CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000
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Post by CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000 on Apr 12, 2018 8:12:27 GMT 9
Hello,
Background: I'm a lurker of a half year or so that is a junior in high school. I realize that I am relatively young(~17.5), but I have looked to getting a job based around the Japanese language/culture for years and am looking to go into the JET program to be a CIR after I get my Bachelor's in Japanese. I had always planned on getting a tattoo once I had turned 18, but after deciding on such a seemingly strict/selective program I've become worried.
I post today to ask if you or any incoming/current/former CIRs (or ALTs for that matter) that you know, have tattoos, and if so has it negatively affected you/them in any way (interview/application process, day-to-day life, etc.)? Also, I assume it is necessary to cover it when working, and am seeking confirmation. Finally, if you don't mind sharing, what is your tattoo of and where is it? (I am personally looking to get the quote "Hasta la victoria siempre" put in a cursive font on my forearm. Coverage wouldn't be an issue for me as I wear a suit every day.)
Thank you very much in advance for your help, and I graciously accept any and all advice you are willing to offer.
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Post by しくchill on Apr 12, 2018 10:13:43 GMT 9
Hello! I am an incoming CIR and I have a tattoo of some sakura blossoms on the inside of my upper arm. It didn't affect me negatively at all throughout the interview process, but granted, it was easy to hide. In the initial application, they will ask you to disclose any tattoos, and I don't believe they can outright disqualify you just for having a tattoo that you are willing/able to hide, so I don't think you need to worry about it. It seems like you have a good plan as far as wearing a suit to cover your tattoo during the interview and potentially at work as well. Don't let wanting to do JET preclude you from getting a tattoo you really want! I knew someone in college who went on to become an ALT who had full sleeve tattoos in the irezumi style. As far as I know, he also had no problems through the application/interview process, and was placed in Okinawa, where I certainly don't think they expect him to wear a suit every day. Good luck and study hard!  |
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CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000
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Post by CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000 on Apr 12, 2018 10:35:36 GMT 9
Hello! I am an incoming CIR and I have a tattoo of some sakura blossoms on the inside of my upper arm. It didn't affect me negatively at all throughout the interview process, but granted, it was easy to hide. In the initial application, they will ask you to disclose any tattoos, and I don't believe they can outright disqualify you just for having a tattoo that you are willing/able to hide, so I don't think you need to worry about it. It seems like you have a good plan as far as wearing a suit to cover your tattoo during the interview and potentially at work as well. Don't let wanting to do JET preclude you from getting a tattoo you really want! I knew someone in college who went on to become an ALT who had full sleeve tattoos in the irezumi style. As far as I know, he also had no problems through the application/interview process, and was placed in Okinawa, where I certainly don't think they expect him to wear a suit every day. Good luck and study hard! Thank you for the reply. I don't think mine would be bad, but I don't want anything working against me  |
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Post by ❄icepath❄ on Apr 12, 2018 11:59:56 GMT 9
Hello! I am an incoming CIR and I have a tattoo of some sakura blossoms on the inside of my upper arm. It didn't affect me negatively at all throughout the interview process, but granted, it was easy to hide. In the initial application, they will ask you to disclose any tattoos, and I don't believe they can outright disqualify you just for having a tattoo that you are willing/able to hide, so I don't think you need to worry about it. It seems like you have a good plan as far as wearing a suit to cover your tattoo during the interview and potentially at work as well. Don't let wanting to do JET preclude you from getting a tattoo you really want! I knew someone in college who went on to become an ALT who had full sleeve tattoos in the irezumi style. As far as I know, he also had no problems through the application/interview process, and was placed in Okinawa, where I certainly don't think they expect him to wear a suit every day. Good luck and study hard! I sure hope not, coz he'll melt right there and then, on day 1. |
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Post by Dee on Apr 12, 2018 14:41:28 GMT 9
Hi CIR Hopeful! I have two small tattoos on my back (upper shoulder/hip - both are easily covered) and I don't have any issues with them. I even go to public bath houses and onsen and have never had anyone tell me to cover them or to leave.
I did disclose them in my application form, but tattoos were not brought up in my interview. Since I do work at my town's kindergarten as well as town hall, I try to make sure the kids can't see my upper shoulder one... even tho I've had a few kids pull on my shirt and find it anyway.
I wouldn't worry too much about it ruining your chances of being hired on as a CIR, however, if you wish to work for a standard Japanese company afterward you will probably be asked about it.
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CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000
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Post by CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000 on Apr 12, 2018 16:17:37 GMT 9
Hello! I am an incoming CIR and I have a tattoo of some sakura blossoms on the inside of my upper arm. It didn't affect me negatively at all throughout the interview process, but granted, it was easy to hide. In the initial application, they will ask you to disclose any tattoos, and I don't believe they can outright disqualify you just for having a tattoo that you are willing/able to hide, so I don't think you need to worry about it. It seems like you have a good plan as far as wearing a suit to cover your tattoo during the interview and potentially at work as well. Don't let wanting to do JET preclude you from getting a tattoo you really want! I knew someone in college who went on to become an ALT who had full sleeve tattoos in the irezumi style. As far as I know, he also had no problems through the application/interview process, and was placed in Okinawa, where I certainly don't think they expect him to wear a suit every day. Good luck and study hard! I sure hope not, coz he'll melt right there and then, on day 1. That is one thing I will have to consider. I've worn a suit for so many years now, I truly hope that I can stand the heat if necessary! |
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CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000
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Post by CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000 on Apr 12, 2018 16:24:25 GMT 9
Hi CIR Hopeful! I have two small tattoos on my back (upper shoulder/hip - both are easily covered) and I don't have any issues with them. I even go to public bath houses and onsen and have never had anyone tell me to cover them or to leave. I did disclose them in my application form, but tattoos were not brought up in my interview. Since I do work at my town's kindergarten as well as town hall, I try to make sure the kids can't see my upper shoulder one... even tho I've had a few kids pull on my shirt and find it anyway. I wouldn't worry too much about it ruining your chances of being hired on as a CIR, however, if you wish to work for a standard Japanese company afterward you will probably be asked about it. Thank you for sharing! Ideally I will end up in a job in Japan, whether it be with a traditional Japanese company or something different is yet to be known by me, but either way I'd imagine my normal style of dress might make the tattoo okay. Now all I need to do is graduate high school, get into university, graduate from it, and get accepted as a CIR.  Does anyone have any advice for the path other than the "study and apply yourself in extracurriculars"? |
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Apr 12, 2018 16:28:48 GMT 9
Get some international experience (not necessarily in Japan), keep up Japanese study, get job experience and learn how to live on your own (Not needed for the interview, obviously).
Way to think so far into the future, btw!
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Post by Dee on Apr 12, 2018 16:29:13 GMT 9
Hi CIR Hopeful! I have two small tattoos on my back (upper shoulder/hip - both are easily covered) and I don't have any issues with them. I even go to public bath houses and onsen and have never had anyone tell me to cover them or to leave. I did disclose them in my application form, but tattoos were not brought up in my interview. Since I do work at my town's kindergarten as well as town hall, I try to make sure the kids can't see my upper shoulder one... even tho I've had a few kids pull on my shirt and find it anyway. I wouldn't worry too much about it ruining your chances of being hired on as a CIR, however, if you wish to work for a standard Japanese company afterward you will probably be asked about it. Thank you for sharing! Ideally I will end up in a job in Japan, whether it be with a traditional Japanese company or something different is yet to be known by me, but either way I'd imagine my normal style of dress might make the tattoo okay. Now all I need to do is graduate high school, get into university, graduate from it, and get accepted as a CIR. Does anyone have any advice for the path other than the "study and apply yourself in extracurriculars"? Take the JLPT, while not required JET recommends that CIRs should be able to pass the JLPT N2. If you have a Japan Society/Association in your area get connected and do some volunteer work. I used to do volunteer interpreting for anime or japanese related conventions and my interviewers seemed impressed by that.
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Post by Pierson on Apr 12, 2018 16:32:31 GMT 9
Build strong relationships with your professors so you'll have people who can write good letters of recommendation for you!
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CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000
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Post by CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000 on Apr 12, 2018 16:46:43 GMT 9
Get some international experience (not necessarily in Japan), keep up Japanese study, get job experience and learn how to live on your own (Not needed for the interview, obviously). Way to think so far into the future, btw! Thank you! It seems as though opportunities in college are where I will need to set myself apart. |
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CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000
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Post by CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000 on Apr 12, 2018 16:49:22 GMT 9
Build strong relationships with your professors so you'll have people who can write good letters of recommendation for you! I definitely plan to. I already have with my high school Japanese teacher and plan to ask him for a letter of recommendation which will hopefully look good for someone going into a Japanese degree. |
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CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000
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Post by CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000 on Apr 12, 2018 16:53:45 GMT 9
Thank you for sharing! Ideally I will end up in a job in Japan, whether it be with a traditional Japanese company or something different is yet to be known by me, but either way I'd imagine my normal style of dress might make the tattoo okay. Now all I need to do is graduate high school, get into university, graduate from it, and get accepted as a CIR. Does anyone have any advice for the path other than the "study and apply yourself in extracurriculars"? Take the JLPT, while not required JET recommends that CIRs should be able to pass the JLPT N2. If you have a Japan Society/Association in your area get connected and do some volunteer work. I used to do volunteer interpreting for anime or japanese related conventions and my interviewers seemed impressed by that.
I was planning to test once I feel ready, likely mid degree. On that note, as a general question, what degrees did everyone pursue, and what are your opinions on someone looking to major in Japanese and linguistics? (I apologize for asking so many questions, but then again it appears that's what the forum is here for...) Thanks again everyone! |
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Post by Leilo on Apr 13, 2018 0:29:22 GMT 9
I majored in international studies. I know a couple people who got into the CIR position who majored in Japanese+linguistics or in Japanese. I would say go with what you feel passionate about, I have a feeling major doesn't have to be extremely specific for CIR so long as you can speak Japanese and show you'll promote international exchange. On a side note, I know some people who major in Japanese say they wish they had double majored with something else or just minored in Japanese, to give them more specialization/advantage in the job market. On the other hand I've still seen a lot of Japanese majors get good jobs ultimately though, so... College is a good time to try out different fields by taking elective classes and getting requirements done  |
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Post by sanpei on Apr 13, 2018 8:49:54 GMT 9
I majored in international studies. I know a couple people who got into the CIR position who majored in Japanese+linguistics or in Japanese. I would say go with what you feel passionate about, I have a feeling major doesn't have to be extremely specific for CIR so long as you can speak Japanese and show you'll promote international exchange. On a side note, I know some people who major in Japanese say they wish they had double majored with something else or just minored in Japanese, to give them more specialization/advantage in the job market. On the other hand I've still seen a lot of Japanese majors get good jobs ultimately though, so... College is a good time to try out different fields by taking elective classes and getting requirements done going off this, I majored in International Business and Finance and only minored in Japanese, but with a summer and semester abroad in Japan, I got N2 my junior year after not studying Japanese until college, and I almost maxed out to the highest level Japanese my university offered. If I had majored in Japanese the differences would've been I could've taken one more language class, a kobun/ classical Japanese language course, lots of culture courses, and I could've done an extra semester abroad (but I wanted to do it somewhere else anyways). But I think you get enough cultural knowledge from studying abroad and reading yourself and elective study abroad courses. Having the business major really opens a lot of other options so I recommend at least looking into doing Japanese as just a minor. Also look into exchange partnerships colleges have, my college had some summer exchange partnerships and because of it it was suuuuper cheap to study in Japan for the summer, was 1/6 the price of taking two languages courses in an on campus program over the summer (which some people did???) |
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CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #1000
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Post by CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #1000 on Apr 13, 2018 9:10:17 GMT 9
I majored in international studies. I know a couple people who got into the CIR position who majored in Japanese+linguistics or in Japanese. I would say go with what you feel passionate about, I have a feeling major doesn't have to be extremely specific for CIR so long as you can speak Japanese and show you'll promote international exchange. On a side note, I know some people who major in Japanese say they wish they had double majored with something else or just minored in Japanese, to give them more specialization/advantage in the job market. On the other hand I've still seen a lot of Japanese majors get good jobs ultimately though, so... College is a good time to try out different fields by taking elective classes and getting requirements done Thank you for the advice. I definitely plan to broaden my horizons in college and I have seriously considered a double major. |
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CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #1000
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Post by CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #1000 on Apr 13, 2018 9:16:52 GMT 9
I majored in international studies. I know a couple people who got into the CIR position who majored in Japanese+linguistics or in Japanese. I would say go with what you feel passionate about, I have a feeling major doesn't have to be extremely specific for CIR so long as you can speak Japanese and show you'll promote international exchange. On a side note, I know some people who major in Japanese say they wish they had double majored with something else or just minored in Japanese, to give them more specialization/advantage in the job market. On the other hand I've still seen a lot of Japanese majors get good jobs ultimately though, so... College is a good time to try out different fields by taking elective classes and getting requirements done going off this, I majored in International Business and Finance and only minored in Japanese, but with a summer and semester abroad in Japan, I got N2 my junior year after not studying Japanese until college, and I almost maxed out to the highest level Japanese my university offered. If I had majored in Japanese the differences would've been I could've taken one more language class, a kobun/ classical Japanese language course, lots of culture courses, and I could've done an extra semester abroad (but I wanted to do it somewhere else anyways). But I think you get enough cultural knowledge from studying abroad and reading yourself and elective study abroad courses. Having the business major really opens a lot of other options so I recommend at least looking into doing Japanese as just a minor. Also look into exchange partnerships colleges have, my college had some summer exchange partnerships and because of it it was suuuuper cheap to study in Japan for the summer, was 1/6 the price of taking two languages courses in an on campus program over the summer (which some people did???) Thank you for your take! I realize that a Japanese major might seem a bit overkill (especially as I'm already in a "college level" Japanese class), but I am seriously considering a future career in Japanese linguistics/history and feel that a double major might be best. |
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Post by Ham on Apr 13, 2018 11:26:57 GMT 9
I majored in Cognitive Science (and was about 75% of the way to a Mathematics degree before I suddenly decided to switch majors) and only had about half a year of formal Japanese (taken while studying abroad in Japan).
I'm also 100% sure that even if I took the N2 right now, I'd fail it.
As someone whose CV doesn't exactly scream 'This guy should be in Japan' (or, really, 'this guy knows where he wants to go in life'), I figured I had to a.) get a job and make a good impression on my coworkers so that I could get good rec letters, and b.) figure out what the JET program is looking for in its CIRs and sell myself up a bit.
I guess what I'm trying to say here is, as someone whose resume is really lackluster when it comes to Japanese, it's important to remember that credentials are not the be-all and end-all for getting into the program. Your other intangible qualities are just a much - if not more - important.
Oh, and second the notion of taking random electives - it was because i randomly decided to take an intro to cogsci class my first semester that I realized how interesting it was, and ended up taking so many cogsci classes as electives while I was still a math major that when I decided to quit math, I was able to switch and finish my degree in just one year.
You never know when the random classes you take for fun might save your ass.
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Post by Dee on Apr 13, 2018 13:54:13 GMT 9
I double majored in Japanese and Asian Studies, but I do wish I had dropped the Asian Studies and either majored or minored in International Business or Hospitality.
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Post by Ividia on Apr 13, 2018 14:22:46 GMT 9
CIR Hopeful, I similarly decided I wanted to do JET way back when (I think I was in middle school?), although I didn't really think about ALT/CIR until I was in university finishing my Japanese degree...and CIR seemed the obvious choice (and I'm very glad I did!)
Perhaps a Japanese degree is overkill and I do lack a specialisation, BUT I don't think I would have been as happy doing any other degree (I combined it with history too, etc.), so I really encourage you to do what you want to rather than what you should (a Japanese degree and CIR experience hasn't meant I've faced any trouble not being able to find a job, especially in Japan, so I wouldn't worry about a language degree being unmarketable if you're looking at a career path in Japan).
Like other people have said, letters of recommendation are important, and a JLPT is a plus. I'd also say if you can get onto a course with a year abroad at uni, you absolutely should take advantage of it!
also idk anything about American universities and all these "elective courses" and "majors" and "minors" are a mystery so please take everything I say with a grain of salt
or just go to my uni in the UK
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CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000
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Post by CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000 on Apr 13, 2018 15:43:03 GMT 9
I double majored in Japanese and Asian Studies, but I do wish I had dropped the Asian Studies and either majored or minored in International Business or Hospitality. That is interesting. May I ask why? |
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CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000
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Post by CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000 on Apr 13, 2018 15:48:56 GMT 9
CIR Hopeful, I similarly decided I wanted to do JET way back when (I think I was in middle school?), although I didn't really think about ALT/CIR until I was in university finishing my Japanese degree...and CIR seemed the obvious choice (and I'm very glad I did!) Perhaps a Japanese degree is overkill and I do lack a specialisation, BUT I don't think I would have been as happy doing any other degree (I combined it with history too, etc.), so I really encourage you to do what you want to rather than what you should (a Japanese degree and CIR experience hasn't meant I've faced any trouble not being able to find a job, especially in Japan, so I wouldn't worry about a language degree being unmarketable if you're looking at a career path in Japan). Like other people have said, letters of recommendation are important, and a JLPT is a plus. I'd also say if you can get onto a course with a year abroad at uni, you absolutely should take advantage of it! also idk anything about American universities and all these "elective courses" and "majors" and "minors" are a mystery so please take everything I say with a grain of salt or just go to my uni in the UKThank you for your point of view and it's great to hear there may be hope yet for my insane goals. If you're willing to share, what are you doing now that you completed CIR with your degree? Ideally I was looking at (Japanese) linguistics instruction/research and,as is seemingly the case in every country, I would need to get a PhD in order to do so. |
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Post by Ividia on Apr 13, 2018 15:58:44 GMT 9
CIR Hopeful, I similarly decided I wanted to do JET way back when (I think I was in middle school?), although I didn't really think about ALT/CIR until I was in university finishing my Japanese degree...and CIR seemed the obvious choice (and I'm very glad I did!) Perhaps a Japanese degree is overkill and I do lack a specialisation, BUT I don't think I would have been as happy doing any other degree (I combined it with history too, etc.), so I really encourage you to do what you want to rather than what you should (a Japanese degree and CIR experience hasn't meant I've faced any trouble not being able to find a job, especially in Japan, so I wouldn't worry about a language degree being unmarketable if you're looking at a career path in Japan). Like other people have said, letters of recommendation are important, and a JLPT is a plus. I'd also say if you can get onto a course with a year abroad at uni, you absolutely should take advantage of it! also idk anything about American universities and all these "elective courses" and "majors" and "minors" are a mystery so please take everything I say with a grain of salt or just go to my uni in the UKThank you for your point of view and it's great to hear there may be hope yet for my insane goals. If you're willing to share, what are you doing now that you completed CIR with your degree? Ideally I was looking at (Japanese) linguistics instruction/research and,as is seemingly the case in every country, I would need to get a PhD in order to do so. I'm working in a university office in Japan atm, and they were very keen to have me! Unfortunately, I've found it hasn't quite aligned with my goals and expectations, so I'm looking elsewhere and interviewing (currently with some more translation focused options). I do know of people who have completed a CIR position and gone on to do a PhD though, so that's definitely an avenue that's open Incidentally, you may be interested to know about the 日本語教育能力検定試験 (http://jees.or.jp/jltct/index.htm), if you didn't already! (there happens to be a poster on the wall of my office hue) |
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Post by Dee on Apr 13, 2018 16:08:29 GMT 9
I double majored in Japanese and Asian Studies, but I do wish I had dropped the Asian Studies and either majored or minored in International Business or Hospitality. That is interesting. May I ask why? For the type of work I wanted to do after college (in house translation or tourism) I feel that a major or minor in Business or Hospitality would have gone a long way. I enjoyed the Asian Studies classes and all, and it did give me arounder education about Japan in general but employers don't really care about an Asian Studies major.
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CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000
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Post by CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000 on Apr 13, 2018 16:29:57 GMT 9
Thank you for your point of view and it's great to hear there may be hope yet for my insane goals. If you're willing to share, what are you doing now that you completed CIR with your degree? Ideally I was looking at (Japanese) linguistics instruction/research and,as is seemingly the case in every country, I would need to get a PhD in order to do so. I'm working in a university office in Japan atm, and they were very keen to have me! Unfortunately, I've found it hasn't quite aligned with my goals and expectations, so I'm looking elsewhere and interviewing (currently with some more translation focused options). I do know of people who have completed a CIR position and gone on to do a PhD though, so that's definitely an avenue that's open Incidentally, you may be interested to know about the 日本語教育能力検定試験 (http://jees.or.jp/jltct/index.htm), if you didn't already! (there happens to be a poster on the wall of my office hue) Thank you for explaining. I hope all goes well with your goals! As for the 日本語教育能力検定試験, I hadn't heard of it yet and will definitely be something to look into. Thank you for the suggestions and information! |
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Post by CIR Hopeful (seemingly) #10000 on Apr 13, 2018 16:34:00 GMT 9
That is interesting. May I ask why? For the type of work I wanted to do after college (in house translation or tourism) I feel that a major or minor in Business or Hospitality would have gone a long way. I enjoyed the Asian Studies classes and all, and it did give me arounder education about Japan in general but employers don't really care about an Asian Studies major.
I see. I know that I wold love pursuing (and possibly succeeding in) my rather far-off goals (see above), but I am also tempted by the safety/security of an International business and Japanese double major. |
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Post by Sparkles on Apr 13, 2018 17:19:54 GMT 9
CIR Hopeful, are you American or live in a place where college/uni is expensive? If so, my first and foremost piece of advice is... pick the school where you can get a four-year degree without taking on debt (or as little debt as possible)!!Some elaboration on that and studying Japanese and linguistics:
In high school, I knew I wanted to study Japanese and/or creative writing, and applied to a few colleges (3 private liberal arts schools, 1 state uni) that I knew had these options. The state school gave me enough scholarships that I could graduate debt-free and would also accept every single community college credit and AP credit I had earned. Even though I was initially hesitant, I went there because of those two factors. I have ZERO RAGRETS about this choice. Because of the money I was able to save, I was able to study abroad for a full year (11 months) instead of a semester, and I didn't have to worry nearly as much about finances (including "what if I don't get into JET?") as most of my hulemdos.
I ended up not doing a formal creative writing/English program, but my state uni was so large that it had a lot of other majors to choose from. I also declared Japanese as my major from my very first semester because I thought I might as well if I could change later. I had to take a placement test for the department because I started studying in high school; I was able to test into a higher level, which had interesting consequences.
Consequence 1: My cohort was older than I was and more experienced in areas like kanji and keigo, whereas I was much more comfortable with speaking fluently and casually. This also meant that my entire cohort graduated while I was studying abroad, which meant I felt pretty disconnected from my department after returning.
Consequence 2: (because I had also already completed most of my GenEd requirements in high school due to dual-enrollment/AP classes), I essentially "finished" the Japanese major at the end of my second year. I countered this by studying abroad for the next year and then doing my linguistics double-major mostly after that.
Anyway, I took Intro to Linguistics on a whim/because it seemed interesting -- this is where taking random electives that seem fun is great! I had no idea that I was going to major in it when I took the intro course, but I loved it so much that I decided to double-major in it. I did think I should've added something like business, but business bores me to tears, so I just decided to go with what I was interested in. (See: me also taking electives in things like Old English and Ballroom Dancing, hue) If you like something generally practical, though, I'd encourage you to take courses in it!
Of course, please do find something in your life that you enjoy that's not necessarily related to Japan and do that, too. Best not to inadvertently close yourself off to something you might love if you tried it!
I didn't actually know about the CIR role until my last year at college, when my advisor (former ALT back in the early 90s?) told me it was an option. I went back and forth about ALT vs CIR, and while I would've been happy as an ALT, being a CIR has been challenging and opened doors to continuing to work in Japan (just started my first post-CIR job). I love(d) it!!
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Post by shanshan310 on Apr 14, 2018 14:48:26 GMT 9
+1 for majoring in something else as well as Japanese (but also +1 for majoring in Japanese!!!). I majored in Asian Studies and Korean as well, which has kind of given me a few more options and was really interesting personally. Job hunting post jet, I feel like business, economics, tourism, journalism, finance, engineering, IR, or computer science probably pairs pretty well too, depending on your personal interests and aspirations.
Getting involved in university Japanese clubs (especially if you can get on the committee) is a great way to improve your language and gain good resume experience. There may also be part time work related to Japan that you can do while you study. I taught ESL through a Japanese company online, but I know other people on JET or in Japan from my university who worked PT with Japanese exchange students or in tourism.
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Post by Hokuto on Apr 16, 2018 9:43:12 GMT 9
Wow, props to you for already trying to figure out your future. Here's my advice. My first piece of advice is to try to do a year abroad. i only did a semester, and while i loved being at my uni the other 7 semesters, i felt my Japanese suffered a bit because of that (but also maybe if i had taken my studies a bit more seriously this wouldn't be an issue, so actually just do whatever is right for you). Everything Sparkles said about money is true. i got a full tuition scholarship to my uni and having no debt has been a godsend as i see my hulemdos having to pay back loans (sometimes in the 6 figures). As for major, major in Japanese if you want to! If that's your passion and you want to study it, it'll make your courses that much more enjoyable (and maybe a bit less stressful). I doubled (International Relations, East Asian Languages and Cultures) and i have zero ragrats about it. A lot of people here are saying to major in business, but i have a ton of hulemdos from uni who have said that majoring in business is useless (i'll explain why) and wish they had majored in something more interesting. The one piece of advice i think is most important here is that you should NOT waste your summers. In the summer, you should be interning, studying abroad, doing research, ANYTHING like that. If you are spending your summers gaining experience in a field you want to go into (or at least figuring out what fields you don't want to go into), that says a million times more than any major. i know people working at Goldman Sach's who majored in history and didn't take a single business course their entire uni career. Majors are surprisingly unimportant if you have relevant experience, so i would 10,000% say to focus on building up your resume as the thing to focus on over your major.
Lastly, you're still so young, so let things change if they have to. By the time you graduate uni you might decide that being a CIR/going to Japan isn't right for you. If that's the case, let yourself do whatever you feel is right. Japan is awesome, but you might have even better things coming your way. Hope this helps~ |
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Post by Cantamen on Apr 19, 2018 11:23:51 GMT 9
Hi, I was also a double major- Japanese and Political Economy. I really reccomend double majoring if you want to do a language- just Japanese is perfectly good for a CIR, but outside of that it might be helpful to have something in a related feild! I personally hope to work for State someday, so my combination is designed for IR public sector work. I have also heard of a lot of places looking for bilingual engineers/programmers so if either of those interests you, that could be an interesting option. I always thought of language studies as a means to an end (diplomacy, in my case) rather than the goal itself, so your millage may vary if you really love translation type work.
I also want to make a note about college debt- like Hokuto I am extremely grateful to have graduated without debt, it has made my JET salary go further and makes it much easier for me to think about doing grad school at some point in the future. That said, I did not go to a public university- I went to a small liberal arts college with a redicoulously high "sticker price". A "sticker price" is how much the college/university costs on paper, but it is not what you will actually pay to attend (unless you are very very wealthy)!
I don't know about your specific financial situation, but I had no idea how this worked untill a very nice non-profit explained it to me. The thing about the "fanciest" colleges (this does not mean the most famous!) is that they have massive endowments, and can afford to charge on a sliding scale. On paper, my school would have cost 60,000+ a year, but all I paid for was my plane tickets to school and back- they even paid for my textbooks! I even got to sell them back at the end of the semester if I wanted- I made a profit of off my textbooks. How crazy is that? Of course I had a single mom so your financial aid would probably not be so extreme, but in general, the wealthier a school, the more able they are to help with tuition affordability. You shouldn't discount the schools that seem to be more expensive at first, because that may be far from the case.
There are some nasty for-profit colleges or places that will act nice for the first year and then pull the rug out from under you, so some research is required for this plan to work. And you need to be competetive enough to get in in the first place, but if you're thinking about your future this far in advance, I think there's a fair chance you're the type of person these colleges want to see on campus. If you look at USNews's lists of top schools (one for colleges, one for universities), most of the ones within the top 20 offer this kind of financial aide. Many of the colleges in particular are not very well known, so people miss out on what could be a really good oportunity!
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Does anyone have any advice for the path other than the "study and apply yourself in extracurriculars"?
