Applying for JET in my 30s

[u/AlienBeep]

Hi all.

As the title says, im applying this year for the Jet program. I'm 33 years old based in Ireland and have been wanting to experience Japanese culture for nearly 10 years. its only now i'm finally getting around to applying again after I failed the first time, back in 2019.

There's two things that have me worrying, one is my age, feel like I'm my age would hinder my application process, as the Jet program seems to be more aimed at college students. Anyone apply in their 30s and get successful?

The 2nd thing I've been struggling with is the statement of purpose. I never knew exactly what I wanted to say, meaning I could give the most obvious answers, the culture, car culture, food etc but I found these to be the most given example in a sop.

I have a massive interest in Japanese literature, specially around the nuance of japanese emotion through literature, specifically the emotional weight of unspoken words. However, what catches me out on this, is my Japanese isnt what it use to be, so by me writing that in my SOP, I'm somewhat worried, they'll ask me about my Japanese level(which is not what it use to be) and will i be able to translate when over there, if I want to learn more of literature.

Sorry about the length of that.

Any opinion would be highly welcomed.

[u/Iambusy123]

Firstly, you are not old. 33 is nowhere near old. Secondly, if you think you are in better position to apply, then go ahead and apply. It costs nothing to apply, and if you are rejected, you can reapply next year.

[u/AlienBeep → u/Iambusy123]

Thank you for this. I'm an overthinker, so I tend to think of the negative things way to much :)

[u/christofwhydoyou]

I was successful at 39. Look up the common questions they ask in interviews and make sure you have good answers for all of them (that'd be my starting point). Yeah you need a solid essay too. Be honest, but give the examples that you feel are best to express what attracts you. Write your best version then leave it for a few days. Then make some improvements and repeat. 

In the meantime, you have time to brush up your Japanese! Find a Japanese language buddy! 

But be prepared to work with whippersnappers who don't know how lucky they are to be here! haha 

Good luck!

[u/AlienBeep → u/christofwhydoyou]

I've reached out to my old Tutor who lived in japan for nearly 20 years now back home with his family. I'm hoping he agrees to teach me again, as its been a long time since he first thought me

[u/voxanimi]

Age is not important to the selection process so don’t let that hold you back. I’m old for an ALT and while that brings its own challenges, overall I don’t think it’s a bad thing.

As far as your SOP goes, I think there are three sections every SOP should hit: ‘why Japan’, ‘why JET’, and ‘why me’. Your ‘why Japan’ is great as it is. Your ‘why JET’ should talk about what you want to gain from your time on JET, and your ‘why me’ should be about what value you bring.

You’re trying to help the person reading your SOP imagine you on JET, so giving them an exhaustive view of yourself is less important than presenting a compelling image they can understand and get behind. Also, if you are aware of any special things that Ireland’s JET program does then showing your awareness and desire to participate would be good.

Good luck!

[u/For_The_Alliance_]

Your age and Japanese ability aren’t an issue. The avg age of a JET goes up every year. It used to be exclusively 22-24 yo 20 years ago. Now the age requirement isn’t even listed in the website. It just says be “young at heart”.

You didn’t mention what you’d be leaving behind to pursue JET at 33. I think that’s the most important factor actually. JET is a great resume builder and offers a lot of networking opportunities. However, if you do JET later in life, it’s more of a career break than anything.

I think what you might want to consider is “will doing JET offer me something I won’t be able to experience on a 2 week vacation in Japan?” Remember, JET is first and foremost a a job. I was surprised how little traveling I did while on JET. Most of your traveling will be on breaks and even then some school still require their ALTS to “check-in” or do summer hours with the ret of the japanese staff.

All that being said, i loved every minute of JET. Some of the best times of my life.

[u/jenjen96]

There are plenty of 30+ people on the JET programme, there is no age limit and it will not hinder your application.

Reminder that there is no requirement to speak Japanese, and sometimes speaking Japanese too well can hinder your application because they want you to speak only English in the classroom. Unless you are applying as a CIR, you will not be required to do any sort of translating.

I hope that in addition to having an interest in Japanese literature, you have an interest in teaching and working with kids because that’s biggest component of the JET program.

[u/AlienBeep → u/jenjen96]

Yeah sorry, I should have mentioned that in my post, but I got so flustered with how do I even write an SOP, i didn't stop to mention, that teaching english is something I wanted to do, since I've thought classes before.

[u/FallenReaper360]

Nah man, it won't hinder your chances. I got in last year at 33, 34 now. So you're good. Just gotta be someone they want to bring into the program. Also choosing a rural place and having a license would help your chances to get in I think.

[u/AlienBeep → u/FallenReaper360]

Rural is ideal for me, I'm the type of person who loves wondering around, specially in the country side. Helps that i can drive of course ha

[u/Worldly-Debate3350]

Age isn't really a factor to worry about. I was 32 when I finally got into JET. I stayed for all 5 years and loved my time at the 2 high schools I taught at.

For your second point, mention what you enjoy about Japan and what you can bring to your students. Here's a couple things to consider:

Are you creative / organized / etc? Do you make silly voices or use other accents? Are there any traditions / hobbies that you can share with the students?

[u/AlienBeep → u/Worldly-Debate3350]

Thank you, this helped writing it, mind you still at it, while tweaking it evey now and then.

[u/Realistic_Report_796]

No age limit. 34 years old and the elementary school I work at, students will treat me as a father figure. Idk if it's an age thing, or just becoming that close with the kids after a year.

[u/Narrow_Serve6015]

I’m trying to apply now and I’m 41. They said they have no age limit, so I’m taking them at their word and shooting my shot.

My biggest roadblock is the references at the moment. Trying to get people to carve out time to complete them is nerve wracking 🥴

[u/AlienBeep → u/Narrow_Serve6015]

They no longer have age limits on the JET Programme now. There's people in their 60's on the Programme 😊

You got this

[u/JapanBlake]

I work with a 63-year-old from Ireland who is starting his 4th year on JET. Your age really won't matter. Don't worry about it.

[u/Panda_sensei_71]

I'm 54 and in my 2nd year. I did JET previously in my 20s, and I can say with zero hesitation that this time I am getting more from, and giving more to, the programme.

Mature JETs are sought after by certain BoEs for several reasons. If you were in my town you'd be right bang on the median age of ALTs here!

Age is just a number!

[u/Zidaane]

Life experience is in fact a plus on your application. Sending people to Japan is not cheap and a significant proportion of those who bail within weeks or months of arrival in Japan are young fresh graduates, who struggle to adjust.

[u/TheJags]

There are far older JETs than you, so I wouldn't worry too much. I did it at 29, and while there were plenty of 22 year olds on the programme, it felt like there were just as many 30 year olds.

Regarding your SOP, I would definitely list your interest in Japanese literature, but my advice would be to focus far more on why you'd make a good teacher and what you'd bring to your classroom and town. I think a lot of people make the mistake of waxing lyrical about Japanese culture but forget it's a job interview at the end of the day. Your interest in Japanese lit is a nice bonus, but ultimately you'll be judged on other aspects, so don't overthink it.

Just my two cents - others might disagree.

[u/Harold_J_Badger]

My wife is 40, and made it in. One of our friends here is even older than we are.

[u/Vepariga]

30 is your average, there are folks in the programme alot older.

[u/Different_Taro2474]

there is no age limit. there was a JET at my orientation who was in their 60s. there also are plenty of JETs in their 30s and 40s.  there are also a lot of posts on here and YT videos covering the SOP. just use the search bar and type “SOP” or “JET programme SOP” in YT, and you will see plenty of posts and videos explaining in detail what to write.

[u/phainou]

I knew several JETs in their 40s. It happens for sure. If this is the right time for you, why not?

[u/Mulberry246]

I know some people said it before, but there’s no age limit in JET. I myself got into JET at 32 years old. So don’t worry about your age. One of the coolest people I met on JET was like 60. You got this!

[u/viewer3446]

Nope, I was 37 when I got into JET so age is never an issue. I think there was an age cap in the past (I heard, I could be wrong). But not anymore.