transcripts
- 2 Letters of Reference
- Copies of passport
Application Form
Besides the usual profiling, there are open-ended questions pertaining to JET, which you would need to answer, such as, how does your current or future career profession relates to JET programme?
Statement of Purpose
This is an essay, not exceeding 2 papers, on why you would like to participate in the JET programme.
Jason's tip on tackling this essay- the most difficult part of the application
Jason, is a very seasoned ALT, who has been on the JET programme for 5 years. By the way, 5 years is the maximum anyone can be on the JET programme.
Anyway, for me, I mainly structured my essay on why I should be picked for JET - my strengths, my experience, my hobbies, etc, and how they relate to JET. And of course, do not forget to end your essay on the point of how JET is going to help you in your future direction.
Self Assessment Medical Report
As the name suggests, you do not need to go to a doctor for a health screening check to fill up this document.
You will be required to send in a health check report when you've been shortlisted, which is after the interview.
Certification of Graduation & Transcripts
For these, you would need to make a trip down to your university, to get certified copies of your degree scroll and transcripts.
TIP
For NUS students, the certification is done at the Yusof Ishak House.
If you need to apply for the transcipts, find out more here.
Letters of Reference
You would need to submit 2. They can be from your ex-supervisor/ current supervisor, your lecturer, your colleague, or friend, as long as they can testify your past experience and/ or character that supports your application to the JET programme.
Copies of Passport
This is probably the easiest step in the application. :) Make copies of the passport, the page with your profile.
TIP
- Remember to prepare adequate copies of the application package, as specified by the Application Checklist.
- Do not staple the forms. Use paper clips instead.
- Do not submit the forms in folders/ binders. Use envelopes.
- Compile the 3 sets according to the given order.
Once all of the above are completed... viola! You have completed the application package, and is ready to mail it off to the Embassy of Japan.
After that, you will need to wait for the notification of an interview opportunity. Watch out for the next post on the interview. :)
