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Post by lostbunny on Oct 18, 2022 19:56:02 GMT 9
Hi all! Starting this thread for fellow 2023 CIR applicants! I just dropped off my package at the post office this afternoon - fingers crossed for the interview short-list next year!
I'm a former ALT from a few years back and excited to finally be at the level to apply for CIR!
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Oct 19, 2022 8:45:48 GMT 9
Good luck!
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Post by Dee on Oct 19, 2022 14:30:09 GMT 9
Welcome to the forums, and good luck on your application!
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Tristan
So jozu at chopsticks
Personal-Computer @ Crazy Loco Association for Information Retrieval
Posts: 180
CIR Experience: Former CIR
Location: Tokyo
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Post by Tristan on Oct 19, 2022 15:40:55 GMT 9
Fingers crossed!
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superalicat
CIRHP admin
CIRHP's Silver Swiftie
i cry a lot but i am so productive, it's an art
Posts: 7,850
CIR Experience: 3rd year
Location: Toyama
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
CHaos??: CHAOS
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Post by superalicat on Oct 19, 2022 15:58:32 GMT 9
woohoo! hope it goes well and you get to come back
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pguisa
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 1
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Post by pguisa on Oct 26, 2022 1:35:41 GMT 9
hmmm, looks like Brazil won't have applications open this year.
by the way, I was reading up on the requirements and the recommendation letters they ask for have to be from two different institutions, i.e. you couldn't just ask two of your undegrad professors. they don't mention this anywhere in the Japanese requirements .pdf file, as far as I've seen. Is that the same in other countries? I'm not sure why they would just add requirements like that (as this pretty much requires you to have some professional experience), but maybe it's because we have so many heritage speakers that they needed to weed out the applications a bit...
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Post by Springjay on Oct 26, 2022 9:03:57 GMT 9
I'm trying to remember what it was like when I applied for JET (as an ALT though) back in 2017, as an American
I kinda wanna say I had asked both my Japanese professors but maybe I ended up asking one of my baito bosses instead. Hmm... I guess I don't remember. Gomen ne
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Post by Leita on Nov 1, 2022 9:37:08 GMT 9
hmmm, looks like Brazil won't have applications open this year. by the way, I was reading up on the requirements and the recommendation letters they ask for have to be from two different institutions, i.e. you couldn't just ask two of your undegrad professors. they don't mention this anywhere in the Japanese requirements .pdf file, as far as I've seen. Is that the same in other countries? I'm not sure why they would just add requirements like that (as this pretty much requires you to have some professional experience), but maybe it's because we have so many heritage speakers that they needed to weed out the applications a bit... I applied from the US, and we had the same requirement. Actually, I should have got references from two different institutions, but I ended up getting them from the same one (2 bosses from the same internship employer). I remember being worried that would disqualify me but I ended up being shortlisted... hue. That being said, different consulate/embassies vary in how strict they are so it's best to just follow the requirements.
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Post by wapiko on Nov 4, 2022 11:31:59 GMT 9
Oh my goodness it's that time again!
Good luck all!!!
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Post by kowi on Nov 4, 2022 15:59:44 GMT 9
hmmm, looks like Brazil won't have applications open this year. by the way, I was reading up on the requirements and the recommendation letters they ask for have to be from two different institutions, i.e. you couldn't just ask two of your undegrad professors. they don't mention this anywhere in the Japanese requirements .pdf file, as far as I've seen. Is that the same in other countries? I'm not sure why they would just add requirements like that (as this pretty much requires you to have some professional experience), but maybe it's because we have so many heritage speakers that they needed to weed out the applications a bit... applied from NZ here, and we had the same requirement. It was also hard for me cuz my only "work" experience was at uni as a graduate teaching assistant, so my "boss" was basically my teacher hue. In the end, I asked one of the judges at this Japanese speech competition that I participated (and won). He wasnt like a super ELAI person or anything but i think it was a good move on my side, since his letter highlighted my Japanese(related) skills and experiences
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Post by firetruck on Nov 5, 2022 3:28:44 GMT 9
Hey all,
I have two questions
I just put my application in, and now I am a bit worried. I didn't actually put down a Japanese professor as a reference. Instead, I did my academic advisor for my academic reference because he has known me for longer. He also knows my Japanese is good because I have no trouble holding conversations with his wife in Japanese. She is a Japanese native. But I'm worried now after watching a video that said as a CIR that it is important that you get a Japanese professor specifically to give you a reference. How important is this really? And did I just really hurt my chances of getting the Job?
Also, I'm going to be taking the N2 this December, If I pass, do I notify JET? Would it matter at that point? The application ends this November, so I don't think I can update it there. Has anyone else had this happen?
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Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Nov 5, 2022 7:12:32 GMT 9
Hey all, I have two questions I just put my application in, and now I am a bit worried. I didn't actually put down a Japanese professor as a reference. Instead, I did my academic advisor for my academic reference because he has known me for longer. He also knows my Japanese is good because I have no trouble holding conversations with his wife in Japanese. She is a Japanese native. But I'm worried now after watching a video that said as a CIR that it is important that you get a Japanese professor specifically to give you a reference. How important is this really? And did I just really hurt my chances of getting the Job? Also, I'm going to be taking the N2 this December, If I pass, do I notify JET? Would it matter at that point? The application ends this November, so I don't think I can update it there. Has anyone else had this happen? Hi there~
I actually did the same as you and used my academic advisor (who was actually a French teacher, since I did French as well as Japanese as uni) as one of my references since I saw her more and had more contact with her (I can't even remember who I used for my other one, it was 4/5 years ago for me now ^^;; ) so I think although perhaps a Japanese professor might be better able to comment on someone's Japanese ability, it sounds like you've covered this since your advisor's wife is Japanese and he's seen you speak to her with no trouble (hopefully he's mentioned something to this effect in his reference for you)
There's a pretty wide variety of spoken Japanese ability among CIRs due to differences in uni courses and teachers and what they did before they came on JET, and this is probably because they probably mostly just pay attention to what you've written in your personal statement thing and what's in your CV/study and work records so far, so although I know it's hard, I'd try not to worry too much about it
You can also get in as a CIR even without N2 (I did* , and so have multiple other CIRs), so while it's great that you're taking it this winter, I'm sure they're used to having people who are in the midst of getting their N2 or other JLPT qualifications ^^
*in the interest of total honesty, I will say that I was wait-listed, so I didn't get straight in, but I did end up getting upgraded
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atatakaiMAIA
Straight outta Narita
CIR hopefull
Posts: 4
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by atatakaiMAIA on Nov 6, 2022 2:48:28 GMT 9
Thank you, Orihime! That definitely makes me feel better. I decided to officially join the CIR homepage as a member. (I'm "firetruck" btw '^-^). All I can do is sit back and hope for the best at this point.
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Post by zoomien on Nov 10, 2022 9:45:34 GMT 9
Also, I'm going to be taking the N2 this December, If I pass, do I notify JET? Would it matter at that point? The application ends this November, so I don't think I can update it there. Has anyone else had this happen? It is definitely something you can mention during the interview if you do pass. I applied and was accepted without having ever taken a JLPT exam. Your references and the Japanese portion of the interview will do most of the heavy lifting in convincing the interviewers that you know your Japanese well enough to do the job. Best of luck!
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superalicat
CIRHP admin
CIRHP's Silver Swiftie
i cry a lot but i am so productive, it's an art
Posts: 7,850
CIR Experience: 3rd year
Location: Toyama
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
CHaos??: CHAOS
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Post by superalicat on Nov 10, 2022 10:27:17 GMT 9
Also, I'm going to be taking the N2 this December, If I pass, do I notify JET? Would it matter at that point? The application ends this November, so I don't think I can update it there. Has anyone else had this happen? It is definitely something you can mention during the interview if you do pass. I applied and was accepted without having ever taken a JLPT exam. Your references and the Japanese portion of the interview will do most of the heavy lifting in convincing the interviewers that you know your Japanese well enough to do the job. Best of luck! same here! i think i also used the japanese portion of my interview to discuss my goals, which included passing N2 at the time
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Post by genghiskhat on Nov 14, 2022 12:25:49 GMT 9
Also, I'm going to be taking the N2 this December, If I pass, do I notify JET? Would it matter at that point? The application ends this November, so I don't think I can update it there. Has anyone else had this happen? I took the JLPT in Dec as well during the application and emailed my result when it came through (in Feb?). Idk if it affected the outcome of my application at all but it wouldnt hurt to send it through if you got it
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atatakaiMAIA
Straight outta Narita
CIR hopefull
Posts: 4
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by atatakaiMAIA on Jan 10, 2023 4:43:22 GMT 9
Current CIRs
What questions were you asked in your interview? What questions should I expect in my interview?
Questions from either the English or Japanese portions would be appreciated!
I want to practice answering common questions to get prepped.
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mcduds
So jozu at chopsticks
Posts: 124
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Nagasaki
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by mcduds on Jan 10, 2023 8:39:33 GMT 9
Current CIRs What questions were you asked in your interview? What questions should I expect in my interview? Questions from either the English or Japanese portions would be appreciated! I want to practice answering common questions to get prepped. It's hard to say exactly what to expect because the contents depends so heavily on the interviewers. In my case, my interview was mostly centered around elaborating on specific parts of my sop, talking about activities and experiences I listed on my application, and of course why JET and not another opportunity. I also had the classic what would you do if people in your placement are xenophobic etc. As for the Japanese portion, I just introduced myself, answered basic questions and did the read an article and answer question thing. Hard to prepare for the article though because you have no idea what the topic will be.
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Post by Dee on Jan 10, 2023 14:22:02 GMT 9
Current CIRs What questions were you asked in your interview? What questions should I expect in my interview? Questions from either the English or Japanese portions would be appreciated! I want to practice answering common questions to get prepped. If you look at previous threads I'm sure this question has been asked and answered a lot. The interview also depends a lot by country. I interviewed in the US and the first half was in English and the second half in Japanese. The first half was a very typical job interview, going over my resume and SOP. The Japanese portion included reading an article out loud then answer 2-3 questions about it. Other Japanese questions included what did I want to do to share my culture with the Japanese locals. Your best bet is to just do a search for common interview questions and formulate your answers ahead of time, and practice reading some short news articles.
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atatakaiMAIA
Straight outta Narita
CIR hopefull
Posts: 4
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by atatakaiMAIA on Jan 11, 2023 3:30:12 GMT 9
Current CIRs What questions were you asked in your interview? What questions should I expect in my interview? Questions from either the English or Japanese portions would be appreciated! I want to practice answering common questions to get prepped. It's hard to say exactly what to expect because the contents depends so heavily on the interviewers. In my case, my interview was mostly centered around elaborating on specific parts of my sop, talking about activities and experiences I listed on my application, and of course why JET and not another opportunity. I also had the classic what would you do if people in your placement are xenophobic etc. As for the Japanese portion, I just introduced myself, answered basic questions and did the read an article and answer question thing. Hard to prepare for the article though because you have no idea what the topic will be. Thank you. Anything Helps really. I am mostly worried about the reading portion because I know I am a solid N3 and have a lot of difficulty reading Asahi articles. I applied to one of the smaller U.S. consulates so I am hoping they will go easy on me. All I can do is my best. I have been told by Japanese natives that my spoken Japanese is really good though and have been asked if I am half Japanese about 3 times by people while studying abroad in Japan. So I am hoping that will save me if my reading isn't up to par. I also intend to constantly work on my reading skills even after/if I get accepted.
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mcduds
So jozu at chopsticks
Posts: 124
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Nagasaki
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by mcduds on Jan 11, 2023 9:17:37 GMT 9
It's hard to say exactly what to expect because the contents depends so heavily on the interviewers. In my case, my interview was mostly centered around elaborating on specific parts of my sop, talking about activities and experiences I listed on my application, and of course why JET and not another opportunity. I also had the classic what would you do if people in your placement are xenophobic etc. As for the Japanese portion, I just introduced myself, answered basic questions and did the read an article and answer question thing. Hard to prepare for the article though because you have no idea what the topic will be. Thank you. Anything Helps really. I am mostly worried about the reading portion because I know I am a solid N3 and have a lot of difficulty reading Asahi articles. I applied to one of the smaller U.S. consulates so I am hoping they will go easy on me. All I can do is my best. I have been told by Japanese natives that my spoken Japanese is really good though and have been asked if I am half Japanese about 3 times by people while studying abroad in Japan. So I am hoping that will save me if my reading isn't up to par. I also intend to constantly work on my reading skills even after/if I get accepted. That’s really great that you have confidence in your speaking skills. I think that’s what a lot of new CIRs feel is their weakest point (myself included). I will say however, if you are applying in the US the Japanese portion of your interview is likely to be reading heavy. Interviews are likely to be at the beginning of February so there isn’t a lot of time left to build general language knowledge but I recommend at least brushing up on Kanji a bit. I recommend Kanji instead of vocabulary because even if you don’t recognize / can’t pronounce a certain word in an article, knowing the Kanji may help you understand the meaning and better formulate a response to the article. I also recommend practicing reading out loud a lot. The best way in my opinion is to book a couple lessons on Italki and have the tutor pick a random article for you and then ask you questions about it after you read it out loud. I did this and it really helped me stay calm during the Japanese portion of my interview.
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Post by cherriirin on Jan 11, 2023 11:13:04 GMT 9
It's hard to say exactly what to expect because the contents depends so heavily on the interviewers. In my case, my interview was mostly centered around elaborating on specific parts of my sop, talking about activities and experiences I listed on my application, and of course why JET and not another opportunity. I also had the classic what would you do if people in your placement are xenophobic etc. As for the Japanese portion, I just introduced myself, answered basic questions and did the read an article and answer question thing. Hard to prepare for the article though because you have no idea what the topic will be. Thank you. Anything Helps really. I am mostly worried about the reading portion because I know I am a solid N3 and have a lot of difficulty reading Asahi articles. I applied to one of the smaller U.S. consulates so I am hoping they will go easy on me. All I can do is my best. I have been told by Japanese natives that my spoken Japanese is really good though and have been asked if I am half Japanese about 3 times by people while studying abroad in Japan. So I am hoping that will save me if my reading isn't up to par. I also intend to constantly work on my reading skills even after/if I get accepted. I agree with what everyone else has said regarding interview content. It's going to be tailored to what you mentioned in your SOP, so make sure to re-read it and reflect on what you wrote leading up to the interview. Think about how those experiences you wrote about prepared you for the CIR job responsibilities. If you mentioned anything that you want to do while you're in Japan, think about those things again and elaborate. Of course, general interview questions will help too! Also, I want to add, my reading skills used to be bad. There were a lot of kanji that I knew meanings of and could "read," but didn't know the actual readings for and couldn't pronounce. During the reading portion of my interview, there were about 4 kanji compounds that I couldn't read. I really want to stress to NOT let those trip you up as you're reading. The interviewers are looking for someone adaptable who bounces back easily and doesn't really let mistakes get to them, since that's a big part of being a CIR and just a JET in general. I literally would apologize with すみません、その漢字が読みません and quickly keep reading without letting it slow me down. I'd say if you do make mistakes or don't understand something, try your best to not let any anxiety/worry show and focus on the aspects that you do understand. (Oh also I interviewed in the USA through a large-ish consulate, for reference)
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Post by Dee on Jan 11, 2023 13:43:20 GMT 9
Thank you. Anything Helps really. I am mostly worried about the reading portion because I know I am a solid N3 and have a lot of difficulty reading Asahi articles. I applied to one of the smaller U.S. consulates so I am hoping they will go easy on me. All I can do is my best. I have been told by Japanese natives that my spoken Japanese is really good though and have been asked if I am half Japanese about 3 times by people while studying abroad in Japan. So I am hoping that will save me if my reading isn't up to par. I also intend to constantly work on my reading skills even after/if I get accepted. I agree with what everyone else has said regarding interview content. It's going to be tailored to what you mentioned in your SOP, so make sure to re-read it and reflect on what you wrote leading up to the interview. Think about how those experiences you wrote about prepared you for the CIR job responsibilities. If you mentioned anything that you want to do while you're in Japan, think about those things again and elaborate. Of course, general interview questions will help too! Also, I want to add, my reading skills used to be bad. There were a lot of kanji that I knew meanings of and could "read," but didn't know the actual readings for and couldn't pronounce. During the reading portion of my interview, there were about 4 kanji compounds that I couldn't read. I really want to stress to NOT let those trip you up as you're reading. The interviewers are looking for someone adaptable who bounces back easily and doesn't really let mistakes get to them, since that's a big part of being a CIR and just a JET in general. I literally would apologize with すみません、その漢字が読みません and quickly keep reading without letting it slow me down. I'd say if you do make mistakes or don't understand something, try your best to not let any anxiety/worry show and focus on the aspects that you do understand. (Oh also I interviewed in the USA through a large-ish consulate, for reference) I agree with this. I also had a couple of kanji compound words that I didn't know the pronunciation for and just asked my interviewers politely if they would give me the reading.
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atatakaiMAIA
Straight outta Narita
CIR hopefull
Posts: 4
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by atatakaiMAIA on Jan 13, 2023 1:30:15 GMT 9
Thank you guys for all of the great advice!! I got notified yesterday that I did indeed get the interview! So it is go time. Unfortunately, I don't know exactly when the interview will be since the Denver consulate has yet to send out their emails. mcduds luckily I have a lot of vocab already so it really is just me getting to know more kanji readings. Working every day on Kanji via Wani Kani and Anki at the moment. I'm definitely going to try reading out loud every day from now on too.
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theoccultism
Straight outta Narita
Not. Real.
Posts: 2
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
Gender (Pronouns): he/him/his
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Post by theoccultism on Jan 31, 2023 5:54:52 GMT 9
Finished my interview up a few hours ago and I'm honestly feeling pretty good about it. Just gonna keep my fingers crossed over the next few months
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Jan 31, 2023 8:48:34 GMT 9
Otsukare!
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Mar 2, 2023 14:20:46 GMT 9
It's MARCH! I'm looking forward to the results coming in soon
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utadori
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 2
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Post by utadori on Mar 4, 2023 21:58:03 GMT 9
Hi everyone! I am applying in Finland so the schedule is quite a lot later for us. I am wondering about a few things, maybe this thread could be an okay place to ask them?
1) Statement of Purpose a) Silly question, did everyone write theirs in English? I definitely will but just thinking how common it is to do so and if it will hurt my chances. b) I have stumbled upon "the questions" of the SOP should answer to, but I can't find them anywhere - our embassy only provided the basic application guidelines which just say the length. Could someone share them? c) I find it hard to not to write an essay that just goes through my relevant work and study experiences with details, as a CV is not required in the documents... How did you guys manage to have a common thread throughout the essay? For me I have a lot of very diverse experiences in studies and in working life, and a relevant internship and studies from over five years ago so it is a struggle.
2) Work experience in the application form: The form has three boxes, but do you think it is okay to add more? Or just mention the relevant stuff in the SOP? I did an internship in Japan around five and a half years ago so I would have to add two boxes to fit that in, but should I maybe refrain from editing the form?
3) Possible interview: My reading skills are lacking although I managed to barely pass JLPT N2. How was the reading in your interviews? I know it will have different articles but would still love to hear what kind of things you read in yours. And other details on how your Japanese was tested is very welcome!
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Post by Leita on Mar 7, 2023 11:59:13 GMT 9
utadori , I don't know of any Finnish CIRs on the forums, but I think the Japanese portion of the interviews differs by country etc. I was only asked a few basic questions in my interview as an American (Seattle), like to give a self-intro and to confirm that I understood what my article was about For all 英語圏 CIRs, we were expected to write our SoP in English, but I don't know the expectations for Finland.
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Mar 8, 2023 10:31:07 GMT 9
Hi everyone! I am applying in Finland so the schedule is quite a lot later for us. I am wondering about a few things, maybe this thread could be an okay place to ask them? 1) Statement of Purpose a) Silly question, did everyone write theirs in English? I definitely will but just thinking how common it is to do so and if it will hurt my chances. b) I have stumbled upon "the questions" of the SOP should answer to, but I can't find them anywhere - our embassy only provided the basic application guidelines which just say the length. Could someone share them? c) I find it hard to not to write an essay that just goes through my relevant work and study experiences with details, as a CV is not required in the documents... How did you guys manage to have a common thread throughout the essay? For me I have a lot of very diverse experiences in studies and in working life, and a relevant internship and studies from over five years ago so it is a struggle. 2) Work experience in the application form: The form has three boxes, but do you think it is okay to add more? Or just mention the relevant stuff in the SOP? I did an internship in Japan around five and a half years ago so I would have to add two boxes to fit that in, but should I maybe refrain from editing the form? 3) Possible interview: My reading skills are lacking although I managed to barely pass JLPT N2. How was the reading in your interviews? I know it will have different articles but would still love to hear what kind of things you read in yours. And other details on how your Japanese was tested is very welcome! Hello utadori Ask away~~ we are all hulemdoly people 1) Statement of Purpose a) I wrote mine in English. I have not yet heard of any 非英語圏 person writing theirs in Japanese, so I think I can safely say that English is the way to go. If you are worried, maybe you could send in both English and Japanese if you want to? b) I didn't receive any "questions" the SOP should answer to, but I did ask around for a rough guideline from my senpais when I was submitting mine. You can take a look at my blog for more details → gaiyaba.wordpress.com/2016/11/18/application-submitted/. c) I'm willing to share my SOP if you need one for reference, so just drop me a PM if you'd like 2) As long as they fit in, I would edit the form But that's just me. 3) I would recommend improving your reading skills through the "Easy NHK news" app. My Japanese interview portion consisted of the interviewers getting me to read an article aloud, then me answering three questions regarding the article, and two more about my thoughts on how I could improve on the situation that was written in the article. My article was about how people in the rural areas are leaving for the city area, thus causing a decrease in population in the countryside. Note that they ask you the questions right after you finish reading the article, so you would want to focus on understanding the meaning while reading it, more than perfecting the reading itself. I screwed up quite a number of kanjis, but they still passed me
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