Quote:
Originally Posted by samurai007
While you're right about not making it all about yourself, and an application should definitely mention how you plan to teach the kids, get them interested in English, etc, the people reading the applications are not gullible enough to believe that you ONLY want to go to Japan to improve the kids' English. They know that you've applied because you want to go to Japan too, and IMO there's nothing wrong with succinctly mentioning why you want to go, what you want to do there, and why you are interested in Japan. I mentioned it briefly, and I got into JET, so doing so isn't the kiss of death. Just be sure not to go on too long about it. I think such honesty is not only a good thing, it shows your interest in Japan.
Second, I'd say you actually are a local level ambassador on JET. Again, you shouldn't get carried away with self-importance about it, but mentioning that you also want to set a good example as a local level ambassador from your country with the students and townsfolk where you'll be living, and what you might have to both teach and learn from them (it's not all 1 way...) might be something to include in the essay. Remember that 2/3 of the Japanese govt agencies involved in CLAIR have to do with international relations, and only 1 with English education...
Just my 2 yen though...
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I never said it was the kiss of death. EVERYONE does it, so it can't be. My point is focus less on what you are going to get out of it (which is, of course all everyone is thinking) and more on what you are going to put into it. I know people that basically thought they were applying for a vacation before real life started. That kind of honesty kept them firmly planted in America.