cherry
Straight outta Narita
Shoe Cats Chew
Posts: 40
CIR Experience: 2nd year
Location: Gifu
Gender (Pronouns): meh. whatever
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Post by cherry on May 5, 2021 18:32:45 GMT 9
Just had the Japanese test... aaaah... The article was very easy and I could read everything except one word, but I feel like my answers to their questions about the article were nonsensical  Also at the beginning my camera wouldn't focus to show my ID and they laughed because I started to go "えっ、えーー、えっ どうしよう" to myself lmao..... What did I say about not talking like a high schooler At the end they asked if I had ever spoken in front of a large audience in Japan and I said yes, they suddenly lifted their heads and eyebrows so I was like "yes"... They were interested and asked some questions about that, and then it ended. 15 minutes total... I really feel like it's 50/50 though... I feel like they would think I'm a bit dumb but not outright incompetent lmao Ah well... I really have to ace the interview on Friday... |
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Post by Aya Raincoat on May 5, 2021 22:29:17 GMT 9
You can do it!
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fml
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 2
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Post by fml on May 6, 2021 2:08:09 GMT 9
Hi guys !
I’d like to bring up a sensible topic that I don’t think has been covered yet (at least not on this thread). Also I’m new here so if I’m not posting this in the right section feel free to let me know.
What do you think about this COVID situation ? Will we able to get visas if selected? Hell, do you guys think that we might be overlooked if not currently residing in Japan? Like they would prioritize Japanese residents first ?
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Post by Aya Raincoat on May 6, 2021 11:27:37 GMT 9
Hi guys ! I’d like to bring up a sensible topic that I don’t think has been covered yet (at least not on this thread). Also I’m new here so if I’m not posting this in the right section feel free to let me know. What do you think about this COVID situation ? Will we able to get visas if selected? Hell, do you guys think that we might be overlooked if not currently residing in Japan? Like they would prioritize Japanese residents first ? The main thing that would stop new JETs from coming is still border closure.
While I can't predict the future, I can tell you what has been happening since things started. So last April, Japan closed its borders to any foreigner, no matter what their status in Japan was. This meant that, although people had been chosen for JET and got their visas, they couldn't enter the country. The restrictions were lifted for visa-holders around October and we saw a few people come over winter, until the British variant was discovered and the borders were closed again. No-one came this April either (afaik). Some people who still want to participate from last year are just waiting.
One thing is that a lot of places may have switched to private company
ALTs, so the number of available spots might have gone down, but at the
same time, there's still a tonne of them to fill... Even if Japanese residents were prioritized, there really aren't that many who apply, so I don't think that's an issue at all. I doubt residence is one of the main things considered in the selection process.
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fml
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 2
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Post by fml on May 6, 2021 12:24:24 GMT 9
Hi guys ! I’d like to bring up a sensible topic that I don’t think has been covered yet (at least not on this thread). Also I’m new here so if I’m not posting this in the right section feel free to let me know. What do you think about this COVID situation ? Will we able to get visas if selected? Hell, do you guys think that we might be overlooked if not currently residing in Japan? Like they would prioritize Japanese residents first ? The main thing that would stop new JETs from coming is still border closure.
While I can't predict the future, I can tell you what has been happening since things started. So last April, Japan closed its borders to any foreigner, no matter what their status in Japan was. This meant that, although people had been chosen for JET and got their visas, they couldn't enter the country. The restrictions were lifted for visa-holders around October and we saw a few people come over winter, until the British variant was discovered and the borders were closed again. No-one came this April either (afaik). Some people who still want to participate from last year are just waiting.
One thing is that a lot of places may have switched to private company
ALTs, so the number of available spots might have gone down, but at the
same time, there's still a tonne of them to fill... Even if Japanese residents were prioritized, there really aren't that many who apply, so I don't think that's an issue at all. I doubt residence is one of the main things considered in the selection process.
Thank you for your answer ! I think that japan is not even issuing visas right now though. (for international students at least) And what I meant is, why would you make more people wait by choosing ppl abroad and leave the schools/ departmental organizations without the help they need if you can just send the applicants that are already in japan. In terms of relationship with the schools/ reputation of the program etc that might be something to think about. (Maybe?😫) I’m actually applying for CIR that has a lot less positions than ALTs do so that’s why I was getting concerned! |
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Post by Aya Raincoat on May 6, 2021 13:14:44 GMT 9
The main thing that would stop new JETs from coming is still border closure.
While I can't predict the future, I can tell you what has been happening since things started. So last April, Japan closed its borders to any foreigner, no matter what their status in Japan was. This meant that, although people had been chosen for JET and got their visas, they couldn't enter the country. The restrictions were lifted for visa-holders around October and we saw a few people come over winter, until the British variant was discovered and the borders were closed again. No-one came this April either (afaik). Some people who still want to participate from last year are just waiting.
One thing is that a lot of places may have switched to private company
ALTs, so the number of available spots might have gone down, but at the
same time, there's still a tonne of them to fill... Even if Japanese residents were prioritized, there really aren't that many who apply, so I don't think that's an issue at all. I doubt residence is one of the main things considered in the selection process.
Thank you for your answer ! I think that japan is not even issuing visas right now though. (for international students at least) And what I meant is, why would you make more people wait by choosing ppl abroad and leave the schools/ departmental organizations without the help they need if you can just send the applicants that are already in japan. In terms of relationship with the schools/ reputation of the program etc that might be something to think about. (Maybe?😫) I’m actually applying for CIR that has a lot less positions than ALTs do so that’s why I was getting concerned! Yeah, I don't know why it didn't click that someone on a CIR forum would not be applying for ALT XD I'm too used to ALT issues coming to the forefront, I swear, hue
You'd think they would do that, but a lot of things in Japan don't necessarily make sense :/ JET really is not built for people to apply from within Japan (although it does happen). I don't know how this year is different, since the interviews were online at least, but I doubt there was a massive increase in such applications. Let's just say that this should not be something to worry about.
(And you're right about the visas, of course, but it's related to the matter of the border anyway)
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koala
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 2
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Post by koala on May 6, 2021 15:36:49 GMT 9
Just found out that I'm now a CIR alternate, somewhat disappointed, especially because the single-digit intake of CIRs from my country each year would suggest I'm unlikely to be upgraded… Oh well, I can always reapply in September  |
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Post by Aya Raincoat on May 6, 2021 16:08:55 GMT 9
Just found out that I'm now a CIR alternate, somewhat disappointed, especially because the single-digit intake of CIRs from my country each year would suggest I'm unlikely to be upgraded… Oh well, I can always reapply in September :) As an alternate list alumni, I understand your pain, but congratulations on getting on there!
If it helps at all, I always told myself that I was actually selected, but they just didn't have enough room for me. |
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koala
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 2
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Post by koala on May 6, 2021 19:19:50 GMT 9
As an alternate list alumni, I understand your pain, but congratulations on getting on there!
If it helps at all, I always told myself that I was actually selected, but they just didn't have enough room for me. Thank you for sharing that, it's a very nice way of looking at things (: |
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Post by meimei on May 7, 2021 4:37:00 GMT 9
I've been lurking since November, but decided to make an account since my interview was yesterday. Kanji has always been my weak spot, so I thought it'd be a good idea to read 100 news articles in the weeks leading up to the interview. The article they gave me was a lot simpler than I'd anticipated (which threw me off) and was about a niche topic I hadn't covered while prepping. I did okay while reading but the nerves really hit me during the question portion and I'm pretty sure I bombed it. I think the English portion went really well though, so maybe they'll offer me ALT? Or CIR if they're forgiving...
Also I've heard that panelists will sometimes ask you incorrect questions to test whether you remember what you wrote on your app and SOP, but this happened like 4 times throughout the interview. At first I thought they were testing me, but then I started to wonder if they didn't have time to read my entire application. You know the question where they ask you "how would you feel if you were placed in [polar opposite of your #1 preference]"? My the example location my panelist used is pretty close to my 1st and 2nd preferences which I know isn't the point of the question, so I was pretty confused afterwards.
shortlisted but it hasn't sunk in yet  |
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Post by octopuspasta on May 7, 2021 4:43:12 GMT 9
Just found out that I'm now a CIR alternate, somewhat disappointed, especially because the single-digit intake of CIRs from my country each year would suggest I'm unlikely to be upgraded… Oh well, I can always reapply in September I'm an alternate too! Fingers crossed we can get upgraded! |
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paisen
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 3
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Post by paisen on May 7, 2021 9:17:05 GMT 9
Got on the alternative list, really curious of what are the odds of getting an upgrade as a CIR alternative and how long it usually takes. Any alternative alumni have thoughts to share?
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Post by Aya Raincoat on May 7, 2021 11:10:16 GMT 9
Got on the alternative list, really curious of what are the odds of getting an upgrade as a CIR alternative and how long it usually takes. Any alternative alumni have thoughts to share? I don't want this to be discouraging, but I was on the alternate list for four years until I was upgraded to CIR (I'm persistent, hue) My first year, I was told that I was not chosen, but then was upgraded to an ALT position at the end of November (I had been on the alternate list all along, but they hadn't told me :/). Since my new application was ready and I didn't want ALT that much, I said no. When I ended up being upgraded for CIR, the embassy called me in June, and I knew my placement about a week or so later. In my case, the person originally placed here didn't want to live here.
I'd say the times you're most likely to get upgraded are: - soon after the first announcements are made (since some people may have found jobs or decided to do something else)
- when people learn about their placements and decide if they want to go or not That being said, people refuse or leave the position for a bunch of reasons and at a bunch of different times, so it can really happen whenever
As for the odds, it's impossible to know since it depends on whether people quit
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Post by Aya Raincoat on May 7, 2021 11:11:12 GMT 9
Also, congrats to everyone shortlisted or alt-listed!!
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Post by Miscreative on May 7, 2021 11:44:18 GMT 9
i dont want to get hopes up either but i am wonder if the percentage of alternates is higher than usual with the uncertainty of everything? with the assumption that as more dust settles, more spots will be open?
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paisen
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 3
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Post by paisen on May 7, 2021 12:59:04 GMT 9
Got on the alternative list, really curious of what are the odds of getting an upgrade as a CIR alternative and how long it usually takes. Any alternative alumni have thoughts to share? I don't want this to be discouraging, but I was on the alternate list for four years until I was upgraded to CIR (I'm persistent, hue) My first year, I was told that I was not chosen, but then was upgraded to an ALT position at the end of November (I had been on the alternate list all along, but they hadn't told me :/). Since my new application was ready and I didn't want ALT that much, I said no. When I ended up being upgraded for CIR, the embassy called me in June, and I knew my placement about a week or so later. In my case, the person originally placed here didn't want to live here.
I'd say the times you're most likely to get upgraded are: - soon after the first announcements are made (since some people may have found jobs or decided to do something else)
- when people learn about their placements and decide if they want to go or not That being said, people refuse or leave the position for a bunch of reasons and at a bunch of different times, so it can really happen whenever
As for the odds, it's impossible to know since it depends on whether people quit
Welp, guess it would be better to start looking for other opportunities while waiting D: |
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Post by Aya Raincoat on May 7, 2021 13:51:02 GMT 9
i dont want to get hopes up either but i am wonder if the percentage of alternates is higher than usual with the uncertainty of everything? with the assumption that as more dust settles, more spots will be open? I mean, it's possible... But my understanding is that COs make their requests for JETs in February after making their budgets in the fall, so unless people leave for some reason, I wouldn't place too much hope in this |
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Post by Aya Raincoat on May 7, 2021 14:02:45 GMT 9
I don't want this to be discouraging, but I was on the alternate list for four years until I was upgraded to CIR (I'm persistent, hue) My first year, I was told that I was not chosen, but then was upgraded to an ALT position at the end of November (I had been on the alternate list all along, but they hadn't told me :/). Since my new application was ready and I didn't want ALT that much, I said no. When I ended up being upgraded for CIR, the embassy called me in June, and I knew my placement about a week or so later. In my case, the person originally placed here didn't want to live here.
I'd say the times you're most likely to get upgraded are: - soon after the first announcements are made (since some people may have found jobs or decided to do something else)
- when people learn about their placements and decide if they want to go or not That being said, people refuse or leave the position for a bunch of reasons and at a bunch of different times, so it can really happen whenever
As for the odds, it's impossible to know since it depends on whether people quit
Welp, guess it would be better to start looking for other opportunities while waiting D: Definitely yes. You could be upgraded tomorrow, or not at all this round, so you don't want all your eggs in one basket. Don't put your life on hold because of JET, since there's nothing you can do but wait. (In my case, I had a new job with good pay, so it was easy to try again and again, but I realize this may not be the case for everyone.) |
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Post by Dee on May 7, 2021 15:30:22 GMT 9
Congrats to everyone who was accepted!
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cherry
Straight outta Narita
Shoe Cats Chew
Posts: 40
CIR Experience: 2nd year
Location: Gifu
Gender (Pronouns): meh. whatever
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Post by cherry on May 8, 2021 0:40:48 GMT 9
Just done with my interview!! It went very good?!? はっ？？？ It went so well that it gave me a lot of hope, I really don't want to be disappointed if I did not make it (but if I'm allowed to brag a bit, one of the Japanese interviewers was like "damn girl wtf, if I didn't see your face earlier I would think a Japanese person is speaking to me right now" when he was writing down some stuff lmao)... Did I get Nihongo Jouzu'd at a CIR interviewAh well, now for the wait until... July... Congratulations to everyone else who got in!! I hope to be one of you in two months!! |
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dublinese101
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 7
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
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Post by dublinese101 on May 8, 2021 4:04:15 GMT 9
I also got alternate this year. Not going to lie, I was devastated by the news, but from reading online it seems that a lot of people got alternate this year, and knowing it’s not just me does make me feel a little better. I am probably going to try again next year, but im worried about not really being able to practice Japanese speaking now that university is over. Any tips on how to keep up my language level? Also congratulations meimei! |
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Zola
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 11
CIR Experience: Incoming CIR
Location: Okayama
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by Zola on May 8, 2021 4:50:36 GMT 9
I have an interview! I found out this week and it's next week! I was surprised with how short notice it is but I know that the UK JET programme said they would be sending invitations to interview on a rolling basis. I'm so nervous! I thought I'd have more time to prepare. Especially given how interviews are online this year I'm not sure how the reading section of the interview will go. Hello hello! 2020 unsuccessful UK applicant checking in again I also got an interview for the second year running (thank goodness) so hopefully I won't flub it this time. I was also shocked by interview date; my understanding was that it'd be in early March - especially with all the delays we've had. From what I've seen on Reddit, the reading portion will be done via sharing the screen of the interviewer but don't quote me on that  I am just glad I don't have to travel 2+ hours to sit in the middle of a strange room again, with the reading paper clutched in my shaking, sweaty hands  Just checking in here; I got alternate I may be among the minority here for being happy with this result, but even if I don't get to go, as a 2nd year applicant it is nice to see my hard work this year paid off somewhat. It's definitely an upgrade from the outright rejection last year. Congratulations to all the shortlist/alternates here! |
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katelyn
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 35
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Niigata
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by katelyn on May 8, 2021 18:59:50 GMT 9
Hello! Just joining as a recently shortlisted CIR from Denver.
Nice to meet you all.
I hope to learn a lot from all of you, so I'm sorry in advance for the millions of questions I'll probably be asking soon.
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wooni
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 6
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Post by wooni on May 9, 2021 4:56:13 GMT 9
Hello everyone! I submitted my application last week from Canada 🇨🇦 and I've heard that the Canadian embassy does a pre-interview phone screen to see if your Japanese is up to par before accepting and scheduling you for the actual interview. I might be jumping the gun on this since theres still a month before hearing back from the embassy about results but I was wondering if anyone knows what questions will be asked and around when should I be expecting the call? Got my result from Vancouver and it looks like I'm an alternate! Honestly, I'm pleasantly surprised given the fact that I had convinced myself that I was getting rejected. Looks like this year has a bigger batch of alternates than previous years too. Congratulations to everyone shortlisted and alternated! |
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riko
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 5
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Post by riko on May 10, 2021 7:46:43 GMT 9
Shortlisted! Look forward to meeting mina-san in Japan |
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Post by meimei on May 10, 2021 8:36:20 GMT 9
I also got alternate this year. Not going to lie, I was devastated by the news, but from reading online it seems that a lot of people got alternate this year, and knowing it’s not just me does make me feel a little better. I am probably going to try again next year, but im worried about not really being able to practice Japanese speaking now that university is over. Any tips on how to keep up my language level? Also congratulations meimei! Thank you!
Congrats to all the other shortlist and alternate applicants! Fingers crossed lots of people have other plans and so everyone can move up the waitlist quickly : )
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Post by octopuspasta on May 11, 2021 1:14:00 GMT 9
I just saw a thread on reddit and I feel even less optimistic about the potential of getting an upgrade :/
Given the intake of CIRs is only around 10 people max in the UK, I think I should probably just start working on improving my skills so I can reapply for 2022.
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cherry
Straight outta Narita
Shoe Cats Chew
Posts: 40
CIR Experience: 2nd year
Location: Gifu
Gender (Pronouns): meh. whatever
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Post by cherry on May 11, 2021 17:25:01 GMT 9
I saw this earlier and I feel for you guys... We only have 7 CIR positions here so I'm terrified of getting alternate, probably even more than not being picked at all. This is just going back to limbo as many have said...!
That being said I'm surprised you guys only have 10 for the UK! I thought English-speaking countries would get a lot more but now that I look at the numbers, it's not the case at all. 32 UK CIRs VS 23 France CIRs.
Now I'm scared we will get lots of alternates too here  In any case, I wish you the best! |
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Post by meimei on May 26, 2021 8:11:18 GMT 9
(Besides studying Japanese) do current CIRs or 2020 CIRs have any advice on what to do over the summer to prep? Or does anyone have specific advice on what areas of Japanese to study (should I try to get my keigo down pat or practice translating this summer)? I kind of wanna stay productive/have something to show for if I end up having to wait until December or longer to start working.
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Post by Leilo on May 26, 2021 9:14:44 GMT 9
(Besides studying Japanese) do current CIRs or 2020 CIRs have any advice on what to do over the summer to prep? Or does anyone have specific advice on what areas of Japanese to study (should I try to get my keigo down pat or practice translating this summer)? I kind of wanna stay productive/have something to show for if I end up having to wait until December or longer to start working. It's kind of hard to make suggestions without knowing your specific placement/type of CIR role. When you (hopefully soon T_T) find out your placement you can start researching things about the area though. I'd recommend reading the news in Japanese in the meantime.
I don't have a specific "area" of Japanese I would recommend studying, but I guess there are a lot of government office 専門用語 words out there. For instance, there are documents that you may or may not need to work with in your position (like 企画書、報告書、復命書 etc). I also didn't understand any of the titles of staff positions when I first came, so it was confusing hearing people introduce themselves at first (like 主事、係長、補佐、主観、次長、課長、部長、室長 etc; it depends on the type of office you'll be in). I also remember being overwhelmed because at first I couldn't understand the names of most sections, l ol. If you want you could try looking maps of prefecture/city/town halls and try reading over the different department names...but it will really depend on your office. Like, the name of my department is "商工港湾部" ...I'm not even sure if I knew what "商工" (commerce) "港湾" (ports) meant when I first arrived. I just remember feeling really confused, hahah.
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In any case, I wish you the best!
