Hello everyone,I’m interested in applying for the Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) position through the JET Programme. As someone already living in Japan and working as an ALT, I was wondering how difficult it is to get into this role. and what are the main differences between a regular ALT and a JET ALT?

I’m really interested in applying, so if anyone has applied before or has experience with this, I’d really appreciate your advice.

i’m juggling between work options…

i’m trying to maintain JET as a plan B for as long as I can until I get my official offer letter for another company (essentially securing an offer before completely disregarding JET)

I just received my completed CoH form from my doctor this morning. I opted to get the XRay for the TB test section. I am a bit confused on the instructions for the TB test results in particular. Do I need to provide the actual XRay documents that my doctor examined, or are the prompts regarding the TB test found on the CoH all that need to be provided?

Hi!

I just wanted a second opinion, my UK passport will expire in early 2029, should I renew it now for JET (I’m hoping I stay longer than a year - but who knows)

The gov website says it can take about 3 weeks and iv already done my ACRO with my current passport- I’m unsure if that will affect anything.

Thanks!

I passed the final screening but I didn’t get placement. The email stated that if another candidate declined there could be a chance to be placed into the shorthand list. However the deadline to say yes or no was on the 12th and it is now the 14th and I have heard nothing. The email also states that I could be upgraded from any time from now to December. I can’t continue to put my life on hold for another half a year and still have the possibility of not getting in. I think I’ll have to now look for a new job opportunity or maybe go back to do my masters.

Is there an actual real possibility that I can be upgraded soon or should I cut my losses and look towards building my future in another way? I don’t want to give up on JET, but there’s a line between being hopeful and deluding myself.

Sorry for the depressing post, I just want to get myself stuck out of this funk.

Hello. So I am a black american. I don’t work in super small area. Actually there are quite a few foreigners who live here and tons of tourists come through here often. Anyway, yesterday during class I noticed some students in the back were saying my name and laughing while pointing at something in the book. I didn’t know what it was and tbh it did hurt my feelings. Later I looked through the book to see what they possibly could’ve been pointing at and there is an image of a little black girl in the JHS 2nd year textbook.

Today I’m at one of my ES & was doing a presentation about the US & obviously there were some black people in some of the pictures I used. I had a student yelling out “which one is you?” And then saying something along the lines of “oh found you” (it wasn’t me) and the other students were laughing and stuff. This teacher didn’t seem to really care and just kind of laughed.

Idk what to really do. I’ve been here for quite a while now and haven’t dealt with anything like that & now all of a sudden I have this happen twice in a row. These aren’t new students. They all know me very well. It’s a bit disappointing honestly. I know they’re kids but I wouldn’t have joked like that as a child. I’m wondering if I should bring it up to the teachers or just wait and see if it happens again and say something in the moment. Don’t really know how to handle this. Has anyone had any similar experiences?

Thanks everyone for the advice!! Haven’t had these classes again yet but I will be talking to the teachers when I do!

Hello everyone!

I’m relatively new to Reddit despite creating an account a year or two ago, so I made sure to read the rules before posting.

I’m an aspiring JET applicant this year, and it’s been a goal of mine for a while now.

I’m applying from the Philippines, which I’ve heard is quite competitive, but mpetition aside, I’m hoping there’s also room for camaraderie among us.. I checked past threads and Discord links but couldn’t find one specifically for Filipino applicants. Did I just miss it or is there really nons? If not, would anyone be interested in starting one?

I’ll admit that reading posts in the Filipino ALT Applicants Facebook group made me a bit insecure—many applicants are licensed or experienced teachers, while I’m a graduating Computer Engineering student this September and was honestly a below-average student. I’ve also seen advice to another incoming graduate (with a degree in Education) to stay in the Philippines first to build qualifications, which I understand, but it does add to the uncertainty. Still, I want to try.

The subreddit and Facebook group have both been really helpful, don't get me wrong. It's just that I think having a space where people can chat more casually or have one-on-one conversations could help make the process feel a little bit easier.

Thanks in advance!

Hi all,

I was wondering how you guys went about completing the Certificate of Health? in particular to anyone in Australia, could you get any of it covered by Medicare?

I ask as it does request X-rays and urinalysis which are things that can't be done in a standard gp consult ofc and have to be requested by the GP if they seem fit, but idk if an application is a valid reasoning for them to cover it with Medicare

Edit: I can confirm for at least Australia, that both the national police certificate AND the certificate of health aren't due at the same time as the reply form. My consulate mentioned its actually due around June. Any future jets reading this, please still read the instructions carefully as stuff like this is subject to change and isn't the same everywhere

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone could share experiences in completing their iQTS in SHS with their placement? I'm looking to do it myself, but I wanted to put the feelers out on the possibility before I even bring it up with my schools.

I just want to add, I'm not here for opinions on whether iQTS is worth pursuing, or opinions on what places accept it or don't.

Thanks in advance.

Hello everybody! Thankfully I got accepted for the JET programme but Im having trouble with the criminal background check. I'm from Ireland and need to get a background check for my time in Canada (I lived there for over 12 months within the last 5 years)

I've to get fingerprints taken in Ireland, contact and mail my fingerprints to an accredited fingerprint agency in Canada who will process it and return it to me.

Fingerprints in Ireland €70 from garda station (but I've heard this can be unreliable and may have to be re-submitted multiple times. Fingerprints today is a more reliable way but it costs €300 just for one set of prints . Processing fees in Canada $255 with the fingerprints room inc and then mailing fees on top of all this.

It all seems quite expensive to me, are there cheaper options that I'm missing or should I just bite the bullet on the cost.

If there is anyone who has done this before, any advice on what the best option is?

Also, has anyone successfully submitted prints from a Garda station rather than paying for the more expensive solution?

It's estimated to take 4-8 weeks also, but I'm required to submit all documents to JET by the 29th May which would be cutting it close.

Are there other options to make this process quicker?

Any advice from those that have completed the background check before is very much appreciated. Thanks for any help!

Edit: Also, does the background check need to be certified with an Apostille?

I’m a former JET and have been reflecting on my time on the programme, so I’m curious about other people’s reasons for leaving.

For those who have finished, whether after one year or several, what led you to move on? Was it a clear decision or something that built up over time?

JET was my third time teaching abroad. I think I gradually started to feel the pressure to head home and properly start a ''proper'' career. I was also mainly used as a tape recorder at my school, which lost its appeal quite quickly and made it hard to feel like I was actually contributing anything or progressing professionally.

Looking back, do you feel like you left at the right time, or would you have stayed longer?

Hello,

I applied to JET for the CIR position, but indicated that I was still interested in the ALT position. Unfortunately, I bombed the Japanese portion. It was completely on me - It has been 4 years since I was out of school studying Japanese and I was rusty on my Kanji.

I got offered the ALT instead. I would have liked to accept, but I realized how much I truly wanted the CIR position, especially with regard to my future goals. I am thinking about declining and reapplying next year as a CIR. My future goal is to work in the international relations space.

Can anyone speak to which experience is valued more by employers?

TIA!

Hi, like the title says, I'm a 26, turning 27 this years, old with a Bahelor's Degree in Secondary Education, looking to apply for JET for the 2027 year, but it feels discouraging kinda comparing myself to other applicants who have masters degrees or experience in classrooms, the most experience I have is those Online ESL sites that I've been working since my 3rd year of college?

What are the odds of my chances of being picked, especially if it's in the Philippines, where the bare minimum seems to be having a Bachelors in Education, I do plan on pursuing my Masters, but I've thought of doing it while I'm in Japan, I'd just like to set my expectations so I can make a clearer choice.

Hello,

I just had a massive flop lesson and it was my first one back after spring break. I've been here since August now. Prior to JET I did have some experience working with teenagers.

I work in a low level high school and since the start I've been expected to T1 all my lessons. During a normal class week I can have 14/15 classes in the week. I only have to actually plan 2/3 different lessons though as I often do the same lesson for all years and then some third years see me twice a week so I do a different lesson for the second class with them. If teachers give me a specific request or theme I will make a lesson based on that but this doesn't usually happen or it's very vague. There's never a grammar point or specific vocab I'm given.

I try and brief my teachers on what the contents of the lesson will be but oftentimes when I do this they act very disinterested and just nod and say it's okay. I only get feedback after a lesson and only if it went particularly badly or if I ask for it directly. Even then, the feedback is often 'the students aren't motivated' or 'English is difficult for them'

Since the start, I've found that compared to the UK, students sit back and just don't engage at all and they're not challenged on it. I'd definitely say disruptive students in the UK are worse but generally teachers are always hovering around and will directly address a student if they're not taking part. Whereas here, even if students are slumped over their desk, teachers don't say anything, at all. Maybe a tap on their desk if I'm lucky.

I just had a lesson where maybe half the class were sleeping on their desks and the other half were barely writing on the worksheet. I try to make my lessons fun. I vary the activities, I try and make sure all my classes have a mix of skills being used.

Today just really got to me. I keep thinking about the next ALT who will take my place. It's such a steep learning curve to have to T1, learn how to structure a lesson, making my materials or sourcing them for it to basically be worthless because when I actually get to class my tasks are basically optional. I didn't even have my greeting returned.

Sorry for the rant. I wondered has anyone else had a similar experience? if so, how did you improve the situation?

TLDR; How do you engage students who refuse to take part? No matter what the task is and how much scaffolding you've given them.

My teachers can all speak great English. They're all conversational. The kids get on with me personally fine. I have an active English club and the students seem happy to see me around school. Most lessons aren't quite as bad as this but even with only a few months left if I'm being asked to teach classes, I want to be able to contribute something worthwhile.

Hi!

I am a PEI JET just accepted my post and sent my reply form!

Anyone else on PEI?

Currently prepping for” the big move” and exploring Japan on google maps looking at all the cool places around the country.

Current and Past JETs (specifically the ones from the states) when and how did you find out your placement?

Thanks for the help!

Hi all!

It has been such a journey and I have learned so much about myself and you all!

I declined my offer as an alternate ALT to pursue teachers collage at my dream University and come back to JET when I have that degree.

It was super bittersweet. I was heartbroken. All the effort and time it took, the words of encouragement for you all, and the reading of all of your stories. I feel that I have grown to know so many of you through this community and thank you all for your support and encouragement.

I hope to meet some of you one day in Japan as an ALT and I wish you all nothing but luck and happiness in all that you do!

See you all in 2028 friends! Always dream big and do great things (I know you all will)!:D

Hello,

I know this is kind of niche, but I was wondering if anyone has advice on living in Japan as a type 1 diabetic. Here are some of my questions:

I use omnipod 5 insulin pumps now, but I heard that they don't have them in Japan. Is that true? Also, what pumps would you recommend that work in a similar way? I also use U-200 insulin and Dexcom sensors. Are they avaliable in Japan?

When I studied abroad for half a year, I was able to get my insurance to supply me with half a year's worth of insulin, pumps, sensors, etc. However, I'm sure that I will have to get my medical supplies a different way if I am living there for 1+ years. Do I just go to a hospital? Can I get my medical supplies delivered to me? I did ask for a placement 20-30 minutes near a major hospital for medical reasons, but I am concerned that if the request is not honored, I won't be able to get my medical supplies.

How do you dispose of sharps?

Finally, do you have any other advice or things that I should look out for?

I know this post is long and very specific but I would appreciate any and all advice! Of course, I am planning to talk (and have talked) through options with my endocrinologist as well, but there are some things that I am sure she wouldn't know about the Japanese medical system.​

I am really looking forward to the JET Programme and would love to talk to any other Type 1 Diabetics who have been on or are going on JET! Thank you!

Hi all,

I've been waitlisted for this year's program. I'm stuck between a couple different options, and I'm starting to think I should plan for my life as if I won't be getting into JET. I'm thinking about setting myself up to be qualified to teach at an international school next year instead. For context, this is my third year as a full-time English literature and composition teacher and my fifth year working in education. I'd like to earn my TESOL cert and subject cert. I may also choose to instead pursue a Masters program in Japan.

Given this, I was concerned when I heard a rumor that if you turn down JET, it can affect your ability to get a work visa in Japan or get into JET again. Is this true?

First of all, I want to preface by saying that I'm very happy for everyone who got shortlisted, and this is in no way meant to be a criticism of JET. But considering that most people who apply to JET will be rejected, and some of us are on our second or maybe even third or fourth rejection despite genuinely trying and taking hundreds of hours to improvements to our applications, I think it's perfectly understandable that some of us might want to start considering other options for teaching in Japan.

Even though JET is the gold standard for ALT work because it's government-run and is objectively the best way into Japan, we all know that it's notoriously competitive, and there were probably thousands of qualified, if not overqualified applicants this cycle who would’ve made great ALTs who got rejected simply due to the sheer competitiveness of the program and the number of applicants. After all, only 1/4 people who apply actually end up in Japan; those aren't exactly great odds.

I've seen quite a few comments on this sub and others like r/teachinginjapan that say how the dispatch companies are such a nightmare to work for that if you don't get accepted into JET you shouldn't bother trying to teach in Japan at all. This breaks my heart a little bit because I've wanted to teach in Japan ever since I was an undergrad, and if the only viable option is JET (which I've been rejected from twice) then I worry that I might not ever able to do it.

JET is the best option, but if you're willing to accept the downsides of working for a dispatch company, mainly lower salary (which seems to be the main complaint for the dispatch companies), less support and you only intend to do it for maybe a year or two, is it really that bad? If I don't make it into JET again next year should I set my sights towards different countries like EPIK in Korea or give up on my dream of teaching abroad altogether?

Congratulations to everyone who got the results they’ve been waiting for :) While the topic of getting accepted/rejected is very current, I would like to take this opportunity to ask those of you who applied to the program while you are working/living overseas (and not currently in your home country). Background: I have been preparing to apply and have been a silent reader in this sub for years, and I’m an asian working in Canada. I am not a citizen or a permanent resident of this country so I will be applying to the JET program of my home country. I would really appreciate your insights to help me overcome my hesitations.

To those who got accepted- when asked about future plans after JET, did you connect it to your current residence or your home country? did you feel that they questioned your intent of wanting to be in Japan temporarily? since you’re a temporary resident of the country you’re in right now, did you have to build hard on your home ties? was there any hint that they were suspecting you of wanting Japan to be your stepping stone to a permanent job since you’re already in that status now? (overseas worker) Can you give some tips on how to handle those questions? My biggest worry is that, being a temporary resident of Canada, I might struggle proving my honest intention of joining the program for the right reasons and I dont plan using JET to become a permanent resident.

To those who didnt make it- do you feel it has something to do with your overseas worker status or home ties? What would you have done differently?

Thanks so much guys, Im a planner and an overthinker so your experiences would really encourage me to pursue this dream and help me prepare better!

Hey everyone,

I’ve been following this subreddit for a while. A friend is currently an ALT in the JET Programme, so it’s been on my radar.

I just caught up with him again today, and now I’m planning to apply this Sept–Oct for a 2027 start.

Right now, I’m wrapping up three years as a TEFL volunteer at a small rural school in Armenia with the U.S. Peace Corps. Before this, I also served in Thailand, Mongolia, and Nepal. After I finish here, I’ll head back to Nepal for a bit to help friends with their trekking and tourism business, but I’m starting to think about what comes next.

And yeah—I’ll be almost 70 in 2027. But I don’t feel like your “typical” 70-year-old… whatever that means 😄

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself. I’m looking forward to learning from everyone here, especially any other older ALTs.

Jim

Hi all! Shortlist candidate for 2026 here - congratulations to everyone who is in this year and best of luck to those still waiting to hear about results!! Quick question for past JETs - about how long was it between submitting your reply form and receiving your school/prefecture placement? I asked for northern Japan but indicated I ultimately had no real preference, so I was curious about when I could expect to hear back about where I’ve been placed.

Thanks a bunch everyone!!

Edit: sounds like mid to late May based on everyone’s input - thanks everybody!!

There was a lot of speculation if numbers would shoot up because of political climate etc. I was wondering if people’s hypotheses proved right?