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Post by manjuっすけ on Mar 8, 2023 14:27:53 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! To add on to what others commented, it might be good to double check requirements for the SOP. I believe I had heard that French CIRs (at least in recent years) had to write SOPs in both English and Japanese. So there may be a precedent like that for Finland as well |
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utadori
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 2
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Post by utadori on Mar 16, 2023 18:14:23 GMT 9
Thank you Leita and hohoEMIsen ! I got an interview so these are definitely great tips.  Luckily they did not require the SOP in Japanese in Finland, thank you for noting that just in case tho, manjuっすけ! It's good to remember that I need to focus on understanding the article and should not dread messing up some kanjis. I have started practising news reading again (Todai Easy Japanese News, I think it uses the Easy NHK news content) and reviewing kanji, also by reading manga with no furigana (which has a very modern, serious, non-fantasy setting haha). Any other tips welcome, even though I'm sure the interviews differ quite a lot. |
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Post by konniciaowa on Mar 17, 2023 23:07:25 GMT 9
Hi Everyone! I'm Italian, and next week I have my interview with the embassy. I'm feeling a little bit がっかり to have found this board only now (thanks to a CIR hulemdo of mine), but I'm happy to have someone to share my feelings and my (very little) experience. Until now it seems the for Italian there always have been only one chance to join the JET Programme, and it was the city of Ichinomiya. For the first time my italian hometown sister-city in Japan asked for an Italian CIR (I know for sure that in the past They were worried that nobody would enrol... is a City in Niigata-ken xD), also because the 50th anniversary is approaching I'm really interested in the sister-cities projects, 100% in. And some years ago I've already joined (helped in the organization of) some activities here in my hometown connected to sister-city. And that why the tension is killing me (and I always find so funny that "tension" in Japanese it means quite the opposite x°D ), I really want to "help" that Japanese city as it was my hometown. I graduated almost 9 years ago, and at that time I took the Jlpt N2 certification (without studying very much (except my university language classes), only with some "light" preparation), but in this 9 years I worked for 3 years in Japan (without having many time for studying). Anyway I'm worried about my very very rusty Japanese. I always loved Kanji, and even if I don't remember how to read them I なんとなく remember the meanings, so reading comprehention shouldn't be a problem. My main worry is that some "new graduated" person would speak a more "correct/clean Japanese" than me. utadori Unfortunately I read your first message only today xD Here in Italy we had to write the SOP in Japanese, and was clearly specified. But I read that in France They have to write it in both French and Japanese (I thinking that every document in French need also a japanese translation, but I'm not sure xD) I asked to a "hulemdo's hulemdo" who have been CIR in Ichinomiya about the interview and She told me that She had to read in Japanese (but NOT out loud, but only in "her mind") and then answer some questions about that text in Japanese. The rest of the interview was only in Italian language about what she would have done in Ichinomiya, or what She knew about that City.  |
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Mar 20, 2023 9:21:32 GMT 9
I'm really interested in the sister-cities projects, 100% in. And some years ago I've already joined (helped in the organization of) some activities here in my hometown connected to sister-city. And that why the tension is killing me (and I always find so funny that "tension" in Japanese it means quite the opposite x°D ), I really want to "help" that Japanese city as it was my hometown. I always loved Kanji, and even if I don't remember how to read them I なんとなく remember the meanings, so reading comprehention shouldn't be a problem. My main worry is that some "new graduated" person would speak a more "correct/clean Japanese" than me.I think the fact that you have already helped in some kouryuu that is connected to the sister-city is a big boost! Hopefully you'll be able to get the job |
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Post by wapiko on Mar 24, 2023 14:10:45 GMT 9
Hi Everyone! I'm Italian, and next week I have my interview with the embassy. I'm feeling a little bit がっかり to have found this board only now (thanks to a CIR hulemdo of mine), but I'm happy to have someone to share my feelings and my (very little) experience. Until now it seems the for Italian there always have been only one chance to join the JET Programme, and it was the city of Ichinomiya. For the first time my italian hometown sister-city in Japan asked for an Italian CIR (I know for sure that in the past They were worried that nobody would enrol... is a City in Niigata-ken xD), also because the 50th anniversary is approaching I'm really interested in the sister-cities projects, 100% in. And some years ago I've already joined (helped in the organization of) some activities here in my hometown connected to sister-city. And that why the tension is killing me (and I always find so funny that "tension" in Japanese it means quite the opposite x°D ), I really want to "help" that Japanese city as it was my hometown. I graduated almost 9 years ago, and at that time I took the Jlpt N2 certification (without studying very much (except my university language classes), only with some "light" preparation), but in this 9 years I worked for 3 years in Japan (without having many time for studying). Anyway I'm worried about my very very rusty Japanese. I always loved Kanji, and even if I don't remember how to read them I なんとなく remember the meanings, so reading comprehention shouldn't be a problem. My main worry is that some "new graduated" person would speak a more "correct/clean Japanese" than me. utadori Unfortunately I read your first message only today xD Here in Italy we had to write the SOP in Japanese, and was clearly specified. But I read that in France They have to write it in both French and Japanese (I thinking that every document in French need also a japanese translation, but I'm not sure xD) I asked to a "hulemdo's hulemdo" who have been CIR in Ichinomiya about the interview and She told me that She had to read in Japanese (but NOT out loud, but only in "her mind") and then answer some questions about that text in Japanese. The rest of the interview was only in Italian language about what she would have done in Ichinomiya, or what She knew about that City. hue i think you will do fine. now we just wait for the interview results |
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ethanob
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 1
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Post by ethanob on Mar 28, 2023 18:51:44 GMT 9
Hi everyone. I'm a shortlisted CIR from Ireland. I was told to join the forums. Nice to meet you all!
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Post by Springjay on Mar 29, 2023 8:21:45 GMT 9
welcome ethanob! There are other Irish CIRs on the forums too, maybe they can help answer questions as well : ) |
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Mar 29, 2023 9:07:28 GMT 9
Hi everyone. I'm a shortlisted CIR from Ireland. I was told to join the forums. Nice to meet you all! Congratulations and welcome to the family! |
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Mar 29, 2023 9:08:14 GMT 9
Hi everyone. I'm a shortlisted CIR from Ireland. I was told to join the forums. Nice to meet you all! Congratulations!! |
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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 Mar 29, 2023 14:56:09 GMT 9
Hi everyone. I'm a shortlisted CIR from Ireland. I was told to join the forums. Nice to meet you all! welcome!! |
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Post by wapiko on Mar 30, 2023 10:14:03 GMT 9
YAY HI CONGRATS WELCOME
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Post by 💛Potatoes💛 on Mar 30, 2023 10:25:58 GMT 9
Hi everyone. I'm a shortlisted CIR from Ireland. I was told to join the forums. Nice to meet you all! WELCOME |
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Post by Dee on Mar 30, 2023 14:47:17 GMT 9
Welcome to the forums！ Congrats on getting shortlisted!!
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d4zaifu
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 3
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Post by d4zaifu on Mar 30, 2023 18:40:35 GMT 9
Hello! I'm also a shortlisted CIR, from the UK! I lurked here a little while I was applying so I'm really grateful to be joining you all! It's nice to meet everyone |
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inevitablyintrovert
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 2
CIR Experience: Incoming CIR
Location: Akita
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by inevitablyintrovert on Mar 31, 2023 6:45:53 GMT 9
Hi, just got my results as an alternate (USA app) and just wondering what's the chance of being upgraded as a CIR?
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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 Mar 31, 2023 9:09:49 GMT 9
Hello! I'm also a shortlisted CIR, from the UK! I lurked here a little while I was applying so I'm really grateful to be joining you all! It's nice to meet everyone congratulations and welcome!!! |
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Mar 31, 2023 9:19:25 GMT 9
Hi, just got my results as an alternate (USA app) and just wondering what's the chance of being upgraded as a CIR? It really depends on how many people quit after getting accepted, so we can't know for sure. Anyone else have any experience with this? |
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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 Mar 31, 2023 9:46:43 GMT 9
Alternate... Kinda sucks but it is what it is. I've never been to Japan, so I'm at least happy that I got this far and technically still have a chance. I'll just try to focus all my energy on graduating from here!
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Post by cherriirin on Mar 31, 2023 9:56:56 GMT 9
Hi, just got my results as an alternate (USA app) and just wondering what's the chance of being upgraded as a CIR? hi! so i was actually an alternate that got upgraded! my pred had recontracted, but some personal issues arose later on, so he decided to just finish up the JET year and not recontract. i got my offer in mid-may. when i got my offer, my program coordinator back home mentioned that i was "next on the list" in terms of upgrades. so basically, you'd have a chance if someone breaks contract, rejects their shortlist offer, or decides not to renew, AND you're the next on the upgrade list. |
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Post by cherriirin on Mar 31, 2023 9:58:08 GMT 9
also congrats to everyone who got shortlisted!!
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Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Mar 31, 2023 10:58:57 GMT 9
Hello! I'm also a shortlisted CIR, from the UK! I lurked here a little while I was applying so I'm really grateful to be joining you all! It's nice to meet everyone Congrats!~ I'm from the UK too (and back in the UK now) so feel free to ask if you have any questions about anything ^^ |
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d4zaifu
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 3
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Post by d4zaifu on Mar 31, 2023 17:14:37 GMT 9
Hello! I'm also a shortlisted CIR, from the UK! I lurked here a little while I was applying so I'm really grateful to be joining you all! It's nice to meet everyone congratulations and welcome!!! thank you so much!! it's lovely to meet everyone! |
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d4zaifu
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 3
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Post by d4zaifu on Mar 31, 2023 17:16:24 GMT 9
Hello! I'm also a shortlisted CIR, from the UK! I lurked here a little while I was applying so I'm really grateful to be joining you all! It's nice to meet everyone Congrats!~ I'm from the UK too (and back in the UK now) so feel free to ask if you have any questions about anything ^^ Thank you~! And that's great!! I barely hear anything about CIRs so it's nice to finally meet one from the UK! |
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Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Apr 3, 2023 7:20:11 GMT 9
Congrats!~ I'm from the UK too (and back in the UK now) so feel free to ask if you have any questions about anything ^^ Thank you~! And that's great!! I barely hear anything about CIRs so it's nice to finally meet one from the UK! Yeah, to be fair I didn't even know CIRs were a thing until one of my uni advisors suggested it as an option for after my Master's degree, I'd heard of JET programme but thought it was all English teaching so hadn't looked into it XD |
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Post by Spring-Flowersboy on Apr 3, 2023 15:03:47 GMT 9
congrats shortlisters and alternates! I know a good fair number of people who got on as alternates so there's still hope! unfortunately the hope can come at any time, a guy in my prefecture got upgraded in December so it just depends ^^;
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Post by Shimanchu 2024 on Apr 5, 2023 13:14:28 GMT 9
Hi Everyone! I'm Italian, and next week I have my interview with the embassy. I'm feeling a little bit がっかり to have found this board only now (thanks to a CIR hulemdo of mine), but I'm happy to have someone to share my feelings and my (very little) experience. Until now it seems the for Italian there always have been only one chance to join the JET Programme, and it was the city of Ichinomiya. For the first time my italian hometown sister-city in Japan asked for an Italian CIR (I know for sure that in the past They were worried that nobody would enrol... is a City in Niigata-ken xD), also because the 50th anniversary is approaching I'm really interested in the sister-cities projects, 100% in. And some years ago I've already joined (helped in the organization of) some activities here in my hometown connected to sister-city. And that why the tension is killing me (and I always find so funny that "tension" in Japanese it means quite the opposite x°D ), I really want to "help" that Japanese city as it was my hometown. I graduated almost 9 years ago, and at that time I took the Jlpt N2 certification (without studying very much (except my university language classes), only with some "light" preparation), but in this 9 years I worked for 3 years in Japan (without having many time for studying). Anyway I'm worried about my very very rusty Japanese. I always loved Kanji, and even if I don't remember how to read them I なんとなく remember the meanings, so reading comprehention shouldn't be a problem. My main worry is that some "new graduated" person would speak a more "correct/clean Japanese" than me. utadori Unfortunately I read your first message only today xD Here in Italy we had to write the SOP in Japanese, and was clearly specified. But I read that in France They have to write it in both French and Japanese (I thinking that every document in French need also a japanese translation, but I'm not sure xD) I asked to a "hulemdo's hulemdo" who have been CIR in Ichinomiya about the interview and She told me that She had to read in Japanese (but NOT out loud, but only in "her mind") and then answer some questions about that text in Japanese. The rest of the interview was only in Italian language about what she would have done in Ichinomiya, or what She knew about that City. Hi! I know a few CIR alumni who worked in Ichinomiya when I was a CIR in Nagoya, including sorafi and valefi , both of whom no longer post on here. If you end up being assigned there, I can get you in contact with either of them.  |
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Post by seriouslee on Apr 7, 2023 5:14:50 GMT 9
Hello! Recently shortlisted CIR from the US!
Nice to meet everyone! Is there a discord for CIRs or for other JET incoming that I can join?
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Post by Spring-Flowersboy on Apr 7, 2023 10:32:08 GMT 9
we have a discord but there are some requirements to join (minimum post count either here or on the newbie/work sections of the discord) just to keep lurking down (a lot of us post more personal stuff on the server so it's a little stricter ^^;) but you can read the extensive info post about it here! :D we have a はじめまして thread in the general boards section you can introduce yourself in once you feel comfortable/have your placement! |
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Post by wapiko on Apr 14, 2023 11:00:01 GMT 9
Hello! Recently shortlisted CIR from the US! Nice to meet everyone! Is there a discord for CIRs or for other JET incoming that I can join? COMGRATS!!!!! |
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nekocir
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 2
CIR Experience: Incoming CIR
Location: Gifu
Gender (Pronouns): he/him/his
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Post by nekocir on May 13, 2023 1:46:40 GMT 9
Lurking for quite a while here too but also a shortlisted CIR from Ireland! Nice to meet you all Looking forward to placements soon |
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Luckily they did not require the SOP in Japanese in Finland, thank you for noting that just in case tho, 
