23/01/2024
JET Triumph: Navigating Emails, Decisions, and Dreams (Long Post Alert)
Been reading posts about my co-JETs sharing their JET Program journey, from application to receiving their email for the interview and being shortlisted. I’ll jump on the bandwagon and share mine as well for my followers here.
It was a profound decision to choose JET over anything else. I was working as a team leader in a BPO industry. Sounds like a big role and achievement already, plus the fact that I work in a big company. But after working there for more than 5 years, I felt like I wanted greener pasture and desired to experience something exciting and new. Despite my contentment with the company, I aimed to broaden my horizons, explore different fields, and see how far I could go.
So nong buo na ang loob ko na mangibang bansa, September of 2022, I applied for both JET Japan Exchange and Teaching Program and TFETP Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program. Hindi naging madali ang pag-asikaso ng mga documents kasi maraming dapat lakarin, i-authenticate, at kung ano2x pa. I was in Cebu, so napakahirap mag send ng documents to Manila pero pinagsikapan ko. At since dalawa ang inapplyan ko, I told myself kung saan ako papasa, doon ako. But I lowered my expectations in being accepted in the JET program coz I’ve been hearing that out of a thousand applicants, only a few get to pass the 1st screening.
Fast forward, Oct 21, 2022, while I was working in the office, I got an email from the TFETP inviting me for an interview. I prepared and was interviewed, and Nov 7, 2022, I got the results that I passed, and they asked me if I would like to continue my application so they can work on my school placement, and I happily replied with a big YES.
I started getting ready for my move to Taiwan in the next year in January because I was supposed to arrive on January 20th. Even though my mind was set on Taiwan, something made me think about waiting for the JET results. I knew my chances were small, but I waited and told TFETP, asking for some time to think about their offer since I had other plans. Luckily, TFETP was very understanding, and they let me extend my arrival in Taiwan.
Skipping ahead to January 23, 2023, exactly 1 year ago today, I was in Cebu working on some documents when I received an email from the JET program. I couldn’t contain my happiness, and I had to prepare right away for the second screening, which was set on February 6, 2023. My company and boss were also very understanding at that time, granting me leave for the said event. I traveled to Manila from Cebu, stayed in the hotel a day before the scheduled date, so I could prepare and not be late for my in-house exam, interview, and demo.
I understood that only a select few, including myself, received an email to advance to the second stage, approximately 100+ from the thousands of applicants. Knowing that my fellow competitors were among the top-tier candidates, it heightened my nervousness. My teaching background, though brief, both online and in classrooms with Japanese and Vietnamese students, along with exposure to a multicultural environment in college and completion of a short Japanese course, likely played a role in passing the initial screening. Considering my competitors were mostly professional teachers with extensive experiences, including master's and doctorate degrees, I felt uncertain. Despite this, I entrusted everything to the Lord, grateful for the chance to pass the 1st screening, and committed to giving my best, aiming to compete even with these seasoned educators, convincing myself that I possessed the qualities to be an excellent teacher and cultural ambassador in Japan.
Fast forward, I arrived at the embassy, waiting outside the premises for my turn because they’re very strict, only letting someone inside if it’s already their turn. I was anxious but well-prepared. The exam was tough. I had to use their laptop with Japanese characters, which was my first time, so I was slow in typing, and there was a time limit, making me feel uneasy. But I made sure to finish everything and write well-written essays. For the demo, I had all the materials needed, tried to be genki, and I had to impress the panelists that I can teach. In the interview, I tried to be confident and made sure all I gave were honest answers expressing my desire to be a teacher and ambassador in Japan. I can’t give details of the exact questions, but they were very meticulous questions, trying to really see if the applicant is worthy of the position. A lot of things happened, but looking ahead after everything, I went home and trusted everything to the Lord. I did not expect to pass because the other applicants have better qualifications than me. But the important thing is I did my best.
To sum it up, after a month from that challenging experience, I received good news that I made it to the JET Program, marking the beginning of an exciting journey. I opted for it over TFETP because it better aligned with my goals, Japan being my dream work destination, and I believed I could make a more significant impact there. TFETP, upon learning of my decision, showed great understanding, and I'm thankful for their support. It was a tough decision, but I considered it a blessing. Out of the multitude of applicants, I was chosen as one of the 65 representatives for the Philippines in 2023, serving as an Assistant Language Teacher and Cultural Ambassador in Japan.
Here’s a takeaway I’d like to share with everyone: In life, there are moments when we lack the courage to pursue our true desires, thinking we’re not good enough and that others possess superior qualifications. At times, the fear of failure deters us from attempting at all. However, the lesson I gained from this experience is that there’s no harm in trying. If you don’t try, you’ll never discover if it’s meant for you. Your potential remains unknown unless you seize all opportunities or simply try whatever you desire in life. So, summon the courage, give it your best effort, because if it’s meant for you, God will make it happen. 🙏🏻
Congratulations to those applicants who have received an email and successfully passed the first screening. I’ve heard that they have not finished sending all the emails yet. Once they complete the process, the information will be posted on the Japan Embassy’s page. For those eagerly anticipating their turn, remember that your journey doesn’t hinge on an email. Keep the hope alive, stay positive, and trust in your unique journey. Your time to shine might just be around the corner! 🙂
