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ZombieFred
Unconfirmed Member
I am college qualified UK skill based diploma level not a degree.
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Teaching English in Asia |OT| We're back!
- Thread starter Shouta
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I am college qualified UK skill based diploma level not a degree.
shanshan310
Member
Yeah, those kind of horror stories about people basically being carted around as a tape recorder make me a bit wary about applying. Not speaking to students I can understand (although I think at low levels it can be detrimental depending on the student), but not speaking to staff is just cruel. What are you supposed to do in the staff room? or if the other teachers are having a conversation? Listen and pretend you don't understand?
I wish Sweden was one of the participating countries in the JET program. Would interac or Aeon be worth the effort? Would love to hear from someone with experience from it, good and bad. Reading the sites it seems english schooling for 10+ years is needed, though..
I studied japanese in Tokyo for a year and would love to be able to return to Japan. Even worked part-time as an english teacher with 50+ year old salary men which wasn't too bad, considering most of them didn't even want to be there.
This time next year I will most likely have two bachelor's; journalism and japanese with a specialization in translation. I have a JLPT N3 certificate and I'm taking N2 this december. Also taking some courses in international relations.
Sorry for the long post. Perhaps I'd be better off just studying the language in Japan for another year, while looking for a job and working freelance on my student visa. : P
I studied japanese in Tokyo for a year and would love to be able to return to Japan. Even worked part-time as an english teacher with 50+ year old salary men which wasn't too bad, considering most of them didn't even want to be there.
This time next year I will most likely have two bachelor's; journalism and japanese with a specialization in translation. I have a JLPT N3 certificate and I'm taking N2 this december. Also taking some courses in international relations.
Sorry for the long post. Perhaps I'd be better off just studying the language in Japan for another year, while looking for a job and working freelance on my student visa. : P
Shouta
Member
I didn't get them saying that to me but I could almost feel the tension on the back of my neck as a result of it a few times. But I never gave a fuck and spoke Japanese when I could. In fact, in the large school (1k+ students) before I left Japan, I intended on keeping my ability to speak Japanese hidden to the students but the principal let the cat out of the bag right away. -_- I became friends with a lot of my students thanks to ignoring that stuff and I'm glad I did because I'm still in contact with many of them today.
I don't really blame the programs, JET or otherwise, but it's frustrating when you get coworkers are ridiculous. When you get awesome folks to work with, the job is like the best stuff on the planet though.
Fuuuuu
still gotta statement of purpose and notarise everything while juggling all my final assessments... good thing I'm nearly done with everything, but that's just it, I'm only nearly done with everything...
I spent an hour and a half worrying about having everything in order and making sure everything was bloody perfect. Such a pain!!!!!
And you should have started this months ago!!! Tharja would have disappointed.
I have everything but my SoP done! It's been a hectic final month. Starting NaNoWriMo at the beginning of it was a bad option too
Depends, you're alot more likely to get stared at and be photographed in China. There are cities people have barely heard of with millions of people.
Cheesecakebobby
Banned
Yeah the majority in Japan are friendly enough. I'm greeted with a smile in all my local shops, I've joined two local musics groups etc. In Japan you're very unlikely to meet someone who has never had contact with foreigners, and the horror stories I've heard from friends in China are far worse than those here (one girl had someone cut a lock of her hair when travelling on the bus, another had some perve chase her down the street to get a photo of her boobs).
Aizo
Banned
How did you get involved with these local music groups? Please elaborate. I want to find people to jam with in Tokyo.
Cheesecakebobby
Banned
If you want to jam, look on craigslist. I've seen both locals and fellow foreigners looking for bandmates.
I'm more interested in traditional Japanese stuff so I joined a taiko drumming club and also a koto club. I have played a couple performances of each at local festivals. You can see my first, very nervous performance of the Totoro theme tune and a couple other Ghibli songs on youtube if you're interested... And yes I am the only male, foreign and under 30 y/o member of the group but I get treated like an idol
Aizo
Banned
If you want to jam, look on craigslist. I've seen both locals and fellow foreigners looking for bandmates.
I'm more interested in traditional Japanese stuff so I joined a taiko drumming club and also a koto club. I have played a couple performances of each at local festivals. You can see my first, very nervous performance of the Totoro theme tune and a couple other Ghibli songs on youtube if you're interested... And yes I am the only male, foreign and under 30 y/o member of the group but I get treated like an idol
That's awesome! Could you play at all before, or did you learn everything (about koto playing) from this circle?
Cheesecakebobby
Banned
Thank you
I tried it for a few months back in the UK but without a real teacher so I was starting from scratch, basically, and it took me 6 months before I could perform (and I still suck and make tons of mistakes, haha). My teacher just lent me a full size (6 foot) one to practice on though so that's awesome. And I definitely recommend taiko too because it's a fun workout if nothing else and most towns will have at least one group because they are always needed for festivals.
Aizo
Banned
Thank you
I had a sanshin back home, before I came to Japan, so I may pick that back up... or shamisen... Hmmm... choices.
Cheesecakebobby
Banned
Sanshin! Okinawan music is best music.
Aizo
Banned
I do like that I can just play it with my guitar pick... I think I'll just PM you instead of derailing this thread any longer.
Is it too late to fill our an application to JET at this point? Do they only operate on a Fall-Spring schedule, or can I apply in a few months for the spring?
Teaching English in Asia is something I always wanted to do. I studied abroad in China for year and had a wonderful time. If I had a choice, I would return and live in China permanently, but I need to be practical. I don't have much teaching or work experience, and there aren't a whole lot of options for teaching in China other through private tutoring companies which I hear range in quality and reliability. I've heard nothing but good things about JET, so it seems likely my best bet. Can anyone offer suggestions?
Teaching English in Asia is something I always wanted to do. I studied abroad in China for year and had a wonderful time. If I had a choice, I would return and live in China permanently, but I need to be practical. I don't have much teaching or work experience, and there aren't a whole lot of options for teaching in China other through private tutoring companies which I hear range in quality and reliability. I've heard nothing but good things about JET, so it seems likely my best bet. Can anyone offer suggestions?
The deadline is November 26, which is when the embassy MUST have your application by mail. JET only opens its application process for a month each year (normally in October). You have time to complete the application but you must start on it now and contact two possible people to write a reference letter. The latter is the biggest wall. Everything else can be done within a few days if you are dedicated (and a good writer).
Banjotanooki
Member
You are aware JET is for Japan, right? Not China.
Do applications need to sent through snail-mail?
My references are from China, and the easiest thing for them is to send their letters via email.
Yep.
I just want to get back abroad, preferably in Asia. I'm interested in teaching in Japan, as well as China.
Shouta
Member
If your English is fine, I don't see why not. You may need to go with a private company though depending on whether or not your country is participating with JET. Assuming, you want to go to japan that is. Dunno about China or Korea.
Banjotanooki
Member
Working on my statement of purpose right now and it's already at 3 pages.
What are some main points I should talk about when writing it?
What are some main points I should talk about when writing it?
Porcile
Member
Urgh. Slightly irritated that one ear infection I got 4 year ago means I have to go through the hassle of getting this physician statement done. Hopefully I'll still be able to get the Statement of Physician filled out before deadline :-/ Someone reassure me it wont take long, before I start panicking,
Porcile
Member
Ok - so rereading JET's own info.
"Colds, fevers and acne (if not currently undergoing treatment) may be omitted. Also, visits to obstetrics / gynaecology facilities or consultations for the requesting of contraception may be omitted. If you have answered this question in the negative or if the physical issues mentioned in your answer are not reoccurring, then you will not require a Statement of Physician. This is true so long as you are not currently receiving any prescriptions or treatment for these issues. In all other cases, please have your doctor complete the Statement of Physician."
I won't need to get a Statement done for the ear infection I got in 2010, so as long as I declare it as not reoccuring? Seems kind of insane I'd have to get a statement done for such a minor, one-off incident. I'm going to give them a call in the morning.
"Colds, fevers and acne (if not currently undergoing treatment) may be omitted. Also, visits to obstetrics / gynaecology facilities or consultations for the requesting of contraception may be omitted. If you have answered this question in the negative or if the physical issues mentioned in your answer are not reoccurring, then you will not require a Statement of Physician. This is true so long as you are not currently receiving any prescriptions or treatment for these issues. In all other cases, please have your doctor complete the Statement of Physician."
I won't need to get a Statement done for the ear infection I got in 2010, so as long as I declare it as not reoccuring? Seems kind of insane I'd have to get a statement done for such a minor, one-off incident. I'm going to give them a call in the morning.
Application needs to be submitted online and sent through snail-mail. JET needs some signatures from you and some supplementary forms.
The references will be your trouble spots. You need two confidential letter of recommendations. Your references have to seal the envelope and sign it, so email is impossible.
Supermanisdead
Member
Unfortunately, quite a few places will just look at your country or passport and if it's not from UK, US, CAN, AUS, NZ, they will straight up ignore it (despite Netherlands having a higher percentage of English speakers than Canada!).
YMMV. You might get hired anyways, and the school will insist on you telling students that you are American or British. I know some Serbian folk who teach English and I can barely understand them.
double check your country requirements, since I don't have the seal + sign requirement here in Australia and my due date is the 29th, I think.
sasimirobot
Junior Member
Well that was interesting! Boss tells me to take this morning off to "take photos"...
Ends up I got paid 50$/hour to model 500$ cashmere sweaters for the largest mall in town. WTF??
Ends up I got paid 50$/hour to model 500$ cashmere sweaters for the largest mall in town. WTF??
Supermanisdead
Member
lmao noooooo. don't encourage them!
Hey guys.
I have been living and teaching in Yilan City, Taiwan for about 6 weeks. Its been amazing so far. Really busy with teaching.
No I don't speak mandarin (learning).
I did Environmental Science in university so I dont have any teaching experience until now.
I would recommend this place to anyone looking for something totally different to western culture.
I was living in Australia prior to this. I turned down a specialist career oppurtunity with the Royal Australian Navy to come and live this dream.
Some helpful advice. Hardly anyone uses English here so make an effort to learn Mandarin. People are always very helpful and polite. Super easy to make friends.
My employers are hiring for next summer. Dm me if you want the name. They are a big school/organisation in Taiwan. Their method suits people who have never taught before. Super structured with reasonable pay.
I look forward to conversing with u all.
I have been living and teaching in Yilan City, Taiwan for about 6 weeks. Its been amazing so far. Really busy with teaching.
No I don't speak mandarin (learning).
I did Environmental Science in university so I dont have any teaching experience until now.
I would recommend this place to anyone looking for something totally different to western culture.
I was living in Australia prior to this. I turned down a specialist career oppurtunity with the Royal Australian Navy to come and live this dream.
Some helpful advice. Hardly anyone uses English here so make an effort to learn Mandarin. People are always very helpful and polite. Super easy to make friends.
My employers are hiring for next summer. Dm me if you want the name. They are a big school/organisation in Taiwan. Their method suits people who have never taught before. Super structured with reasonable pay.
I look forward to conversing with u all.
To teach in Korea you pretty much have to be from UK, USA, SA, Australia, Ireland, Canada or NZ.
Zaraki_Kenpachi
Member
Are there only certain times of the year they hire for this? I might do this if my job switch doesn't go through.
Edit: Just saw the dates on the page... Does anyone think it's possible to round everything up for this by the 26th?
Edit: Just saw the dates on the page... Does anyone think it's possible to round everything up for this by the 26th?
Porcile
Member
I'm applying for JET. It took a week for my references to write and notarise my letters of recommendation, and that's really, really quick. Pretty much only possible because I've badgered them endlessly in the lead up. The application form won't take you long. but then you have to consider the Statement of Physician if you've had or have any medical ailments. Also, your Statement of Purpose which is massively important will take a while to write. It needs to be checked by someone else for spelling and grammar. I'd say you might be a tad late, but still doable if your references are speedy.
I did a year and a half in Japan through an eikawa program in 07-08. I'm from the US with no teaching experience and couldn't speak a word of Japanese--though I did bother to learn the alphabet before I left, but it wasn't required.
I went with Nova and was there during the collapse, bankruptcy, buy-out, and resumption via G.Communication. In spite of all that, I had an absolute blast and unquestionably the time of my life. I met my
wife there and the whole experience completely altered the course of my life in a wonderful way. If you have a college degree and nothing terribly substantial tying you down, do some sort of living abroad like this, it's a great time.
Anyway, I'll be poking in for questions/advice every now and again for anyone who's got them.
I went with Nova and was there during the collapse, bankruptcy, buy-out, and resumption via G.Communication. In spite of all that, I had an absolute blast and unquestionably the time of my life. I met my
American
Anyway, I'll be poking in for questions/advice every now and again for anyone who's got them.
During the international traveling portion, I was so sad the only thing I could write down was my trip to Jamaica...six years ago. :'-(
Porcile
Member
Reading through a lot of testimonials, I've read that some peoples first experience of getting on a plane was to travel to Japan for their JET position. I haven't travelled much at all, mostly because I was so busy with my studies and working on various projects through the summer months.
Edit - my UK application is almost done!
Necromanti
Member
Tell me about it. I'm glad that I have the option of pursuing a gig with a private company, at least. And I'm doubly glad that I am more interested in Japan than, say, Korea, since it doesn't sound like the fact that I've been a fluent speaker of English for 16 years--and have had all my schooling conducted in English--will mean anything to them if I'm not a "native speaker". (I'm practically more proficient in English than I am in even my own mother tongue, damn it! Academically speaking, at least. I consider it my secondary "first language", if that makes sense...or to be more precise, my second "primary language".)
Porcile
Member
Phew, my JET UK application is in. That felt like a long old process. I'm glad I had my academic transcripts on hand to begin with. My university is a nightmare of bureaucracy and unhelpful department admins when it comes to getting that sort of thing done.
In truth, I'm not too sure how strong my chances are, but like all things you've got to be in it to win it. I'm willing to give it one more shot next year if I'm unsuccessful. Japan is my main choice but I'm also willing to look at my potential options in Korea or Taiwan as well. Taiwan in particular because I've got quite a few Taiwanese friends from my MA days out there already.
Thanks for all the super helpful info in this and the old thread. Good luck to everyone else applying!
In truth, I'm not too sure how strong my chances are, but like all things you've got to be in it to win it. I'm willing to give it one more shot next year if I'm unsuccessful. Japan is my main choice but I'm also willing to look at my potential options in Korea or Taiwan as well. Taiwan in particular because I've got quite a few Taiwanese friends from my MA days out there already.
Thanks for all the super helpful info in this and the old thread. Good luck to everyone else applying!
My registered post has been received. I want my postcard back
It took about a week to get mine back.
Guhnmystro
Member
I've been talking to a friend who has done English Teaching in Beijing for a couple years, and she's been wanting to go back with someone. I'm contemplating joining her, but I was wondering if anyone on here had any experience doing so, and what it positive or negative? She's looking at teaching Pre-K to 6th grade-ish level kids.
encephalon
Member
I'm probably going to be screwed over by the physician's form. Suddenly being uninsured made my application process more difficult. It's not possible to see a physician with knowledge of my medical history. In fact, it seems my previous healthcare provider has simply lost all information regarding the medication I was taking for the issues that I'm being required to provide the physician's form for. I've made two attempts (one of them out of pocket) to get the form filled out properly. The first time it was clearly filled out by a physician's assistant (signed by a physician) and they were more interested in taking my money than following instructions (partly my fault for "letting" them). The second time, no of course there are no physicians onsite. Inadvertently while trying to access my medical records I managed to get the form filled out by my former physician who wasn't really aware of any former issues, nor is the record there for him to look them up, nor could I contact him. So I have one form filled out "no problems," essentially. Which is a small miracle.
And the fact that I can't imagine a scenario where it isn't just me telling the doctor I'm not experiencing any "conditions" since HS and the doctor just goes "okay" makes this incredibly frustrating.
I'm mad at myself for glazing over the health area thinking "I'm healthy and I'm not taking any medications!" ... and then panic. I told my prof. I wouldn't screw up. Guess I did? Fuck.
And the fact that I can't imagine a scenario where it isn't just me telling the doctor I'm not experiencing any "conditions" since HS and the doctor just goes "okay" makes this incredibly frustrating.
I'm mad at myself for glazing over the health area thinking "I'm healthy and I'm not taking any medications!" ... and then panic. I told my prof. I wouldn't screw up. Guess I did? Fuck.
Jaladinozozo
Banned
Is this really true? What if I was born in another country but came to the US when I was 4?
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