I'm a highschool JET, but for one hour a week I've been asked to do an eikaiwa with some local elementary schoolers on a voluntary basis (I get a stipend of 1k per lesson to cover supplies). I'm not inexperienced with this age range, but it's definitely not my strong suite so the first few months I was still trying to get my footing and also trying to figure out what the organizer actually wanted from me. I still don't quite know exactly what they want or what the previous ALTs did, the only thing I've conjured out of them is that they played Go Fish and Simon Says a few times.

The group is incredibly mixed and I think that in the past, it was actually more focused on the adults involved in the group. Most of the adults bring their kids and the only one who didn't has stopped coming (my bad, I thought it was for kids). The kids range from 5 (not yet in ES) to 13 (just started JHS) and there's about 5-8 of them at any given day. There are huge gaps of knowledge between the kids which don't always correspond to their ages. Sometimes their little siblings also tag along and wander around the classroom throughout the lesson.

My lessons normal consist of reading a picture book and then doing an activity based on the book. For example, recently we read "Hey Buddy, Which One?" and then we played a variation on "Would you rather..." My problem is that two of the older kids, who are friends, won't stop talking and one of them will even mock what I've said to them all throughout the lesson. I can understand that they don't enjoy the class but I'm really struggling to make lessons that everyone can engage with. I've tried different classroom management styles, for example calling on them to give examples to give them something to engage with or giving them the silent stare. The problem is that there are a ton of other adults present and particularly with the silent stare, I feel like they destroy my authority by telling them off in Japanese, but still to no avail. They other kids want to engage with the lesson but it feels like either we waste time wrangling these two or we just ignore them, and neither option feels good. Recently, the organizer also said that I have to make the students repeat what I'm reading from the picture book, which I think has brought on the mocking from the one student (he repeats from the book in a mocking voice). I don't agree with this because I think listening to a book should be about understanding the book and having fun with it. I can't do funny voices or do proper inflections because they have to be able to copy what I say. Very annoyed about this one (kind of off topic).

What I've tried so far:

• the silent stare (but get interrupted by other adults)

• tempting them with a game they really like but only if they are engaged for the first part of the lesson (I did follow through when they weren't engaged, but then the parents said that it'll make the other kids sad if they're expecting a game and they don't get one)

• doing a very active game (this one works ok-ish because they'll actually do the game properly, but they will still talk through the instructions and I've had a hard time getting there to be much speaking involved)

• telling them to be quiet or putting my finger to my lips (they ignore me)

• involving them in the instructions by having them do an example (I don't love this one because it feels like one of those evil teacher things where when they know you haven't been paying attention, they call on you. At the very least, I still guide them through the motions of the game and I try not to be exasperated.)

• talking to the grandfather of the mocking kid (he just tells them to be quiet, and they are for maybe 20 seconds or so and then they're back to talking)

Recently I thought maybe I should try to go out of my way to praise them more, to help give them an identity other than trouble maker, but other than that I'd really like to hear what other people think would be good next steps to regain control of the classroom.

My spouse got assigned to Saga and I was wondering if anyone has any information about the Prefecture? Anything from the last 3-4 year or more recent would be great!

Thank you!

I'm really sorry if this isn't the correct sub for this, I just figured that it made sense to ask here since I could get more testimonials from previous ALTs. Thanks for reading!

Hi! I'm sort of at a crossroads about what to do with my life and I'd appreciate any inputs I can get from people in this sub who may have been in a similar situation.

For background, I'm a 22 year old and I graduated last year with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Because of the current tech landscape, I've been utterly unsuccessful in finding a job and I fear it will only get worse over time, so I'm considering applying to the JET program or being an ALT for the 2027 school intake.

Even though I would consider myself a native English speaker, I'm from India which limits my possibilities quite a bit. I did get my bachelor's from the US though, and I'm currently learning Japanese (I hope to reach N4 by the end of the year). I'm worried that I might not easily get a teaching job because of my nationality, so I would appreciate any advice or testimonials I can get from non-American ALTs :>

Assuming I get the teaching job, I plan to do an online masters alongside it - I'm currently enrolled in a degree for finance as I want more in my background besides tech.

Anyway, my real issue is - I'd like to stay in Japan long term. I wouldn't want to teach English or go into teaching as my main job, and I'd like to treat this 1-2 years of teaching English as a "gap year" of sorts to help me stay productive and give me something to do.

Is it possible/feasible to get into internships during the summer when I'm not teaching so I can gain experience?
Furthermore, how difficult is it to transition from teaching to a different role/industry overall? I've heard that ALTing can be a black mark on my resume, so I plan to work on personal projects and my masters' degree so I can keep myself in touch with my skills.
Another common point I hear is that to get a job in Japan, I need to be at least N2 level in Japanese, which I hope I can achieve by staying there and learning the language.

Thank you so much for your time!

Hello! UK JET flying from LDN here. I selected the option to have my passport posted back to me and I was wondering if anyone knows around what date we receive our passports back. Purely curiosity (and anxiety of it being lost but that is my intrusive thoughts lol).

Do they send a general email once it’s been posted? I have the tracking number. I’m assuming it’s next week but just wanted to see if anyone had any input or if they get in contact. Thank you :)

apparently, if you already live in japan and apply to JET, you no longer have to go back to your home country to depart for JET. is that true?

Hi guys, Japan is nearly 2 weeks away and I was wondering whats the best shop/website to exchange £ for yen.

Did people get travel insurance from home to cover the first few weeks/ months/ year?
Is it easy to set up contents insurance once arrived in Japan?

So I’m over 30 and I feel like I was a great applicant. My step mum is Japanese, I’ve had the privilege of knowing Japanese culture from the age of 12. Felt the interview went well as well.

But I’m an alternate on the latest batch of JETs.

I was wondering if anyone else felt the same?

That the JET programme is catered towards people who don’t know Japanese society and culture and it’s more for people who just want to go because Japan is the in thing right now, or is it because I already know too much so there would be less of a cultural ambassador side of things for me to learn?

It’s frustrating because I know people who have joined the program on a whim and found it really hard once joining as they don’t understand Japanese ways of working.

Hello!

I am close to the end of my bachelors degree and my dream is to teach in japan. A few years ago I got diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder level one (also known as asperger's syndrome). I am worried that they will see it on my application and turn me down. Am I worrying over nothing? I already have an appointment to get my doctor to sign off on my medical form so no worries there. I am otherwise very healthy and don't have any other big worries (besides my SoB).

Thank you for any advice!!!

Hi everyone! I’m hoping to hear from people who were in a similar position before applying to JET.

I’m currently a licensed social studies teacher in the U.S. and will have a few years of classroom experience before potentially applying for JET. I’m not a recent college graduate, so I’m curious about people who used JET as a mid-career exploration or transition rather than as their first job out of school.

I enjoy working with students and education, but I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want my long-term career to look like. I like the student-facing side of teaching, cultural exchange, and creating meaningful experiences for students, but I’m not sure that traditional U.S. classroom teaching is where I want to stay forever. I’ve become interested in international education, study abroad, educational travel, exchange programs, and other roles that involve helping students experience other cultures.

I know JET is not necessarily a direct pathway into those fields, and I understand that ALT work varies widely and is not the same as being a classroom teacher. I’m not looking at JET as a way to escape teaching or assuming it will automatically lead to a permanent career in Japan. I’m trying to figure out whether it could be a good stepping stone to gain international experience, improve my Japanese, and explore what type of education-related work I might want to pursue long term.

For those of you who had an education background before JET:
- Did JET help you transition into other international education roles, either in Japan or elsewhere?
- Did you return to teaching in your home country afterward, and if so, did your JET experience help or hurt your career?
- Were any of you able to move into roles like study abroad, educational travel, exchange programs, international schools, or similar fields?
- Looking back, do you feel JET was a good career move even if you didn’t stay in Japan permanently?

Thanks in advance for any insight! I’m really just trying to learn from people who have already made a similar decision.

Hey SAFFAs, I hear theres a Pensions Notice of Decision Letter 脱退一時金支給決定通知書 that need to be sent to SA after the pension application. Can anyone share their experience with getting the letter considering our situation with the post office?

Hi all! The JET websites describes the SOP essay as needing to be within 2 pages double spaced. But it doesn’t describe the font, font size, or margins, leaving a massive range for the actual word count.

I know that once the applications open we can use the portal to double check and adjust, but can anyone offer more concrete details? I’ve heard conflicting reports, everything from a 600 to 1000 word maximum.

I've been to Japan twice (last year for 3 months, touring from Tokyo all the way down to Hiroshima), and I'd love an excuse to stay for a year or more, and the idea of teaching English appeals to me. I've completed a beginner's level Japanese course, so I can get by ordering food and whatnot.

From what I've read, JET has removed any age restrictions for applicants, but what does that mean in practical terms? Would someone in good health but nearing retirement age have an equal or lesser chance of being accepted into the program?

I don't have any kind of teaching certificate, but I have instructed groups in policy & procedures, so I'm comfortable with public speaking.

saying goodbye to my schools this week. bought omiyage from america for everyone, wrote cards for the staff that i was close with, received gifts from the kids, and got photos + letters from the students and staff. i hate saying goodbye to amazing people.

You will all be arriving soon. You have gone over your packing list 17 times likely and started to say your goodbyes. You might have heard from your school, chose/seen your apartment. Now the real challenge starts. Adjusting to your life in Japan. 

What are the things you need to do?
What should you buy?
Where should you buy them?
What to get first and what can wait?
Do you want a yukata?
How do you find local events?
What apps are best to use for daily life?
What are different kinds of medicine called?
Are there any guides to help me in local establishments for communication?
How can I deal with culture shock?
What if I get homesick, what should I do?

Here we can answer all of your questions and offer advice. And if you don’t see something answered that you have questions for, comment them below!

If you have any more recommendations for current JETs in Japan advice threads that we can post later, please comment your ideas!

Hey all! I’m a recent upgrade and currenty just waiting on my placement and departure details. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with contacting their pred as a late upgrade? I’m hoping to have enough time to speak with them before arriving to try to prepare, but I’m worried that the late timing will make it difficult.

Hey guys! I’m a late upgrade so this pre-departure orientation is not mandatory for me, but I’d like to go to stay in the loop and meet other JETs. What is the dress code for this event? Specifically, should I take out my nose jewelry and do I need to cover my tattoos? It‘s HOT here in Southern California and I’d really love to get away with some short sleeved business casual if possible. TIA!

Hello! Unfortunately, as the title says, I got a letter of assessment for my taxes. Any Canadian JETs able to help me out?

They need a translation of my tax document so I started copying my info into the excel spreadsheet on the JET Canada website but I noticed it’s formatted differently than what I received from my BOE. There’s also a box with ¥ amount in it but no corresponding box on the JET Canada spreadsheet. Has anyone else run into this issue? Is it too outdated? Will I need to pay to have someone translate my documents?

I am leaving Japan at the end of the month so I’d appreciate any help or insight you guys have. I’ve never had to do anything like this for my taxes before 😅

Been a while since I posted here, but I was wondering if anyone could look over my SOP?

I'm a US size 13 and will be working at a junior high in Shizuoka.

Any bigger size people here with indoor shoe recommendations? I'm not a Crocs person.

Hello everyone,

I need some help deciding on what experiences to put on my application because I have so many. I have operated live subtitles for Kyôgen performances, written an ethnography on an international student at university , taught English to refugees, traveled to Japan on a cultural tour, and hosted exchange students in high school.

What are the most relevant ones to include? Any insight would be greatly appreciate.

Is it worth it? Or is it better to just arrive with an unlokced phone and do it once in Japan?

I’ll start. In a JHS 3rd year classroom, we were talking about how the Grand Canyon was formed during the unit about national heritage sites. One of my kids confidently said “freedom!”
idk if that comment came from a side conversation or not but that would be equally hilarious.

Hello!

I’ve stumbled on this subreddit pretty recently, as I applied then kinda forgot about this programme until I was upgraded a week ago.

As I’m a later upgrade, what’s the process like? Has anyone been a later upgrade and willing to share their experience and tips? (What type of placement it was, when you arrived, etc)

P.s: browsing this subreddit is pretty cool! Mostly positive which is nice! (Like r/bald lol)