DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post

**DoctorTOneery** · 12-23-2005, 04:02 PM

Hey congratulations on getting to the interview stage.

Just treat it like any other job interview and you will be fine. I would maintain that enthusiasm is the thing they look for most in prospective JETs. Teaching out here can be pretty trying from time to time. Maintaining a level of enthusiasm is critical to keep the kids motivated even if they cant be bothered. I drank about 7 espressos before the interview for a bit of a boost.

Rememer they want you to come to Japan to teach about YOUR culture. They won't be that interested in your desire to deeply understand Japanese culture, although I would imagine this will be seen as an advantage. Probably not best to bring up tatemae, honne or isshin denshin

I would say your Japanese language study will be seen favourably, but as mentioned before it wont win you that many brownie points. I know JETs who were told off for speaking Japanese too much at school. The teachers wanted them to talk to the kids in English even though they didnt understand.

Funnily my interviewers weren't the slightest bit interested in Iai or Kobudo, they just thought it was a bit wierd. They were however really interested in anything to do with teaching experience or living abroad. I think Kendo will be different because you dont need to explain what it is to Japanese people, most of them really dont know what Iai or Kobudo is.

Basically I think you will get in pretty easily. You seem to have good cross cultural experience and some teaching experience. Add to this a desire to learn about Japan and basic Japanese skills and you look like a pretty good candidate.

The worst part is waiting to hear that they have accepted you by the way, it took ages for me!

Where have you asked to be placed out of interest?

12-23-2005, 04:02 PM	#6
DoctorTOneery Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 512 Senior Member	Hey congratulations on getting to the interview stage. Just treat it like any other job interview and you will be fine. I would maintain that enthusiasm is the thing they look for most in prospective JETs. Teaching out here can be pretty trying from time to time. Maintaining a level of enthusiasm is critical to keep the kids motivated even if they cant be bothered. I drank about 7 espressos before the interview for a bit of a boost. Rememer they want you to come to Japan to teach about YOUR culture. They won't be that interested in your desire to deeply understand Japanese culture, although I would imagine this will be seen as an advantage. Probably not best to bring up tatemae, honne or isshin denshin I would say your Japanese language study will be seen favourably, but as mentioned before it wont win you that many brownie points. I know JETs who were told off for speaking Japanese too much at school. The teachers wanted them to talk to the kids in English even though they didnt understand. Funnily my interviewers weren't the slightest bit interested in Iai or Kobudo, they just thought it was a bit wierd. They were however really interested in anything to do with teaching experience or living abroad. I think Kendo will be different because you dont need to explain what it is to Japanese people, most of them really dont know what Iai or Kobudo is. Basically I think you will get in pretty easily. You seem to have good cross cultural experience and some teaching experience. Add to this a desire to learn about Japan and basic Japanese skills and you look like a pretty good candidate. The worst part is waiting to hear that they have accepted you by the way, it took ages for me! Where have you asked to be placed out of interest?
	Quote