JET Program Interview
Congratulations in advance if you are selected for interview! The JET Programme is very competitive so you have done very well to get this far.
The interview will be at the Japanese Embassy of your selected location, and you will be asked a series of questions – just like any other interview for a job.
I will give examples of the kind of questions that may be asked, so use these as a guideline for your preparation before the interview.
Question:
Will you be able to handle being alone in a rural area after the welcome week is over?
How will you cope?
Possible answer:
Go and explore and sign up for activities in the local area.
Question:
How would you explain to a classroom of kids the union jack flag?
Possible answer:
It is the combination of many nations under one kingdom. It is a symbol of international relations.
Question:
How would you handle a situation where the Japanese teacher made a mistake on the board?
Possible answer:
You should wait and talk after class and not undermine them in front of the students.
Question:
You may end up having a lot of free time in between classes. How would you use this time?
Possible answer:
I would use this time to continue my education of the Japanese language and to plan for future class activities.
Question:
How would you handle being an assistant and not being the one running the class? Would you find this frustrating?
Possible answer:
I see it as a valuable opportunity to learn from the Japanese teacher that I will be assisting. I will also make the most of the opportunities to provide assistance when needed.
Question:
Why Japan?
Possible answer:
Explain why you are so passionate about Japan, for instance, say you are fascinated by the history and culture and go in to detail.
Keep in Mind…
So now you’ve an idea of the types of things to prepare for. Just keep in mind you are passionate about Japan, teaching and being an ambassador for international relations.
You are resilient and able to cope in an isolated rural area.
Keep all of these things in mind and brush up on your basic English grammar etc as there may be a short test.
To gain experience with working as an educator, you can try applying for teach from home jobs like the ones listed below:
Or explore more side hustles from home below:
Rethinking Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century