Papers Please!
So, after hitting "apply," what's the next move?
The application begins!
Before you begin, there are a few things I wish I had known beforehand. Everyone tends to focus on the statement of purpose, but for a few people, there may be an additional task - the statement of health!
This inquiry covers your health over the past five years, including any mental health concerns. This section was my first indication that I had a bumpy road ahead. 4 years ago I hit a low point, resulting in depression and anxiety, it included medication and therapy. So onto the form, it went. Because I had something on that form, JET required a Statement of Physician. Essentially confirming you are fit to travel and teach, keep in mind living in any foreign country by yourself is a monumental change. It’s in both your and JET’s interest that you are going to be able to handle this.
I would advise against lying on any part of the application, simply because you are hurting yourself. You are also applying for a role within a country that values being truthful. If for any reason a lie is discovered on the application you will not look good.
Most people filling this section in do not need to jump through this hoop. And to them, I am very envious. This was the bit that started to make me question… Will they say no? or Will I even clear the first hurdle ?!
Make a note of all deadlines! You may think you have plenty of time, but life has a funny way of playing tricks on you.
The nightmare with this form was my GP outright said no to filling the form in, correction…the receptionist said no. It never even made it past reception. As the deadline started to creep so did my stress. I ended up filing a complaint about the GP as they were beyond rude and she refused to explain why? or who could help. I ended up moving GPs and saying goodbye to the GP I had known since birth.
But this proved to be a good move! After a few more weeks of stress and waiting for my files to transfer. I finally spoke to someone helpful. She was very happy to ask around. It resulted in a payment of £80, but a Doctor called me and ran through the form. Alas after nearly a month of stress, it was sorted in a 10-minute call. No issues nothing.
But that’s another point that people may not realize when applying… you will need to pay for a few things! At this first application stage, only those who need that Statement of Physician will part with any money.
Before even applying my advice is to double-check if your GP will be able to offer the services you may need. Check you have the means to scan and print forms!! Also ensure you have the money to cover the travel to your nearest Embassy and to cover the upcoming Certificate of Health, this one any shortlisted or Reserves have to submit. I will cover this more in a later entry.
My next blog entry will cover that dreaded Statement of purpose!!
