Taiko Drumming
SWY 18
Application Questions & Concerns
I have worked for my aunt, can I use her as my reference?Relatives are not permitted to write reference letters for an applicant. Please ask a former or current teacher, employer, or supervisor (not a relative or former participant) to tell the selection committee why you would be a good candidate for the program.
I don't have time to get my reference to mail my letter ?Have them fax it to you and then mail the original to you afterwards. Include a copy of the fax with your application. If there is a problem during selection, we will contact you to get a copy of the original.
I am a Permanent Resident, can I apply?No. The Japanese Government has specified all delegates must be Canadian citizens.
Who do I make the cheque out to?Please make the cheque payable to "SWYAA" or "SWY Alumni Association"
What if my cheque bounces (Insufficient funds), can I resend it?Please make sure there is sufficient funds in your account as we typically disqualify a dozen people due to NSF cheques. If your cheque does bounce, you can forward a cheque to the same location as your application with instructions that it is for an application previously submitted. Please note: the cheque must arrive by the application deadline in order for your application to be considered.
I forgot to include part of my application, what can I do.The selection process is run by volunteers and we do not have the resources to be adding in extra material. Please ensure that the application is complete before sending it in.
My application may arrive late. Will it still be considered?No. The selection committee starts reviewing the applications immediately after the deadline. Late applications cannot be considered and cheques for late applications will NOT be cashed.
What languages are required?The only required language for Participating Youth is English as this is the language required for lectures, seminars and administration. That said, all other languages are viewed as an asset, particularly Japanese, as language abilility shows the Selection Committee that the applicant has an interest in other cultures.
Can you confirm receipt of my application?Although Travel Cuts is receiving applications on SWY's behalf, they are unable to answer whether they have received your application. SWY Canada is currently determining whether they will be able to confirm receipt of applications, please check back closer to the application deadline.
How many applicants are their?The number of applicants varies each year, for SWY 18 we had approximately 30 applicants per position.
When will you contact the successful applicants?National Leader - finalists may be contacted for a phone interview on Aug 9 or 10. The successful National Leader will be notified by Friday Aug 15. Participating Youth - we will be notifying all applicants of the results by Friday September 5.
Can I receive feedback on my application?No, we have a limited number of volunteers to review and select the delegation and we are unable to give feedback on individual applications.
I am currently out of the country, can I still apply?Any Canadian citizen can apply even if they are overseas during the selection process but we still need a phone number to interview the candidate during the specified time. Please note that all delegates must be living in Canada from October 2008 until departure (January 2009).
The criteria for the program are set by the Japanese Government;1. 18-30 years of age (or up to 39 years for National Leader) 2. Canadian citizen 3. Can participate in the entire program 4. Are in good physical and mental condition 5. Capable of acting cooperatively and in harmony with their group 6. Contribute to the various activities for promoting development of youth 7. High English ability (Language of instruction and administration) 8. Interest and understanding of Japan and their culture. * Japanese language ability is considered an asset
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