The JET Interview

     It seems I psyched myself out for nothing.  The night before I was stressing like mad - looking up everyone's interview advice, seeing how other people did their interview, worried about memorizing the right stuff and being knowledgeable about more stuff.  I didn't sleep at all!  Then the bad weather hits the morning of the interview.  This horrible weather of giant, wet snowflakes that turned to slush when they hit your make-upd face and straightened hair.  I showed up to the building looking like a drenched cat...thankfully I got there 45 minutes early and had time to wring myself out to look presentable.  Word of advice?  ALWAYS show up early!

   All the interviewees checked in and sat in a classroom (it was at U of T) with a video playing of people who work with JET as ALTs and CIRs.  It was interesting b/c it showed the perspective of rural, urban, male, female, married, ones who brought over families, etc.  Then you are told to go up to your interview room and wait to be called in.  So I stood outside and nervously waited.  Then I was brought into the room and introduced to 2 very nice and pleasant interviewers.  I was expecting 3 people so I was a little relieved.

     The interview wasn't so bad at all - it went smoothly (for the most part) and I left feeling pretty good - I even got them to laugh :).  I did an intro of myself explaining my personality,why teaching is important, why I chose the program, and what my goal is for the future.  Then we got into questions.  Each person asked certain questions in a specific order - it was very organized.  I majored in Film Studies and was surprised when they asked what I knew about Canadian film (they wanted to know your knowledge of Canadian culture) and I totally blanked.  I studied a Cdn film course for half a semester and dropped it for scheduling reasons and so know virtually nothing about it.  I told them I never studied it b/c I chose not to (which is pretty much the truth) and he nodded and we moved on.  They asked if I would get involved with school activities with the kids after school, if I ever had a conflict with a boss and how I handled it.  How I handled conflicts with my friends, what the biggest negative aspect of moving to Japan could be for me and how I would handle it, if I've had any major issues with travel before and how did I handle it.  They also asked what I've done to prepare to move to Japan and learn Japanese culture.  And if I know of any companies in Canada that are affiliated with Japan that encourage involvement between them.  

     Then they asked me to pretend to teach children (they would be the children, aged 11) the parts of the body, assuming the kids only know the BASIC English words.  I had to convince them to take part in the lesson.  So I decided to do "Head and shoulders.  Knees and toes."  I started by standing up and asking them to do the same.  I actioned it, was enthusiastic, and really tried hard.  They acted like they didn't want to and didn't understand (even though I clearly showed I wanted them to rise) and I had to go stand beside them and practically beg.  Finally they got up and I had them repeat the words while touching their head, etc.  The female interviewer caught on fast, but the male didn't and made it a little uncomfortable to really teach.  I mean, I've been in school for many years and have never seen a child adamantly refuse to take part in an activity - do they do that in Japan?  I guess it's to show how you would deal with it but come on! Gimme a break!  Anyway I continued and he cut me off after about 3 minutes and then the interview continued as usual.  

     Then I got to ask any questions I had and that was pretty much it.  I didn't get asked any questions about politics, celebs, places, sexual harassment, etc.  It was over in about 22 minutes.  I'm not sure that's a good thing since all the forums have said it took them about 30 minutes.  They were a lot nicer than what I was expecting and the time flew by.  So that's it.  I'll hear back if I got the job around the same time I'll hear back about a placement for Company X (in about a month or so).  

     I hope I get the job.  It would be nice to have options available.  I got cut off during the lesson so that could be a bad thing.  But I'm pretty confident I showed them why I really want to teach, that I'm passionate, dedicated, and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job.   Results coming in a few weeks :)

Prepping for the JET Interview

     Ok, so my interview with JET is this week and I'm a little worried.  I've been accepted to Company X but JET would be good to have my options available.  I've checked out the tips from all the forums and blogs about the JET interview and have practiced my answers and I hope they're sufficient.  But what if they're not? What if I can't remember the names of Japanese celebrities?  Or the Prime Minister's name?  Or current events in Japan? Is the nuclear crisis and earthquakes enough for current events (not that I really know anything about those anyways...)?  I know nothing about Canadian politics (bad me, I know) let alone Japanese!  Good gravy this is taxing!  I'm hoping my "While I am not proficient in Japanese government, etc. I'm very excited and willing to learn about it and fully immerse myself in the unique Japanese culture that attracts so many people."  I'll refine that...
     I've read that if you stay true to who you are, stay positive and happy, and be honest it should go smoothly.  I have also read that there is usually a crotchety man in the interview that tries to make things difficult for you.  If there is, let's hope my winning personality will impress him.  I'll find that out when I get there :)
     I've reviewed my answers, practiced my introduction to a class (which they might ask me to do - so be prepared), and memorized some well know Japanese people (Ken Watanabe :).  That's about all I can do.  I look forward to writing about the interview process from a Canadian's POV as I've only really seen American's and the UK.  Nothing wrong with them but I've seen a difference between both area's interview sessions and a Canadian perspective might be useful (I wish I had one).  Stay tuned for the interview review!

The Offer!

     Alright, I submitted my criminal background check and was awaiting the results...which I got today! Obviously, I didn't think it would come back negative - I didn't think I got booked for selling drugs :)
     I checked my e-mail today and it said Company X would like to give me a "General Offer of Employment!"  What does this mean?  Essentially they have no spots open for their April positions but when the August positions open up I will be placed :)  This is a good thing - don't worry! I had requested (for personal reasons) to leave in August and when the interviewer and I had discussed this she said this wasn't a problem.  Since they don't open their August positions yet, they can't offer placements but the successful candidates are put in a waiting list for when their time comes up.  The interviewer also said that I'll have a better chance of being placed where I want because there is enough time to plan it!  So there it is - unless something terrible goes wrong I have the job!  I just have to wait for the placement to be offered and I'm off!  Yay!!!  That's wasn't so bad...
     The e-mail also said I am free to pursue other job applications if I so choose in the meantime as no official contract has been sent out and signed.  This is good because I also have an interview for JET program coming up in a couple weeks.  From what I've seen online the interview can be brutal!  It would be nice, however, to have options and to also see what their interview process is like.  I like the company I  applied for but would like to weigh my options so I make the right decision :)
     We'll see how JET goes - if it's really as brutal as they say it is.

Stage 2 and beyond...

     Ok, I got the through the first stage and then got an ominous envelope with a letter stating I got a "callback" for the next day.  Great, right? I was freaking out!  So I called my teacher-friend that night and we practiced again about different scenarios I might have to teach tomorrow.  I was feeling...not so bad :)
     I showed up and this time we went into a smaller room.  The interviewer started by answering the questions I had written on the test.  She was pretty honest and then we moved on to the impromptu lesson.  But this really threw me off - I thought I would get 5 minutes to prep and 5 minutes to teach.  Nope - it was double for both!  Crap!
     But she explained everything really clear and was VERY precise of what she wanted and expected.  She gave me the materials and walked me through the certain stages I was to teach and even gave me an example of actions, etc.  Then she said she would leave and return as a 6 year old Japanese girl and I was to treat her as such.  Did that mean the accent and everything? Yup!  That threw me off even more and I wasn't sure if I was supposed to be offended...but I rolled with it b/c it really was a great impression and very similar to what (I would expect) to deal with in Japan.
     I spent 10 fast minutes making notes on the lesson plan sheet she gave me and figuring out how to teach each thing properly in 10 minutes!  Then, all too soon, she came back in and the lesson started.  The impression was spot on and after the lesson, she said I dealt with it well - when she would speak Japanese or comment on the cuteness of the animals and go off on her own little thoughts.  Those 10 minutes went super-fast!  By the time I knew it, it was over and the interviewer was Canadian again and we moved on.  She gave me feedback and then asked some questions about discipline, how I would deal with the culture shock, where I wanted to be placed, etc.  We finished and said she would be in touch but I might not here back for 4 weeks b/c she needed to check out my references and sometimes that took a while.  4 weeks?!
     Then she told me not to get a criminal record check done until she told me to b/c she didn't want people to spend the money until they got the job.  Overall the interview wasn't so bad.  It wasn't as nerve-wracking as I thought it was going to be.  We even chatted after the interview b/c we had gone to the same university and experienced the same clique-y attitude from everyone there :)
     A couple weeks later (last week) I got an email requesting the criminal background check!  I sent in the forms and photos as soon as was humanly possible and received another email stating she would be in contact when the search was through.  Does this mean I have the job?  Good gravy I hope so!  But I won't know for a few more days.
     So now I wait...

Prepping for Company X

     So Korea was a bust!  I moved on and searched for Japan - I know a couple people that have gone and they loved it.  Apparently a lot of companies that supply Japan with teachers have gone out of business so I had to start from scratch.  A friend advised me to look for a company that was fairly large, had several locations available, and check out their reviews.  I googled like crazy and found a company that fit the profile - Company X! Unfortunately I can't divulge the name b/c if I do get hired I could lose my job for posting about them...not a big deal.

     I filled out the online application, wrote another letter of why I wanted to teach in Japan - I was pretty driven by now so I think I rocked it out, and waited again...

     Then I heard back! My interview was scheduled to take place in a few weeks in Toronto.  It was a 2 stage interview.  Stage 1 - attend a group meeting, get some info on the company, present a 5 minute lesson plan, and take part in other lessons being taught by fellow interviewees.  Stage 2?  That's coming!

     I checked out what people were saying online about the company and the interview(s).  The reviews about the company were mixed - some loved it, some hated it, others just rolled with the punches.  One thing to remember is: Japan is not Canada!  They do things differently and we're guests in their home.  And, just like here, managers can be assholes or they can be great.  You take your chances anywhere you go.

     For the interview reviews people were pretty confident and (from what I saw in my interview) pretty honest.  Nothing was a surprise.  Thank god!  From the email you receive about the interview you already know what to bring and what to prepare.  And the reviews suggest for your 5min lesson have props, be fun, confident, and REALLY enthusiastic! Almost goofy - you need to be able to engage young kids (obviously if you're teaching older students, you modify :).

     So I prepped like crazy! I planned my wardrobe (for 2 outfits just in case...) and practiced, practiced, practiced my lesson with a friend who just happened to be a real-true teacher that went to Korea the year before.  We got together and she schooled me on how to speak to the students and how to deal with unruly behaviour.  She even pretended to be a little kid that wouldn't pay attention - really helpful.

     Then came prepping for stage 2.  If all went well on day 1, stage 2 would take place the next day.  From what I saw online the interviewer gives you 5 minutes to prepare a lesson plan from the workbook they give you and you have 5 minutes to teach the student.  So my friend and I practiced for hours - she would give me different lessons I could be asked to teach (colours, weather, seasons, clothing, etc.) and how I could make it seem more interesting by giving it a back story to draw the kids in.  It was really helpful!  I suggest you practice before your interview - look online for samples, check out youtube for lesson videos, etc.

     Then I went to the first day.  I was expecting a lot of people.  Different forums said they were with upwards of 40 people.  Mine was just myself and another girl.  We met the nice interviewer and sat down and made our intros.  Then we watched the video of the company and what's expected for us.  Then the interviewer answered questions and gave us a ppt presentation to make sure we knew exactly what we were getting into.  It was straightforward but it showed the job was physically demanding and included things you wouldn't expect here.  For instance, in Japan (and not just for this company but for most schools in Japan) teachers clean the facility.  They rotate jobs on a daily basis so everyone has to perform cleaning tasks.  There's also some business work involved.  Teachers have to promote selling the coursebooks to the families (it's a private school where students go outside of their regular schooling, like Kumon) and post flyers and pamphlets to get more enrolments.  To be honest I was worried when I heard this.  But then the interviewer explained that not all time is taught teaching.  There are office hours where all this work is fit into and is part of our job, not extra.  Any overtime is paid for.  No worries.

     After that we taught our lessons.  The other girl taught colours and made up a song that I had to sing along with.  I taught phrases and got her to chose certain objects while using those phrases.  It went by really fast!

     Then we wrote a test.  Nothing to worry about!  It was 2 pages and you corrected grammar mistakes, filled in the blanks, etc.  Then you wrote down questions you had and any concerns you were feeling.  The interviewer came back and took the tests and told us to wait in the lobby while she graded them.  After about 15 (very nerve-wracking) minutes the interviewer came back and handed us both envelopes.  In it it either said you won't be needed anymore OR you can come back for stage 2.  We were advised to open them alone just in case we were disappointed.  Because of that I don't know if my fellow interviewer got to stage 2 :(

     I DID!!!!!  I was to come back the next day!

Teach in Korea? EPIK fail!

     I recently graduated from university and was planning on teaching overseas to explore the world, gain experience, and, let's face it, teach cute Asian kids :)
     I originally tried for Korea because the cost of living is inexpensive and essentially everything is paid for - housing, flights, training, etc.  And then I did the application for EPIK - the company that most recruiting agencies work for on behalf of to recruit for teachers.  The application was brutal to say the least.  They require a personal essay that explains why you want to teach in Korea, what you can offer the company, and what your beliefs on education are.  This is not so bad - I wrote honestly and used personal anecdotes of an ESL roomie I had and other students I went to school with.  I really do believe education is important so that part was a no-brainer.
     Then came the medical questionnaire which contains questions that are seriously illegal to be asked in Canada (and the US I'm assuming).  Do I have AIDS/HIV? What allergies do I have? Have I been treated for depression, anxiety, mental illnesses? Do I have alcohol or narcotic addictions? Have I been hospitalized recently; what for? What prescribed meds am I on? When was the last time I went to the doctor's and why?  How much alcohol do I consume a week? Do I smoke; how many a day?  What's my height? What is my weight?  Any tattoos or piercings; where?
     Are those questions too personal for you? They were for me!  At any rate I filled it out (feeling a little irritated) and hoped for the best.  Let me tell you, though, I rarely drink, I don't smoke, I'm not suffering from any mental illnesses or serious health issues.  I'm a good and healthy person :) I waited for a reply for an interview and I got it!  Good stuff, right?
    I was interviewed by a young man (early 20s) via Skype as he was in Korea.  He's a fellow Canadian and not Korean.  I thought it went really well.  He asked some discipline questions, why I like education, gave me some pointers to state exactly where my piercings are (ears) on my application and to change the age group on the lesson plan I submitted.  I was confident and looking forward to moving to Korea.  I didn't hear anything for a few days and so I e-mailed him.  He replies I didn't get the job and please don't ask why.
   I was super bummed!  What did I do wrong?  And then I remembered what I was told several times by several people about expectations of North Americans.  In Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, and other countries, they believe a North American is "skinny, blond, and blue-eyed."  I was told not to even try for China or Thailand for that reason.  And then I remembered the application says the hiring school makes the final decision not EPIK.  So that sucked - I'm not white, I'm not 100 lbs, and I have brown eyes.  Is this why I wasn't accepted?  Yup - I can pretty much guarantee it!  This isn't to say all not white, non skinny people are rejected but it holds true for private school for sure (parents will transfer their kids from your class into another) and if the public schools are headed by ignorant people...well why bother?
   I thought it could be because I don't have teaching experience - but how many people do you know that went to Korea to teach that are bonafide teachers?  They require a Bachelor's and that's pretty much it.  My lesson plan was great too!  So, I talked it over with other people and their experiences and experiences of people they know and we all came to the same conclusion - I'm not "North American" looking enough.
   And so I began the application for Japan - which seems a little more lenient and tolerant :)  More on that soon!