Successful JET CIR Essay

Here's my successful essay from my application to the JET program:

In 2010 I was honoured with the oppourtunity to spend an academic year in Japan through the Victoria University Exchange Programme. Having studied Japanese for six years at the time but not yet actually used my language skills or experienced the Japanese culture first hand I couldn't hold back my excitement. For ten months I lived and learned in Tokyo, Japan while attending Meiji Gakuin University . I met people from not just Japan but all over the world who then became life long friends all sharing the passion for the Japanese language and culture. My year was beyond anything I could have ever imagined. So, upon learning of the JET programme I knew this was another perfect oppourtunity to share languages and cultures with all new friends and colleagues that I could not let pass.

During my year long exchange in Tokyo, Japan I went to to Meiji Gakuin University in central Tokyo to further my studies in Japanese language and culture. I completed the academic programme and improved my Japanese skills to a high standard at which I was able to acquire a part-time job while living in Japan.

After spending a year there I came back with more than just insight into Japan as a country but also an insight into countries from all over the world. While living in Tokyo I was placed in a University dormitory where exchange students from all over the world gathered; Thailand, Canada, Germany, England, Australia, Taiwan, South Korea and so many more. Being around people from all those countries enabled me to study both their languages and their cultures which, I hope, opened my mind to the rest of the world. I think this gives me an advantage into not only language but worldly knowledge.

Since setting my goal to work in Japan as a translator I have been working hard towards building the skills I will need to be successful in achieving this. Recently I have been working at Victoria University as a research assistant on a project based around immigrant workers and the use of languages in foreign offices. This study shows the importance of an open mind and adaptability in an unfamiliar situation. With my experience as a medical receptionist I am well aware of the need to adapt in unexpected circumstances. This job faces many different cases varying in severity so it is always important to be on your toes. I believe that while working as a CIR on the JET programme difficult and challenging situations are bound to arise but I have the ability to problem solve and keep calm during such encounters. Also, with this experience in hand, I think I am able to handle any high-paced workplace that may be thrown at me as well as somewhere which may require someone to pick up things quickly.

One of the most important things about going on the JET programme is, I believe, being an advocate for your own country. Being able to represent New Zealand as a CIR would be an honour and a task I think I could fulfill. While I have studied many overseas cultures and languages I have also participated in work regarding New Zealand culture and language through the Victoria University Linguistics department. Knowing what is important to New Zealanders and what makes us unique from others is a great advantage in being able to represent our country well. New Zealand is a country with many different influences but yet is united and ahead of the world over issues such as nuclear power and equality. If given the oppourtunity to share the New Zealand point of view with Japan and to spread knowledge about our small and isolated country I would be more then honoured to take it on.

In conclusion, my skills and experience are well tailored to what I believe is important in being a CIR and a representative of both the JET programme and New Zealand. My Japanese language and culture knowledge is of a high level and I am prepared both mentally and physically to work to the standard required of me by my employers. 

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As you can see, you don't have to be the best writer to get in but just giving them a reference to your character and experience is a definite must if you are going to get in. Good luck with your own essays!

Just thought you might want to know!