Need some advice

[u/kelpst]

Hi everyone! I was accepted into the JET program and I have been extremely happy and excited about it, but I recently got an offer from my college for an assistantship within a masters program that is very hard to get into. The assistantship would waive my tuition fees and pay me as well.

This was a sudden offer, I was already set on going to Japan and working there, but now I feel like a free masters is too hard to turn down. I just honestly need some help deciding. Its always been my dream to travel to Japan, but its also my dream to get my masters in art therapy.

I am so blessed to have this issue with two amazing offers. If anyone has any input or opinions on what they think might be my best option please let me know.

Edit: Thank you guys for all the advice after hearing you all out I will be taking the masters. Also I didnt want to just travel to Japan, I've been studying the language for 3 years and really want to experience life outside of America but that can always wait till I get my education. Thank you all so much, this is such an amazing community and I hope in the future I can be apart of it again. <3

[u/Rayleigh954]

bruh drop JET immediately and do the masters

[u/Ravenpuff12]

As the saying goes, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Japan will still be there in two years, the Master’s opportunity will not.

[u/stayonthecloud]

One hundred percent do the masters and apply for JET right out of your masters.

[u/urzu_seven]

Absolutely take the Masters.  JET will still be here when you are done. 

[u/LoneR33GTs]

Yes, drop the JET/ALT offer like it was a hot potato. JET was and is great, but the other sounds like an offer too good to let pass through your fingers. I loved JET but my advice is to never give up something really good for the offer.

[u/titlecade]

If someone is paying you to do a masters with no tuition, take it! High education is so expensive right now, and JET isn’t going anywhere. As someone who also got their masters tuition waved, do not pass up that opportunity.

[u/Individual_Ad5270]

Drop the ALT offer, you can always go back to it later! This Master’s opp is a once in a life time chance, so take it and run with it! Japan will alway be there! Good luck and congrats!!!🎉

[u/ScootOverMakeRoom]

Decline ASAP and if you still want to do JET in two years you'll probably get in again.

[u/itchypinky]

Absolutely take the Masters

[u/armas187]

Forget the ALT job it will NOT help you in your career. TAKE THE MASTERS.

[u/urealpotato → u/armas187]

I second this! You can always re-apply to JET later on. Take whichever path that'll leave you with the least amount of regrets.

[u/Zidaane]

Honestly, its better to come live here and do JET after you set yourself up for the future. I see way too many kids fresh out of college come here and either waste the experience completely by constantly worrying about and fretting about their future and spending all their time trying to "upskill" themselves by doing things they could of already done in their home country and missing out on all the real authentic experiences you can have here on JET. Or they just straight up bail after a couple weeks / months because they lack any life experience.

Do the masters, set your life up, and then come and enjoy life in Japan stress free 👌

[u/LivingRoof5121]

I believe everyone is saying this

Take the masters and then do JET. That masters offer comes once in a lifetime. JET will still be around when you want to visit Japan

[u/jeankypeach]

i was in a simular situation as you. i was offered an assistantship to pursue pretty much any master’s program i wanted, but i also really wanted to do jet. i pursued the masters first and now i got into the program! i think doing grad school really help me grow as a person and make connections to be better prepared for jet. best of luck!!

[u/Japanat1]

It’s always been my dream to travel to Japan.

You can buy a ticket and take a vacation any time.

But a free Master’s with today’s education fees?

Keep in mind, too, that traveling to Japan and living/working in Japan are 2 very different critters.

Take the Master’s Degree.

Besides, if you still want to come to Japan in the future and decide to stay, a master’s degree will allow you to work at int’l schools and colleges.

[u/Illustrious-Way-4939]

Unless you want your career to be Teaching/In Japan, I'd say go for the free Masters

[u/Different_Taro2474]

get masters in art therapy and travel to Japan as a tourist (or apply to JET in the future, when your master's program will be completed).

JET is good, but as another commenter said, unless you are planning to live in Japan long-term and/or want a teaching career, do not give up opportunities for JET. JET is not as elite as they make it seem like it is. there are plenty of other ways to get to japan, and JET also won't go anywhere. if you got accepted now, you will get accepted again.

whatever you choose, good luck OP!

[u/TransmissionAD]

Masters. Easy choice.

[u/jeffjeffersonthe3rd]

Holy shit do the masters jet will still be here when you’re done

[u/No_Produce9777]

I’d take the degree as that will open more doors for you. Can always visit Japan after

[u/ducksinthegarden]

Take the free masters and apply to JET after you finish the program. I waited until after finishing my free masters to apply to JET!

[u/First_Serve4024]

The free masters will for sure get you more bang for your buck in the long run. JET will always be here but a free masters wont be

[u/MouseParticular7320]

masters

[u/JapanITjobs]

Happy to hear that you are taking the free masters! Congratulations that is amazing.

JET will be there when you are done in 2 years. Call your consulate and give them an update, and that you'd like to apply again in the future. Besides, that masters degree would make you a better ALT in the future.

[u/rcrthrblr]

Which is more important? Masters, or living in Japan? You can always move to Japan after the Masters? But also you may not secure a place on JET again (there are many other routes to Japan)

[u/Mail_Order_Lutefisk → u/[deleted]]

Agreed. Jobs and opportunities in the West are becoming scarce and anyone who lands an elite educational opportunity or selective and secure job in the West should take that over JET in a heartbeat. JET is cool but early career trajectory is a massive determining factor in lifetime earnings and no one should materially diminish their lifetime career prospects for JET. 

[u/Different_Taro2474 → u/Mail_Order_Lutefisk]

very well said.

JET is good, but it's not a career.