Questions
Hello! I'm new to this community and I have a few questions about the JET program. Since this is a rather lengthy explanation as to my situation, future plans and questions I will post this under an LJ-cut.
I am currently a senior in college with a major in Asian Studies which focuses on Japanese language (and, to some degree since I really love my classes and have taken so many) Japanese literature. This coming semester in the Fall I will be starting my first Intermediate level language class (and I'm really scared since I think my Japanese is so poor...) along with my regular classes. I plan to travel to Japan to study for the Spring semester, since my college has a campus there, and, if everything goes as planned, I will be signing up as soon as school starts. So, my graduating date is set for Spring 2009.
I really want to continue to study Japanese and get really good at it, since I have future plans to be a translator/interpretor and maybe do some type of governmental work (although working for the government is not my only interest). Right now it is rather hard for me to remember everything I learned in classes and practice my Japanese when I am outside of class. Everyone knows that 'immersion is the best way to learn' and I have been thinking of getting into the JET program (or something similar) and teaching English over there to not only give me a chance to spend time in Japan but also to help me with my language study.
I find myself a little worried, though, because I have had no prior teaching experience what-so-ever. I'm afraid that it might just be too hard for me because of that. I have read before that they do take people with no teaching experience but would it help me if I did have the experience, or does it not really matter? I was wondering if anyone could explain to me what sort of job I would be getting if I got accepted. Also, when is the best time for me to apply? Should I wait until I'm done college or at least in my last semester? My main concern is the not having any teaching experience, though... I am highly interested in the program and am willing to give it a shot since I think it would be an interesting experience.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Any advice would be appreciated!
Kay
I am currently a senior in college with a major in Asian Studies which focuses on Japanese language (and, to some degree since I really love my classes and have taken so many) Japanese literature. This coming semester in the Fall I will be starting my first Intermediate level language class (and I'm really scared since I think my Japanese is so poor...) along with my regular classes. I plan to travel to Japan to study for the Spring semester, since my college has a campus there, and, if everything goes as planned, I will be signing up as soon as school starts. So, my graduating date is set for Spring 2009.
I really want to continue to study Japanese and get really good at it, since I have future plans to be a translator/interpretor and maybe do some type of governmental work (although working for the government is not my only interest). Right now it is rather hard for me to remember everything I learned in classes and practice my Japanese when I am outside of class. Everyone knows that 'immersion is the best way to learn' and I have been thinking of getting into the JET program (or something similar) and teaching English over there to not only give me a chance to spend time in Japan but also to help me with my language study.
I find myself a little worried, though, because I have had no prior teaching experience what-so-ever. I'm afraid that it might just be too hard for me because of that. I have read before that they do take people with no teaching experience but would it help me if I did have the experience, or does it not really matter? I was wondering if anyone could explain to me what sort of job I would be getting if I got accepted. Also, when is the best time for me to apply? Should I wait until I'm done college or at least in my last semester? My main concern is the not having any teaching experience, though... I am highly interested in the program and am willing to give it a shot since I think it would be an interesting experience.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Any advice would be appreciated!
Kay