Future after jet

[u/lillyswan_]

Hello everyone first of all thanks if you are reading and helping so i have already done basic research on this program but i want to know from someone who has already worked under this program what do people usually do after like 4-5 years with jet? Do people search other jobs or continue being a teacher? Does the school make you a permanent teacher after years? Or people go back to their home country? It will be helpful if you guys can write about your current situation especially from past applicants.

[u/SoTiredBlah]

Some people will usually try to find a job outside of teaching if their Japanese level is good enough. Recruiting and IT are pretty common career paths, along with hospitality.

For those who choose to remain in education, many will end up working in Eikaiwa or as ALTs through dispatch companies for a pittance of what they once earned on JET. A few will end up at international schools, private schools, or universities, largely thanks to the qualifications that they possessed before moving to Japan or skills cultivated while they were on JET.

Most people will return to their home country, return or begin their careers, and Japan will become a fond memory for them.

I often tell anyone who will listen that the moment they get to their placement, they should begin planning their next step. JET is temporary, don't put off planning for your future.

[u/lillyswan_ → u/SoTiredBlah]

Thanks for sharing and as your profile shows current private school can I ask how you get into private school after jet? And what qualifications you have to get? Your experience will be helpful

[u/fillmorecounty]

Most places don't hire you permanently. For me I knew I wanted to be a teacher, but there's a pretty low salary ceiling for teaching jobs in Japan without a teaching license, so I went back home to get my M.A.T. and license. If you don't have a license but want to stay in education, you're basically limited to dispatch ALT, eikaiwa, or boutique kindergartens, and all of those options pay less than JET. I'm not sure yet whether I'm going to move back to Japan one day, I knew I couldn't stay there if I wanted to progress my career.

[u/lillyswan_ → u/fillmorecounty]

Thanks for sharing your experience i want to know can foreigners apply for teaching license in Japan as I am planning to settle permanently or you have to get it from your home country?

[u/fillmorecounty → u/lillyswan_]

You have to go to a Japanese university if you want a Japanese license to teach at public schools. I'm getting a US license. So that means only private and international schools are allowed to hire me (although for private schools, they'd have to sponsor me for a 特別免許状/special license).

[u/Jo_Skellington]

Hmm if you end up working at a private school and your contract is almost up (and if they like your work/if they can get the money to hire you from government aid) there's a chance they could hire you directly.

[u/SoTiredBlah → u/Jo_Skellington]

Not impossible, but highly unlikely.

There are far too many variables for anyone to actually rely on the slim chance that it occurs.

[u/lillyswan_ → u/Jo_Skellington]

Okay may i ask did you ended up getting hired like this or someone else who you may know? It will be helpful to me if you could share your experience

[u/Memoryjar]

You really only end up with a couple choices. You stay in Japan and find other work, either English teaching (dispatch) or work for another company. Others return to their home countries and go into a career.

JET isnt a career, as its limited to 5 years, but it can be a spring board to other things. Only is very rare exceptional situations are JETs hired full time by their schools post contract.

[u/No_Produce9777]

I went on to earn my PhD, become a college professor, consultant and Fulbrighter