sample essay for jet program

How to Write the JET Program Statement of Purpose Essay The most pivotal part of the JET Program application explained

May 25, 2015 • words written by Michael Richey • Art by Aya Francisco

Viewing under The Tofugu JET Program Guide

In our guide to applying for the JET Program , we skipped over the section about the JET Program Statement of Purpose essay (or SoP). It counts for the majority of your JET application score. To get some of you questions about the Statement of Purpose answered quickly, check out our video:

The SoP is not a cover letter. It's a two page story that separates you from other applicants. In the U.S. it must be maximum of two pages on standard paper, written in 12 point Arial or Times New Roman font, double spaced with 1 inch margins all around, and have your last name with the page number in the upper right.

The JET Program has two main goals:

• English education
• Internationalization

It's important to keep this in mind when writing about your skills and abilities. How does your story match these goals? More importantly, how can you make your story interesting enough to land you a JET Program interview ?

Let's look at this piece by piece and break down the official prompt on the JET Program website. There are four points, all beginning with "Applicants should take this opportunity to reflect on:"

1. "Why you wish to go to Japan and participate in the JET Program and why you are interested in the position for which you are applying (ALT or CIR)."

Read this question as: "What's so special about Japan?"

JET wants to know why you want to live in Japan, as opposed to Spain or Russia? Why do you want to teach English to Japanese children, rather than practice medicine? You can do anything with your life, so what is motivating you to choose this path? In a way, your answer to this question is the heart of your SoP, and all other answers should extend out from it. This is all about your motivation.

Connect this motivation to a personal story or event in your life. No one gains an interest in Japan out of nowhere. Something sparked it. Whether it be a relative who told you stories of their life in Japan, a Japanese book you read , or even anime, include it in your SoP.

The key to successfully using the motivational component in your essay is that you expand on it. This is why " anime " is an acceptable motivational component, though some claim you shouldn't mention anime under any circumstances. If you write, "I want to go to Japan because I like anime," you're not likely to be chosen. The same goes for "I want to live in Japan because my uncle lived there." These are equally weak because they simply state the motivation.

However, "I want to teach in Japan because I watched anime growing up, which sparked my curiosity about where it came from, leading me to a love of Japanese culture…" is much stronger. The focus isn't anime, but rather your thought process and the actions you took after that initial spark. Start with your motivation, but focus on your action. Portray yourself as a proactive and curious person.

All this said, the motivational component is much less important than the others we'll cover. JET knows you want to live in Japan and, though the why is relevant, it matters much less to the decision makers than what you can offer. Give this some thought, but don't spend the whole two pages talking about your motivation. Mention it briefly in the intro and conclusion and that should be enough.

2. "What effect you hope to have on the Japanese community and internationally as a result of your participation in the JET Program."

Read this question as: "What can you offer Japan?"

JET's two goals are English education and internationalization. Though the SoP isn't a cover letter, the JET Program is still a job. JET wants to know what you plan to do in that role. The answer isn't so much "I want to be remembered by my students for all time" but rather, what will you do that's worth remembering? Again, focus on actions rather than ideas.

How will you engage students in a meaningful way? How will you cultivate relationships? Remember that the JET job doesn't end when school ends. Internationalization is your job 24/7. So what does this look like in the larger community? What past experiences are directly applicable to the JET ALT job? Your ideas for the position or experiences don't have to be "right". They simply show you're thinking and ready to jump into the role.

Since you're focusing on actions in this essay, verbs will be your best friend. Power verbs will do even better. "Create," "design," and "produce" are better than "make." "Achieve," "accomplish," and "resolve" are better than "do."

"I want to create and implement original lesson plans" is better than "I want to make lesson plans." "My desire is to build student trust and become a familiar presence in a Japanese school," is better than "I want to talk to students after class."

Furthermore, the more concrete examples you can give the better. "I want to start an English club after school" is better than "I want to make an impact."

Many JETs join clubs at their schools and do volunteer work in the community. They use their skills and interests to do things for people in Japan. If you play guitar, you could play for the school assembly. If you're a soccer wizard, you could join the soccer club. Even if your interests are more insular, like manga, you could start a manga club, which takes more initiative than joining a pre-existing club.

3. "What applicable experiences, professional skills, relevant interests and personal qualities you have, and how you feel these will be useful to you as an ALT or CIR."

Read this question as: "Back up all your big talk with some facts."

When writing your grand plan to teach English like a wizard, back up those plans with some evidence.

The key here is to show that you've done social, interactive things before. JET wants to make sure they are sending people who aren't afraid to dive in and interact with people different than themselves. If you once made food for nursing home residents, mention that as something you'd like to do again. If you led groups of kids at a summer camp, cite it as precedent of your future leading of children to safety. Heck, if you've been a teacher before, that's great proof that you can teach in Japan.

The tricky part with this component is you don't want to restate your application line by line. The person reading your SoP will have read the application. If your Statement of Purpose simply lists all the greatness that is already in your app, it will seem boring. Make sure to explain why your past achievements will make you a great JET. Use them to back up your claims of future JET glory. They are proof that you are historically someone who easily interacts and gets involved with other people.

As with the previous prompt, power verbs are going to be your friend. Check out this list for some ideas. Be careful not to overuse power verbs. You don't want your writing to sound unnatural or forced. Use just enough to avoid writing, "I did…I did…I did…"

4. "What you hope to gain, both personally and professionally, from your JET experience if you are selected and how participation will assist you in your future goals."

Read this question as: "How will you promote Japan after JET?"

This is a trick question. JET is certainly happy about what you'll gain from living in Japan, but is also interested in how you will promote Japan in the future. The entire program was founded with the goal of increasing "soft power," and the current prime minister has made this a primary goal of his administration. This is tied to the "internationalization" goal of JET, and why the E in JET stands for "exchange." You come to Japan to help Japan understand other countries, then you go home to help everyone there understand Japan.

Therefore, it is imperative that you include something of your plans to promote Japan after JET. If you can tie this into your professional career , that's great. If not, you can still talk about how you'll maintain your Japan connection outside of your professional life. This can include things like, joining a local Japan-[your home country] Society, visiting schools to teach them about Japanese culture, or performing in a taiko group.

Extra Tips for the JET Program Statement of Purpose Essay

Don't be afraid to inject some emotion. Certainly don't go overboard but a little exposition about your feelings toward to opportunity of living in Japan can help. Again, this isn't a cover letter and JET only wants to send people who really have a desire to go. So, a few sentences revealing your longing to live in Japan are okay.

Proofread, proofread, proofread! Then proofread again. Don't rely on spell check to find typos. Be sure to print out the document and go through it with a red pen, reading it several times over. Your brain does a better job of catching mistakes on paper than it does on a computer screen. After you've made corrections, print out your SoP and give it to a few people you know for proofreading. Nothing beats a second or third set of eyes.

As you read and re-read your SoP, ask yourself, "does this essay tell people who I am?" All the things I mentioned above are great, but they won't do you any good if the essay doesn't paint an intriguing picture. You can do this with some personal stories, your writing style or "voice", and simply stating your goals and achievements.

If you find a Statement of Purpose example on JET Program forums of blogs, beware using it as a model. The essay should tell the unique story of you and have your voice. See how well the writer answered their questions, but make sure to keep your SoP true to you.

State Your Purpose on Purpose

Give yourself enough time to write. The Statement of Purpose essay makes or breaks an application. You'll definitely want to have space to put it down, come back, and rewrite. And rewrite. And rewrite. It has to be the ultimate JET Program essay.

Put in the effort, highlight your best qualities, connect yourself to the role, and be honest about yourself and what you want. Think about giving more than getting and you're more likely to get. There are plenty of candidates writing forced, robotic SoPs. Designing a compelling and memorable image of yourself will set you apart and make you more likely to get an interview .

This essay won't be easy. But once you get your invitation to interview, you'll be glad you worked so hard. Good luck, JET hopefuls, and happy writing!

General Items in the JET Program Essay (Statement of Purpose) for ALT

In this article, I will list items from the JET program that are listed as samples on the Internet. What content do applicants use to communicate their reasons for applying and the strength of their motivation? Let’s take a look!

Essay (Statement of Purpose) Requirements

In THE 2024 JAPAN EXCHANGE AND TEACHING (JET) PROGRAMME APPLICATION GUIDELINES, by Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, requirements of the essay is described as follows,

Typed, single-sided, double-spaced on A4 paper (210mm x 297mm) or letter sized paper (8.5in x 11in), 10.5 Arial font, 1-inch margin on each side, not exceeding two pages. This page limit must be strictly observed. For ALT applicants, an English essay is required. For CIR applicants, an English essay with its Japanese translation is required. The Japanese translation will not count towards the page limit and can be typed using any font with 10.5 size. Please place your name at the start or end of the essay.

Selected general items in the JET Program essay

From my review of more than 10 sample essays, the following were the most common essay items of applicants.

• Reasons for being interested in Japan
• Reasons for being interested in JET
• Experiences and impressions of staying in Japan
• Experiences and impressions of working abroad
• Experience in social contribution activities such as volunteer work
• Your background and how it connects to JET.
• Consideration of your upbringing
• The best part of your personality
• Leadership experience
• Appealing your Japanese language skills
• Showcase your ability to teach English
• How you see the importance of language
• Attitude of how you approaches things
• Your attitude toward teamwork
• Your views on education
• What you can expect from JET
• What you can contribute in JET
• Statement of willingness to integrate into the Japanese environment
• How will you use your JET experience in the future?
• How can you contribute to your country and to Japan afer JET?

My impression and suggestion

Writing about the above items is of course fine, but I personally thought it would be a good idea to include the following.

• How your goals and JET objectives are linked
• Your experiences with Japanese people and what you have learned from them
• What you have noticed about the challenges of Japanese people learning English and how you approach them
• Specific examples of difficulties you have experienced and how you overcame them
• Your teaching characteristics and what you value
• What you think is important to motivate students to learn
• What you want to teach your students beyond English

The following points are, needless to say, considered very important.

• Readability of the article (Need to use difficult words must be considered)
• Richness of expression
• Avoid spelling and English grammar errors.

On the official website , the purpose of JET is stated as such.

Aiming primarily to promote grassroots internationalisation at the local level, the JET Programme invites young college graduates from around the world to participate in internationalisation initiatives and be involved in foreign language education at Japan’s local government offices, boards of education, elementary schools, junior high schools, and senior high schools.

In this issue, I have compiled a section on the essay that ALT applicants write when applying to JET. I have used samples and examples from the Internet as reference for these items. This does not mean that you should write this content. This is for reference only.

JET Program Guide

A Guide to Teaching in Japan

2013 Statement of Purpose Example

Co-author and editor of Jet Program Guide here. I’m a JET alumn from 2014-2017. Here I’ve posted my Statement of Purpose, which was written in 2013 for the JET application, and helped get me an interview and spot on JET in 2014. Take a look to get an idea of how I structured my SoP. The areas I wanted to focus most on were my study abroad spent in Japan and relevant teaching/instructing experience. The exact prompt for the statement of purpose may vary from year to year, but I think generally the interviewers are looking to see if you have a genuine interest in Japan and cultural exchange that isn’t just shallow (i.e. you’re a fan of anime and video games, but haven’t taken the initiative to learn more about Japanese culture or language). Remember, this is a job application, so focus on why you would be a strong fit for the position. Hopefully, the following example paper will help you generate ideas for writing your own SoP.

2013 Statement of Purpose

Last September, as I strolled down the streets of Kyoto to see the iconic Kiyomizudera temple, I was still amazed that I was in Japan. I had achieved a major personal goal and traveled abroad to study. Since childhood, I have been fascinated with Asian countries and cultures. My father immigrated to the U.S. from Indonesia; both he and my Indonesian relatives inspired me to learn more about my heritage. When I entered college I decided to major in International Studies and minor in Communications, projecting myself towards a career in international relations. My interests in Asia and communications led me to focus on Japanese language studies and culminated in a 10-month academic exchange at Kansai Gaidai University. While living in Hirakata city, I adapted to many unfamiliar practices, such as paying for most things in cash and commuting every day on public transportation. I learned to appreciate a lifestyle different from my own and gained many valuable experiences. During my stay, I came to understand just how important contact with native speakers is for language acquisition. With the aid of my host family and speaking partner, my Japanese improved to a conversational level, while I helped them expand their English. I also enjoyed interacting with the local community and volunteering at events such as a Halloween party for children and an international students’ festival to spread cultural awareness. I had not considered teaching English in Japan until I met several people that were working as Assistant Language Teachers in Osaka. I could see that they were making a difference in the education of children by providing them with the perspective only available from a native English speaker. This realization that I could utilize my skills to help educate others is what led me to apply for the JET Program.  Aside from my international experience, I have work involvement which has equipped me with relevant skills for teaching abroad. In the spring semester of 2012 at the [University], I worked part-time as a conversation leader with INTO, an English language program for international students. Twice a week, in 90-minute class periods, I supervised lessons alongside two other conversation leaders. We utilized team-teaching methods to relay grammar points, idioms, and vocabulary. In addition, we broke into groups to have discussions in English, thereby helping to improve students’ comprehension and speaking abilities. I gained significant insights into teaching in a classroom environment and cooperating with students of different English abilities. Working at INTO was a demanding but satisfying job that allowed me to constantly engage with a diverse range of people, and provided me patience and strategies for teaching English as a second language. If chosen to participate in the JET program I will apply these skills in order to provide an enjoyable learning experience for Japanese students. I formerly worked with young adults at the college level, but I would love the opportunity to teach younger children in elementary and middle school. At this age, they are just beginning their study of English and have likely had little exposure to someone of a different cultural background. As an Indonesian-American I can offer students a unique perspective of America as a multicultural society. I believe it is important for them to have access to a native speaker who can make learning a second language engaging, and ultimately inspire them in their studies. As an ALT in JET, I will obtain the relevant background and necessary skills for academic and professional success. Upon returning to the United States I plan to attend graduate school for a Master’s degree in public administration. In the future, I hope to serve the United States by facilitating diplomatic efforts within vital regions of Asia. My ideal career is to work in an embassy or consulate setting and foster international relations. By participating in the JET Program, I can pursue my future aspirations to promote internationalization and friendship between the U.S. and Japan.

Over 7 years of living in Japan, it was my second home. It's a fantastic and magical place with a unique culture that is different from anything else.

• Professional

Writing your JET Programme Application and Statement of Purpose

You’ve chosen to apply for the JET Programme. Good choice! I can’t even explain how amazing the opportunity is to get to live and work in Japan. It's a great and extremely reputable programme, and everyone I know has come out having had an amazing and unforgettable experience! So, let's talk about how to make sure you get accepted!

The   Statement of Purpose

While other sections of the JET application deal with government ID and formal documents, the statement of purpose is your opportunity to let the programme coordinators know exactly who you are and why you would be the perfect fit for the programme. This is the biggest determining factor of whether or not you will be accepted, so let's talk about how to write a good essay.

 I applied to JET Programme in 2019 and the essay question was as follows:

"Describe why you are interested in going to Japan and participating in the JET Programme. What do you hope will happen as a result of your participation in the JET Programme? Please address your ability to adapt to life in Japan and what would make you an overall strong JET Programme participant.

Why are you interested in becoming an ALT? What skills and qualities do you have that would help you in this role? Briefly explain any relevant experiences you have had."

Before you start writing

• I would recommend breaking the prompt up section by section and writing down a few points for each sentence. This will ensure that you cover everything asked of you and that you don't forget anything important that you want to include.

I would not recommend reading sample essays online. Your essay should be original and tell your personal story. Reading samples from other people with different experiences and ambitions will only make you start to doubt what you've written, so don't get caught up trying to compare your essay to theirs. Focus on whats great about YOU and how to get that across in the essay.

Writing the Essay

There are  two parts  to the job of being an ALT or CIR on the JET Programme. The first and most obvious purpose is to teach or work in English at a contracting organization. But the other very important part is to be a cultural ambassador  and share your culture and perspectives with others. You bring something new and interesting to whichever community you become a part of in Japan, so in addition to writing about your relevant work/teaching experience, don't forget to highlight any interesting and relevant experiences in culture, travel, volunteering, language, etc. 

It's also very important to remember that culture exchange goes both ways . While you want to highlight what you bring to the job and the Japanese community, it's equally important to know and express what you hope to take away from your time in Japan. So, while writing the essay and answering the prompts given, try to think of each point from both the perspective of,  "What do I have to offer ?" and "What do I hope to gain?"

Follow the instructions

The JET Programme is very competitive and there are a lot of essays to read.    You don’t want the person reading your essay to pass you by in favour of someone else because they know you didn’t follow the directions. The essay is supposed to be two pages long, so make sure you write two pages. Don’t write more in an attempt to show how keen you are; do what is asked of you. This doesn’t just go for the essay, but even for the little things, for example the request that you do not staple any of your application pages. Doing what is asked of you is what will make you look best, so make sure you thoroughly read the application guidelines.

Keep it clear and simple

This point is especially for you my fresh uni grads! This is something I really struggled with when writing my essay.  Between me and my brother– a then masters student– proof-reading my essay, it had started to lose a lot of its personality to the formal business language I had become so accustom to using in all of my writing. I realized my essay was no longer a good representation of me, and distinctly remember crying on the phone to my mother, on a bridge late at night, my tears freezing to my face in the Ottawa winter air. I started over from scratch and was much happier with the results the second time around.  So, keep in mind that you don't have to write the same way you would for school. Find the happy medium between academia and basic English. Just be clear and let your personality shine. 

Get someone to read your work

You definitely don't want to apply for a job as an English teacher with a bunch of spelling and grammar mistakes in your essay, so get some friends or family members to proof-read your essay. They will catch the things that you missed and might even be able to think of something relevant that you forgot to include that could really help you stand out. If you know a current or past JET that can read over your essay, ask them! I guarantee they'd love to help.

In addition to the essay…

Make copies

I highly recommend keeping digital copies of everything during the application process. This is necessary in the beginning anyways, since everything must be submitted online, but even after the initial application try to keep scans of all your documents before sending them in to the embassy or consulate. They could really help you along the way if you need an amendment on a document you sent in. I had to get the same form filled out 3 times due to my doctor's errors! Having a copy and being able to show the error may save you from having to pay that medical document fee a second time.

If you don't have a printer with a scanner, try genius scan ; it's easy to whip out on the go. I used this app throughout my entire application process and university career. 

Do everything as early as possible

This could really save you some extra stress later on. My post interview process was anything but smooth, and my police check took me 6.5 weeks to receive even though the expected wait time was much shorter. I was lucky and received it the day before it was due, but I do know some JETs that were not as lucky. This didn’t stop them from getting accepted, but it was definitely an added source of stress.

Double check other people's work.

This goes back to that doctors form I mentioned, but goes for any other form or process you have to depend on someone else for. People make mistakes, so try to catch them early on.

And that's it! If you have any more questions about the application process, statement of purpose,  or JET in general, you are more than welcome to contact me here . I'd be happy to help. Good luck writing!

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• - JET Program
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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

*Please note that applications for the 2024 JET Program cycle are closed. Applications for the 2025 JET Program cycle will open in the fall of 2024.

This is a list of the documents that are part of the JET Program application. Please note that forms listed here are samples only and cannot be used to apply . All Required Documents should be submitted through our online application portal. Your application will not be considered if the necessary documents are not submitted by the deadline, so read all instructions carefully and contact our office with any questions.

HOW TO SUBMIT DOCUMENTS

All documents must be submitted online through the application portal. Be sure to read all information in the online portal in order to correctly submit your documents. Before beginning your application, you must read the 2024 Application Guidelines .

If you have questions about any of the Required Documents, please refer to the Application FAQ .

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Supplemental materials, documents we do not accept.

Any document that is not a required or supplemental document listed above should not be included.  This includes but is not limited to resumes, head shots or other photographs, extra letters of recommendation, etc.

Please note that we will  not accept outdated JET Program application documents. For example, you cannot submit a Statement of Physician form from the 2023 JET Program application packet when applying for the 2024 JET Program. Please obtain the most current forms through our online application portal.

Statement of Purpose for the Japan JET Program 2024

Are you an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) looking to explore the world of education? The JET Program offers a remarkable opportunity to experience Japan’s hospitality, traditions, and educational system. The Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a crucial part of the application process, allowing you to express your aspirations and dedication to this prestigious program.

In this article, we’ll guide you in crafting a compelling SOP that highlights your unique qualities, passion for education, and genuine desire to contribute to Japan’s cultural exchange. Let’s explore the key elements and tips to make your SOP shine, increasing your chances of joining the prestigious JET Program in 2024.

Table of Contents

Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.

Crafting an Impactful Statement of Purpose for the JET Program in Japan

The vlogger, whose YouTube video is the basis of this article, acknowledges the support and messages she’s received from fellow Filipinos who are eager to learn about the JET Program application for 2024. Understanding the importance of the Statement of Purpose (SOP) in the initial screening process, she aims to provide valuable insights on how to craft an impressive SOP that will captivate the Japan Embassy’s attention. If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:

Here’s a list of reasons why having a great Statement of Purpose for the JET program is important:

• Showcasing Aspirations: The Statement of Purpose allows candidates to express their career goals and aspirations, showcasing their genuine interest in becoming a part of the JET Program.
• Demonstrating Commitment: It serves as evidence of the candidate’s dedication to teaching and cultural exchange in Japan, highlighting their commitment to the program’s objectives.
• Personalizing the Application: The SOP provides a unique opportunity for applicants to share their individual stories, experiences, and perspectives, making their application stand out from others.
• Assessing Fit: Through the Statement of Purpose, the JET Program can assess how well the candidate aligns with the program’s mission and the specific requirements of teaching in Japan.
• Evaluating Language Proficiency: The SOP allows the program to gauge the candidate’s language proficiency and communication skills, essential for effective teaching and cultural exchange.
• Understanding Motivations: It helps the program understand the candidate’s motivations for applying to the JET Program and their desire to work and contribute to Japan’s educational system.
• Determining Cultural Sensitivity: The statement provides insights into the candidate’s cultural sensitivity and adaptability, vital traits for teachers working in a foreign country.
• Showing Preparedness: A well-crafted SOP demonstrates that the candidate has thoroughly researched the JET Program, Japan, and its educational system, showcasing their preparedness for the role.
• Illustrating Teaching Philosophy: Applicants can use the SOP to articulate their teaching philosophy, methodologies, and approaches, allowing the program to evaluate their potential as educators.
• Building Rapport: An engaging and thoughtful SOP can help create a positive impression on the selection committee, fostering a sense of rapport between the candidate and the program.
• Highlighting Relevant Experience: The statement allows candidates to highlight their relevant teaching or cultural exchange experiences, providing additional context to their application.
• Expressing Interests in Japan: Through the SOP, candidates can demonstrate their interest in Japanese culture, history, and language, which is essential for successful integration into the local community.
• Displaying Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for teachers in the JET Program, and the SOP serves as an indicator of the candidate’s ability to articulate ideas and thoughts clearly.
• Setting Realistic Expectations: The SOP enables applicants to convey their realistic expectations of the program and Japan, ensuring a good match between the candidate and the JET Program.
• Motivating Selection Committee: A compelling SOP can motivate the selection committee to view the candidate as a valuable addition to the JET Program, increasing their chances of being accepted.

Jenny reminds her viewers that the official application for the 2024 Japan Exchange Teaching Program will open in October 2023. In the meantime, she advises against directly contacting the Japan Embassy, as they are currently busy preparing for the upcoming application period. Instead, she encourages her audience to stay updated through the official Facebook page of the Japan Embassy in the Philippines.

Details about the Statement of Purpose

Transitioning into the main topic, the vlogger emphasizes the significance of the SOP during the application process. For this program, applicants are required to create a two-page SOP that showcases their own thoughts and experiences. Jenny stresses the importance of originality in the SOP, discouraging candidates from seeking ready-made templates or copying others’ statements. She believes that a personalized SOP is crucial for a successful application, as it reflects the applicant’s unique story and aspirations. Throughout the video, Jenny offers guidance on the elements to include in the SOP and provides helpful tips and tricks to make it stand out. She hopes that her audience will find these insights beneficial in crafting a compelling SOP that highlights their individuality and passion for the JET Program.

Structure of an SOP

• Structure your Statement of Purpose (SOP) like a story, with a beginning, middle, and end.
• In the beginning, explain your interest in Japan and why you chose the JET Program over other language teacher programs.
• Highlight the significance of Japan and your passion for contributing to English education there.
• The middle part should focus on your personal and professional goals, demonstrating how you meet the requirements of a JET participant.
• Be genuine and showcase your unique experiences and insights to stand out among other applicants.
• Approach the writing process with ease, knowing that multiple revisions and feedback are essential.
• Seek help with grammar and content to ensure your SOP reflects your true self and passion for the JET Program.

To provide you with a quick guide for crafting your Statement of Purpose (SOP), consider structuring it like a story with a beginning, middle, and end. Within these sections, address important questions that will showcase your suitability for the JET Program.

In the beginning, explain why you are drawn to Japan and why you specifically chose the JET Program over other language teacher programs in the country. Highlight the significance of Japan as a destination and your interest in contributing to English education there.

The middle part of your SOP should delve into crucial aspects, such as your personal and professional goals, demonstrating how your skills align with the requirements of a JET participant. Discuss why you believe you are a suitable candidate for the program.

When addressing these questions, be genuine and allow your passion to shine through. Share your unique experiences and insights that make your SOP stand out among other applicants.

Lastly, take your time and approach the writing process with ease. Remember that crafting an impactful SOP often involves multiple revisions and feedback from others. Don’t hesitate to seek help with grammar and content to ensure your SOP is a genuine reflection of yourself.

Don’t do these when writing a Statement of Purpose

• Avoid detailed discussion of mental or physical health issues.
• Avoid serious grammar, zero punctuation, and/or spelling mistakes.
• Do not fail to answer the question or write very long sentences that lack clarity. Keep your statements concise and focused.
• Avoid criticizing anyone or anything in your statement.
• Avoid writing excessively long or too brief statements.
• Focus on what you can do rather than what you want. Show how your skills and qualities make you a strong candidate for the JET Program.
• Avoid giving lengthy examples. Instead, succinctly explain how your experiences and qualifications align with what JET is seeking.
• Avoid mentioning anime, manga, or video games unless it directly supports your application.
• Be cautious when discussing personal interests in Japanese culture. While mentioning them is acceptable, avoid overemphasizing them in your essay.
• Avoid making sweeping statements about Japan or Japanese culture that may be insulting or patronizing.

More Details about the SOP through the JET Program Website

• The personal statement should be between 800 and 1000 words long, word processed, font size 12, and double-spaced on A4 paper.
• Disregard the maximum page limit on the application form as long as your statement meets the above criteria.
• The statement should be free of spelling and grammar errors and flow well when read.
• It should demonstrate a strong command of the English language, as you are applying to teach English to Japanese students.
• Seek feedback from others, preferably trained professionals like English or Journalism professors, to review and edit your essay before submission.

The personal statement should be written in word processed format, with a recommended length of 800 to 1000 words, using font size 12 and double spacing on A4 paper. Meeting these criteria will ensure that your statement is acceptable, and you need not be concerned about the maximum page limit indicated on the application form.

In addition to adhering to the word count and formatting guidelines, it is crucial to ensure that your statement is free from spelling and grammar errors. A well-written statement should flow smoothly and sound compelling when read aloud. Remember that you are applying to teach English to Japanese students, so demonstrating a strong command of the English language is essential. Avoid being remembered as the candidate who struggles with basic language distinctions like “its” and “it’s.”

To enhance the quality of your essay, seek feedback from others who can review and edit it, ideally individuals with expertise in English or Journalism, such as professors or trained professionals. If you do not have access to professionals, utilize the help of anyone available to ensure your essay is as polished as possible before submission.

Sample Statement of Purpose

Here is a sample Statement of Purpose which is patterned after the samples found in this website .

I would be deeply honored to take part in the JET Program as an assistant language teacher. Japan’s captivating culture and its warm-hearted people have always fascinated me, making teaching English in Japan a privilege and a dream. Participating in the JET program would undoubtedly enrich my life, support my profound understanding of Japan and its culture, and open new doors for my future career.

Having already experienced Japan through intensive language study at Kyoto Sangyo University and a year abroad at Sophia University in Tokyo, I yearn to explore the countryside and its unique way of life. Living in major cities like Kyoto and Tokyo was enlightening, but immersing myself in rural Japan would provide a deeper insight and a broader perspective on this remarkable country.

As a Filipino with a rich heritage of diverse backgrounds, I deeply understand the importance of learning multiple languages. Growing up, I didn’t have the opportunity to learn Spanish, which led me to appreciate the value of language education even more. The JET program’s focus on placing native language speakers in classrooms presents a remarkable opportunity to encourage language learning and promote cultural exchange.

During my time in college, I devoted myself to helping international students improve their English skills, and in Japan, I actively volunteered in language instruction at an elementary school. These experiences strengthened my commitment to teaching and connecting with people from different backgrounds.

My passion for Japan extends to exploring its breathtaking landscapes and historical landmarks, such as the towns of Kisofukushima and Narai in Nagano prefecture. The beauty of Lake Suwa and the enchantment of Matsumoto Castle left a lasting impression on me. Teaching English in Nagano is a cherished dream, which I believe would contribute to increased internationalization both in Japan and the United States.

Participating in the JET program would not only fulfill my desire to teach and help others but also align with my aspiration to pursue a legal career specializing in international corporate law. The knowledge and understanding gained from teaching in Japan would set me apart in law school and enhance my ability to foster global connections.

My deep fascination with Japan’s culture and my earnest commitment to teaching and promoting internationalization make me an ideal candidate for the JET program. If granted this incredible opportunity, I promise to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to making a positive impact on my students and the community. I am sincerely grateful for your consideration and hope to be chosen for this life-changing experience.

Crafting a compelling Statement of Purpose for the JET Program is a crucial step in the application process. Aspiring teachers must recognize the significance of this document as it provides a unique opportunity to showcase their passion for Japan, its culture, and their dedication to contributing to English education. By structuring the SOP like a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, applicants can effectively address essential questions that resonate with the JET Program’s values and goals.

Kayla and JET

from West Virginia to Japan!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Statement of purpose essay, 11 comments:.

This is a great essay...I'm happy for you...all the best. I'm going to apply for 2013-2014 and hopefully all goes well. Ganbatte!

Hi Kayla - Wonderful essay. Congrats! Hi Amie, I will be applying too. Good luck! Katy

Im gonna apply for jet as well but most likely in a few years im going to get my bachelors instead of going for just my certification in teaching primary/elementary school

Thank you! I applied for this year and this helped a lot when looking for an actual structure to the SOP.

again so much things to learn and understand.

Regardless of the statement of purpose for essay has been more interesting rather informative one that there are other things that that should be kept in mind for the statement of purpose and for writing an essay what should be kept in mind. how to write statement of purpose

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

Personal Statements are usually required for various application processes. Whether you are trying to get a masters or doctorate degree or if you are applying for a job, there are high chances that you will be required to write your personal statement. business studies personal statement

I am looking for most reliable statement of interest for a job writing services although there are many companies providing writing services but they all are not focusing on quality usually.

Wow Kayla, you stayed there for three years (2012-2015)? That's great! I am praying for my papers to be considered..

This is one of the worst things someone can do as a prospective JET. If you cannot write your own SoP, then you shouldn't be teaching in a classroom.

Admission Essay Example: JET Program

With the ALT position I know I will not only be able to have many beautiful experiences; I will also be able to share my life and experiences with all the people I meet and maybe have an impact on the lives of the children I would be teaching as well as the staff that I will be working alongside. I enjoy leading and guiding people to feel comfortable in learning new skills and the JET program is the perfect opportunity to do this. I have been interested in Japan for years and the chance to be able to not only teach others and share my experiences but to also build new experiences and in turn learn from them is such a wonderful thing.  

Whichever community I have the pleasure of being placed in, I plan to join in on all the activities and even teach them things about my home and my culture. Most of my interests and hobbies are centered around music and art. I play several instruments and love discussing the music of many genres from all over the world, and I know I could incorporate this into the community, maybe in the form of a music group or an after-school club, or even a culture exchange meetup group with the local people on a reoccurring basis to build relationships within the community. I want to leave an impact on the people I meet in Japan. I want to teach as much about my personal culture, experiences, and life in America; I believe this could give them the same motivation to learn English as I have to learn the Japanese language. I also want to be able to come back to America and share my experiences with all of my family and friends who don’t know much about Japanese culture.

I believe I have strong leadership skills and I enjoy creating a space where everyone present feels comfortable and heard, and I actively try to find ways to connect with people in hopes of helping them feel more comfortable around me; I know this will translate well into the role of an Assistant Language Teacher since I will be interacting with many people of various ages. In high school, I was the president and founder of my school's Chinese Club. This attracted so many different types of students, different cultures and ages who all had a common interest in learning about a different culture from their own and I am proud to have been able to usher in this space that is still present today years later for new students to enjoy.

I have an interest in Japanese Culture and spiritual practices and want to learn more about the world view of different people in Japan compared to mine. I have the mindset that nobody truly knows the nature of the world around us, and everyone’s experiences and perceptions are unique to them; applying this to every aspect of my life has helped me to learn a lot. I also have an intense desire to be literate in Japanese. If I immerse myself into the culture of Japan, I know with practice and determination I will learn to not only speak Japanese but also understand cultural aspects of Japan that I could only gain from living it; there is only so much a person can learn from research and that will never replace life experiences. It’s one thing to learn a language in a classroom and another to observe all the small nuances and quirks that bring life and context to the language. I have left the country several times before, and each time I returned a new person with brand beautiful new experiences that I would have never obtained had I not taken a chance on something new. I want to go to Japan and come back home a different person again with more beautiful experiences that I will never be able to replace as well as positively impact the lives of the people I encounter during this experience.

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JET Programme – Statement of Purpose – Page 2

Completing your JET Programme application? Just don’t know what do say on that JET Programme Statement of Purpose Essay? Check out the advice and some of the samples below and good luck!

Apologies but some of the links to JET SoP’s no longer work with the demise of the Big Daikon site. If you have links to good JET essays please  contact us .

JET Personal Statement of Purpose (SoP) Advice

The  Statement of Purpose  is the part of the application which likely plays a huge part in any success. Take your time crafting the best  Personal Statement  you can. Your SoP should elaborate on the strengths you’ve brought up in your application, and should refer to the traits JET is looking for. Provide brief anecdotes about experiences you’ve listed in the application. Show some personality, give the interviewers a reason to remember you. Also,  have other people look over your SoP . This is a professional-calibre essay, not something for an intro English class.

Special note for UK JET applicants:  The essays for Americans (Statement of Purpose) and the British (Personal Statement) are relatively similar, so the following samples are of use. Also, there’s no definitive ‘correct way’ to write a  JET Personal Statement . Just as long as you’ve  answered clearly the three questions required  on the UK JET application it should be fine. You can answer the three questions distinctly or, if you prefer, write it in one essay. However for ease of reading it’s suggested you break it into sections. Just don’t muddle them up into an ill-defined personal statement without letting your personality shine through. An  outline from JET-UK for the personal statement is here .

The Top Ten  DO NOTS :

1. Detailed discussion of mental or physical health issues. 2. Serious grammar, zero punctuation and/or spelling mistakes. 3. Not answering the question and/or very very very long sentences that never actually reach a point. Don’t waffle on about one unimportant point and drag it out to be a paragraph, then talk about lots of other really good points and skimp on the details. 4. Criticising anyone or anything. 5. Writing too much or too little. 6. Talking about what you want, instead of what you can do. Whatever you say in your statement, it should link back to why you’d make a good candidate. 7. Giving examples, especially long winded ones. Tell them succintly how this experience/qualification/expertise/interest relates to what JET is looking for. 8. The mention of anime, manga, or video games. Some people debate this notion. If you simply MUST mention them, then see Points 7 and 9 9. Simplistic interests. If you have a personal interest in an aspect of Japanese culture, mention it, but tread cautiously. For example, it’s fine to enjoy ikebana or karate, but don’t spend the majority of your essay talking about it. 10.Make sweeping statements about Japan/Japanese which may be insulting and/or patronising

The  personal statement  should be between 800 and 1000 words long, word processed, font size 12 and double spaced on A4 paper. As long as your statement fulfils the above criteria, it will be acceptable (disregard the maximum page limit on the application form)*. Further to Point 2, it should be  devoid  of spelling and grammar errors. It should flow well. It should sound good when you read it. You do not want to be remembered as the candidate who couldn’t tell the difference between “its” and “it’s”. Remember, you’re applying to teach English to Japanese students. It won’t reflect well on you if you don’t have adequate command of the English language yourself. Have other people review and edit your essay, preferably trained professionals (like English or Journalism professors). If you don’t have professionals, use who you can find. Just make sure that you have this essay as polished as you can make it before you submit.

* This information was provided to me by a JET representative several years ago. However the following email was sent to me in November 2012 by the JET Program Coordinator in Miami. It is provided FYI. A JET applicant messaged me to tell me that this webpage is telling applicants to disregard the Statement of Purpose’s strict 2 page requirement as stated on the JET Program USA website and instead abide by a 800-1000 word guideline instead. After reviewing it myself, I see that this is indeed the case. Please do not advocate that applicants should break any of the parameters that have been set by the JET Program. The two-page limit is absolute; anything beyond that will be ignored by the reviewers. Given how many applications we receive, it is important that all applicants follow the rules and do not try to take an unfair advantage over their peers. Doing so may actually hurt their chances. I appreciate that you have built a webpage to try to encourage JET applicants, but please do not try to undermine the guidelines that they need to follow. If the official websites say that something is required, then it is required.”

Sample Nine

There are three broad reasons why I would like to participate in the JET program which also encompass my career goals. The first consideration is that all of my university studies were structured around internationalist issues with the aim of eventually working overseas, more specifically within the Pacific Rim area. My studies in California were also undertaken with this goal in mind, along with my travels throughout the Pacific. I would particularly like to teach and have applied to undertake a graduate diploma in Education with TESOL as a my major. However I consider the JET program offers a much better window of opportunity in this regard…

Read the rest here

I grew up in Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. My family and I immigrated there 14 years ago when I was 6 years old. Growing up on the islands, the oriental culture fostered a deep impression on me. Be it Japanese, Chinese, Korean or even Filipino, we had them all. Everything from lion dances and cultural festivals to mochi pounding and kim-chee contests I have participated in and enjoyed immensely. But it was only after my first trip to Tokyo that I found myself actively seeking to know more about this particular country. Since then, local subtitled TV shows like “Soko Ga Shiritai” and “Next Stop Discovery” gradually found their way to my week nights; books related to Zen Buddhism and Go began to pile onto my bookshelves and into my thoughts. And after three years of Japanese in high school, I came to understand that it was this Asian mentality and the Japanese lifestyle which I became deeply attracted to.

Throughout college I continued taking more Japanese courses. I know that one day when I do travel to back Japan again it will help enhance both my experience and understanding. Attaining a certain degree of fluency is one of my goals and many reasons of wanting to go there.

One of the most prominent attributes that attracted me to the JET Program was the opportunity to be situated within a typical Japanese schooling environment. As an ALT, I know I can relate to many issues the students may be going through, not only because I am of an Asian descent but also because I know quite well the ups and downs of acquiring a new language. Having been brought up in a bi-lingual environment I am keen on the finer nuances of Eastern and Western ideology and philosophy. In this regard, I believe I can bring many personal qualities to the JET Program as a whole. Modesty, humility, and conservatism are intrinsic values of any oriental society and values that I grew up with. Of course, I also share the values of individuality and freedom which are so clearly engraved within the Western mindset. My years spent studying here in Chicago have broadened my perspective of America outside of Hawaii, and I want to translate the broad culture of this country to the people of Japan. In this respect, I know I am able to contribute to the main goals of the JET Program while being fully adaptable to local customs and cultural norms.

Currently, I am involved with a community development group tutoring high school students. Dedicating four to five hours a week to these kids who were my age a few years ago has been a great experience. Whether it was guiding them through complex subject matters or assisting them with simple homework problems, it has help me fortify many aspects of my abilities to teach and mentor. Often, when they do confront me with frustrations or difficulties, I found myself only more eager and persistent each time to help them find their resolve. Being able to interact with them on such a personal level has made this something I always looked forward to and really enjoyed. However, this alone has not been an unfamiliar experience for me. Tutoring my 9 year old sister throughout elementary school was mostly my responsibility as both of my parents lacked the necessary English abilities to help her. I love kids, and from experience I know a lot of patience is involved, but patience is also something I have in abundance. Additionally, many of my business related experiences have helped me develop a high level of professionalism and strong interpersonal relationship skills. I hope to call upon these experiences in situations where cultural sensitivity and diplomacy are held in high regards.

With the current Sino-Japanese relationship advancing by leaps and bounds, if selected as a participant, I wish to use the opportunity not only to bridge culture gaps between Japan and America, but also represent bits and pieces of my Chinese heritage.

I am confident of my qualifications and their relevance to the JET Program. I wish to use the experience I gain from Japan to follow in the footsteps of my father and pursue a career in the travel industry back home. If I am presented with this opportunity, it will truly be in my greatest honor and pride to give it my 110% effort.

Sample Eleven

From a very young age my family was constantly on the move. By the time I finished university I had lived in Cyprus, the U.A.E and several parts of Australia, and had travelled extensively through Asia, Europe and Africa. Coupled with my father being British and my mother Australian, when I am asked where I am from I hardly know the answer myself, as each of the places I have lived in is special to me. I consider myself an international citizen, but I am deeply patriotic to both the UK and Australia. My unconventional childhood has instilled in me a wanderlust and a desire for the unknown and foreign that I doubt I shall ever be able to satiate. I imagine myself travelling around the world for the rest of my life, taking my experiences with me from each country to the next.

My fascination with Japan in particular started in university when I became friends with Japanese exchange students at my college. I was intrigued by the Japanese psyche and culture which I perceived as unique among any I had previously encountered. I began reading about Japan, joined the university’s Japanese Students Society with my friends, eventually took a Japanese language elective (which unfortunately I had to withdraw from due to conflicts with my core subjects), and found a Japanese language partner. During this time I learned of the JET Programme from my Japanese professor, but missed the application dates for the year I graduated. Undeterred I sought and was offered a job in Japan with LiveDoor. I accepted the offer but unfortunately the project was cancelled. Now, after working in the UK for a year and in France since October 2005, I cannot wait any longer to go to Japan and decided to apply for an ALT position.

I believe that you cannot gain a true understanding of a culture and it’s people without immersing yourself in it, and that is what I plan to do in Japan. As a JET participant I would commit myself to becoming fluent in Japanese, learning the culture’s customs and traditions and making as many friends as possible with my students, fellow teachers, and the locals in my placement area. I make it a personal goal in any country I visit to leave good first impressions and to promote a favourable image of my country. This will apply especially in Japan where I will strive to ‘penetrate the bubble’ of Japanese society and dissolve any misconceptions of foreigners I may encounter. As an ALT in the JET Programme I will be perfectly positioned to achieve these goals, especially as I will be able to inform so many young Japanese about the UK, the British people and western culture in general.

At the international school I attended in the U.A.E and at university I met many people with varying commands of English. Through much practice I am now adept at adjusting my speech to compensate for limited comprehension or vocabulary, and am very good at listening through accents. I have called on this skill when tutoring groups of Malaysian students and when as a senior collegian I was very proactive in encouraging exchange students to participate in our social events. Although I have no experience of teaching English in a formal setting I have found that an effective technique to encourage a student to learn any skill is to show them its immediate use. An example I would give to my Japanese student would be its effect on their use of the Internet. A basic level of English opens up huge sources of information and makes possible interaction with millions of English speaking Internet users. To encourage this, homework could be set to research subjects from English web-based sources. With my skills and experience with computers I could expand on this by creating a website for my students to maintain journals on in English. This would encourage creative use of the language to describe their own lives for friends and classmates to read. Discussing the journals of different classes and schools would be a working example for students on finding information and communicating on the Internet with English.

Outside the classroom, I plan to be accessible to answer any questions and provide extra help to students. I want to teach them practical conversational English to complement the standard curriculum. Hopefully with the addition of this regular informal interaction students will be more comfortable speaking English with foreigners and each other. In every activity as an ALT my aim will be to motivate students the idea that they are gaining valuable knowledge and encourage them to use me as the invaluable resource for their learning that I would be.

My international experience, proven adaptability to new cultures, passion for learning more about Japan, and desire to be a model ambassador for Britain make me ideal for the JET Programme.

Sample Twelve

Back in high school, it was required of all students to take a minimum of two years of foreign language in order to graduate. Not being all that interested in taking a European language as did most of the students, I decided mainly on nothing more than a whim to take Japanese instead. At the time, I had no idea what I was getting into, but now six years later, that one little decision seems to have shaped my life in many ways since. Within the class, the teacher did not focus merely on the language. The teacher believed, as I do, that language is inherently tied to the culture of a certain place. To remove it from that context takes out part of the meaning. This eventually led to me and my class to take a trip to Japan in the summer of 2002 as part of the New Perspectives Japan program. While visiting areas such as Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, I began to develop a real sense of the Japanese language as a subset of the Japanese culture.

This is what interested me at the start. Japan has very strong ties to its cultural background in a way that I had never personally witnessed here in the United States. I decided to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa because I knew that there was a strong Asian influence in Hawaii. Once arrived, though, I was surprised by not only the Asian influence, but by the Hawaiian culture also. My eyes were opened to a people that I did not even know existed beforehand. I became friends with some of the people in the Hawaiian community and learned a lot about yet another cultural background. At the same time, I finally gave in to the idea of a European language and started studying German. Unlike what I had expected, yet again there was a deep sense identity. My interest was peaked, and I now had a good idea of what I wished to study.

Right now, I am close to graduating with a B.A. in Speech Communication. I would eventually like to enter graduate school and focus on some aspect of cross-cultural relations, but I thought it might be more prudent to gain some firsthand experience. This, then, is where the JET program comes in. I like being able to reach out across borders and foster a sense in people that they are part of a larger world, much in the same way that had happened to me. I love the idea of internationalization; of giving a sense that while a person can (and indeed should) identify with his/her own culture, there are others. Most important, perhaps, is also that idea that we will always have to interact with people from these other backgrounds. Understanding where they come from can help foster more open communication.

My personal experience in teaching is not very much at this time, but I believe what I do have is relevant. Alongside tutoring high school students at Kalani High, I have recently volunteered with the Hawaii Literacy Program. For the Literacy Program, I have been paired with an adult woman who immigrated from China. Each week we meet for around 90 minutes and work on her reading and writing. It is challenging, as sometimes she but I have learned slowly how to handle teaching. For me, it is important to have clearly outlined beforehand what exactly I wish to cover each week, and try to stick to that. Sometimes (in fact, most times!) we drift into tangents, but having an overall goal really helps things stay organized.

What I like about the tutoring is that we get a chance to share with each other about where we came from in the midst of the teaching. By personalizing the text to both of us, it helps keep things interesting and moving forward. This, then, is why I look forward to being in the JET program. While sharing and discovering other people’s culture I also get to share and discover a bit more of my own..

Sample Thirteen

In a month, I will have completed the coursework for a Bachelors of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Johns Hopkins University. It took me three and a half years to complete, and if I add the time it took me to complete my primary education, I have been in school for nearly seventeen years straight. I need a change of environment, for at least a year or two, before entering a graduate or medical school. With my interest in Japanese language and culture, and my desire to learn how to teach, an Assistant Language Teacher position in JET looks very desirable.

I have been interested in the Japanese language ever since I was a junior in high school. As I started studying the language as a freshman in college, I realized that the Japanese language and culture are intertwined at a level far deeper than that of English and American culture. There are many Japanese idioms and conventions that cannot be mapped directly to anything in English, like honorifics. I understood that I would never be able to truly grasp the Japanese language without a deep understanding of the culture. While I have researched Japanese culture, language, and history, I believe that the best place to learn about Japanese culture and language would be Japan itself.

I also want to know Japanese so I can help Japanese people. I will never forget when a worried father began calling my dorm freshman year looking for his daughter. It was the first month of class, and I had learned just enough Japanese to identify it being spoken. When he first called, I convinced the man that I did not know his daughter, and that I could not speak Japanese. However, he called again, and hysterically accused me of harming his daughter. Not knowing what to do, I hung up. I felt depressed afterwards; I was unable to help a man with what could have been the biggest crisis of his life. If only I had known more Japanese, I could have aided him. I really hope he found his daughter.

I also want to be an ALT for the teaching experience. Currently, my primary experience with teaching children was helping my sister with her homework and SAT preparation. I believe a teaching method similar to Kaplan SAT Verbal and Writing preparation would be beneficial to Japanese students, as it aims to increase their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and understanding of syntax.

I personally learned that a large vocabulary was important last year, while working on a group project where we had to write several reports. One of the members finished his primary education in Turkey. He was a very intelligent person, but whenever he tried to make changes to our reports, the result was unreadable. He lacked the English vocabulary to coherently express his ideas. Eventually, the other members of the group and I eventually had the Turkish member dictate to us his changes to the reports, as his spoken English was passable.

Another style of teaching that I believe would be useful to students is seminars. In seminars, a student or group of students are assigned a topic, which they are to research and later teach the rest of the class. Seminars were an integral part of several courses I have taken in college, and were especially useful when I was studying in a group.

While I gain a lot by being an Assistant Language Teacher, I will also be bringing something to Japan. I am well traveled. I was born in Kenya, and moved to the United States when I was four. I have visited several cities in Europe, including Paris, London and Madrid. I have also visited cities in the Middle East, including Mecca. I have even seen the Taj Mahal and Versailles. I have spent several months visiting family members in Bangladesh, both in Dhaka, and in more rural areas. Therefore, in addition to my experiences the United States, I can describe what I saw in many other countries.