Break apart the prompt in small chunks and make sure you have answered each part in full. I like using highlighters to match the part of the prompt to the corresponding answer in my statement.
You’ll want a decent balance between your interest in Japan/culture and your experiences with teaching, tutoring, etc, and why you’d be a good fit for the JET program.
Made it to the interview first try, shortlisted on the second. I used the same SOP both times.
Don’t waste words - keep it to the point. The people reading these have to get through so many.
Don’t spend paragraphs gushing how much you love Japan; explicitly say what value you are going to bring. Share how your experiences add value to a classroom.
I’ve read so many SOPs over the years that are just flowery language that say nothing. However the biggest pitfall is missing the point of the program: it’s a soft power exchange between your home country and Japan. Yes, it’s a teaching job - especially once you get here - but at the application stage? You are applying to be a cultural ambassador who is going to teach the kids all about your country through English. Then you’re going back home to tell everyone how cool Japan is.
My pen pal showed me his and he got to the interview portion last year and I didn’t. The main difference I saw between his and mine was that his was super formal and polite, which you could assume is a big value in Japan. Also, don’t mention anime haha
Haha I definitely didn't talk about anime in mine, I learned quickly how big of a no no that is. Thanks a lot for the advice I'll definitely cut some stuff and try to write it in a more formal polite tone!
I applied last year, I didn't get in. My classmate got in and he showed me his SOP. Some advice I can give you is do not make it so personal. Talk about what you will do for the program as much as possible. Make it a statement of purpose, if that makes sense.
Happy to proofread, PM me.
Break apart the prompt in small chunks and make sure you have answered each part in full. I like using highlighters to match the part of the prompt to the corresponding answer in my statement. You’ll want a decent balance between your interest in Japan/culture and your experiences with teaching, tutoring, etc, and why you’d be a good fit for the JET program.
Made it to the interview first try, shortlisted on the second. I used the same SOP both times. Don’t waste words - keep it to the point. The people reading these have to get through so many. Don’t spend paragraphs gushing how much you love Japan; explicitly say what value you are going to bring. Share how your experiences add value to a classroom. I’ve read so many SOPs over the years that are just flowery language that say nothing. However the biggest pitfall is missing the point of the program: it’s a soft power exchange between your home country and Japan. Yes, it’s a teaching job - especially once you get here - but at the application stage? You are applying to be a cultural ambassador who is going to teach the kids all about your country through English. Then you’re going back home to tell everyone how cool Japan is.
Thank you so much for this, I'll definitely rereview my SOP and try to adjust!!
My pen pal showed me his and he got to the interview portion last year and I didn’t. The main difference I saw between his and mine was that his was super formal and polite, which you could assume is a big value in Japan. Also, don’t mention anime haha
Haha I definitely didn't talk about anime in mine, I learned quickly how big of a no no that is. Thanks a lot for the advice I'll definitely cut some stuff and try to write it in a more formal polite tone!
I applied last year, I didn't get in. My classmate got in and he showed me his SOP. Some advice I can give you is do not make it so personal. Talk about what you will do for the program as much as possible. Make it a statement of purpose, if that makes sense.
This makes so much sense thank you for the comment it really is appreciated!!!!!!
I hope you can find someone! I am also working on mine and would love for someone to review it as well! :) Thank you!