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Tired. Here it is, go nuts.
In my penultimate semester of college, one of my professors ended the class by going around the room and asking each of us what we had planned post-graduation. When my turn came up, I said that I was thinking about teaching English in Japan. The professor interrupted: “Who thinks he should go for it?” Every hand in the class shot up.
My professor helped me realize something: teaching in Japan would be a life-changing opportunity most people will never have, or one that will pass others by. This classroom experience was a turning point for me, and it was when that I decided that I am going teach in Japan.
I have always been interested in foreign cultures, and when I took my first Japanese language course, I was intrigued by the cultural lectures my professor gave. My interest was piqued with the nuances of the differences between Japanese and American culture. To find out that something as commonplace as the phrase “God Bless You” had no Japanese translation was an eye-opening moment for me. I continued studying the Japanese language, and expanded into the history and culture of Japan, as well.
I now want to build new experiences upon these foundations. The JET Program and the ALT position present me with an amazing opportunity. Together, I am able to further develop my personal involvement with the Japanese people and culture; my students will be able to learn about my language and culture. To learn from each others’ experiences will be an incredibly rewarding
As a business major, one of the core themes of my classes was how to efficiently and effectively communicate with others. In my writing classes, we practiced writing and speaking in a culturally sensitive manner. During my international management courses, I learned that certain styles of management may work perfectly in one culture, but not in another. By becoming an ALT, I will also be able to further apply my forecasting skills by planning lectures and my leadership ability by conducting lessons.
My work at Shaw’s Supermarkets has helped me hone many of the skills I acquired in school. Our cash registers and computers in the checkout department recently changed to a new operating system, and I was one of a handful selected to teach the cashiers how to use the new system. The associates under my supervision come from all backgrounds, so I have worked on my communication skills, ensuring I can be easily understood despite possible language barriers. I've found that speaking clearly in addition to body language and facial expressions can get the point across quite effectively.
In addition to the associates I supervise, I work directly with any customers that have any problems that need to be resolved. People from literally all over the world come to my store, and I have to cross many language barriers. I now understand the value of using body language and facial expressions instead of relying solely on verbal language. I have successfully navigated customers to the items they were looking for despite our inability to communicate verbally. Though it took some experimenting, I realized that I could still convey ideas by waving pointing, and leading them. It also never hurt to smile.
I sincerely look forward to the rewards and challenges that teaching has to offer. I feel I have the foundation and skills to allow me to fully appreciate the unique experience that working with the JET Program as an ALT will be, while also being a passionate and effective educator.
Thank you for your consideration.
In my penultimate semester of college, one of my professors ended the class by going around the room and asking each of us what we had planned post-graduation. When my turn came up, I said that I was thinking about teaching English in Japan. The professor interrupted: “Who thinks he should go for it?” Every hand in the class shot up.
My professor helped me realize something: teaching in Japan would be a life-changing opportunity most people will never have, or one that will pass others by. This classroom experience was a turning point for me, and it was when that I decided that I am going teach in Japan.
I have always been interested in foreign cultures, and when I took my first Japanese language course, I was intrigued by the cultural lectures my professor gave. My interest was piqued with the nuances of the differences between Japanese and American culture. To find out that something as commonplace as the phrase “God Bless You” had no Japanese translation was an eye-opening moment for me. I continued studying the Japanese language, and expanded into the history and culture of Japan, as well.
I now want to build new experiences upon these foundations. The JET Program and the ALT position present me with an amazing opportunity. Together, I am able to further develop my personal involvement with the Japanese people and culture; my students will be able to learn about my language and culture. To learn from each others’ experiences will be an incredibly rewarding
As a business major, one of the core themes of my classes was how to efficiently and effectively communicate with others. In my writing classes, we practiced writing and speaking in a culturally sensitive manner. During my international management courses, I learned that certain styles of management may work perfectly in one culture, but not in another. By becoming an ALT, I will also be able to further apply my forecasting skills by planning lectures and my leadership ability by conducting lessons.
My work at Shaw’s Supermarkets has helped me hone many of the skills I acquired in school. Our cash registers and computers in the checkout department recently changed to a new operating system, and I was one of a handful selected to teach the cashiers how to use the new system. The associates under my supervision come from all backgrounds, so I have worked on my communication skills, ensuring I can be easily understood despite possible language barriers. I've found that speaking clearly in addition to body language and facial expressions can get the point across quite effectively.
In addition to the associates I supervise, I work directly with any customers that have any problems that need to be resolved. People from literally all over the world come to my store, and I have to cross many language barriers. I now understand the value of using body language and facial expressions instead of relying solely on verbal language. I have successfully navigated customers to the items they were looking for despite our inability to communicate verbally. Though it took some experimenting, I realized that I could still convey ideas by waving pointing, and leading them. It also never hurt to smile.
I sincerely look forward to the rewards and challenges that teaching has to offer. I feel I have the foundation and skills to allow me to fully appreciate the unique experience that working with the JET Program as an ALT will be, while also being a passionate and effective educator.
Thank you for your consideration.