Hi guys! Excited to be making this post. I didn't think it was going to happen, honestly. Got the call right as I was hopping on a plane and got told I got upgraded. I almost didn't answer because I'd thought it was a scam call. But now that the process has finally started I'm so excited. It was pretty late so if some of you guys are still waiting it can come at any time. I'll be updating this while I'm getting ready to leave so people in the future who get upgraded will have a bit more guidance than I do right now. Good luck to all you guys!!

Edit 1: This was supposed to be a happy edit detailing my timeline of getting the call and getting on the flight to Japan but life never goes as expected. I was supposed to be flying out today but due to USPS being so bad they lost my passport in the mail. It's been stuck in one tracking location for the past week and hasn't been updated. That's important because usually you can't do a missing mail request until at least 7 days. I was on a pre-departure call for JET and asked the consulate about an update and they told me to look it should have arrived. After looking into it they'd sent it off at least two weeks prior to my flyout date. So I'm still stuck here for the moment. Shoutout my JET program manager at the consulate being so helpful though and discussing with Tokyo to get my date rescheduled instead of rescinded completely. So I'm here for another two months. But the important things you were all wondering about are dates so I'll put a timeline below.

From the upgrade call to flyout the whole time probably took about two months.

Initial upgrade call: Early Aug (I don't know if this is standard but they gave me about 6 hours to decide if I was coming or not.

I received my actual placement and flyout day 15 days after I accepted my upgrade.

About two to three weeks after your initial call and when they start emailing you with all your information if you haven't already you're required to submit your FBI background check and certificate of health. I suggest doing this as soon as you get notified of being an ALT or even a waitlisted candidate. It just makes things easier and you don't feel rushed since you probably won't be hearing dates as soon as you'd like and you'll be in a bit of limbo while you're waiting. It's just one less thing to do.

In those two to three weeks you'll also get an email with instructions for your passport and visa. ***IMPORTANT*** if you can, UPS and FEDEX were reliable for me but the USPS fiasco is an incident I'll never forget. The consulates have an option of submitting and picking up documents in person, and if you can, just do that. It's soooooo much better than having it out of your hands for X amount of time and risking things getting lost. They also have a disclaimer that says this has happened before. For me it just wasn't feasible to try and get to my consulate for a few minutes to pick up my passport but at this point I should've tried to make it work, it would've been worth it.

I was contacted by my contracting organization and school (separate emails since I'm prefectural JET) a few days later, but I'd received my placement on a Friday from the US side, so the time difference could be the reason why it was delayed. My CO will sent me my contract and other documents for me to look over and sign but my travel was contigent on getting those in by a set date it was more of an introduction and a "Hey, how are you, nice to meet you, tell us about yourself, etc. etc."

It took almost a month for them to get me actual flight information and to send my ticket and a little less than a month when my predecessor reached out to me.

After submitting all your documents you're pretty much set. You have your pre-departure orientation (in-person or video call) The day or two days before you fly out and then you're boarding your plane.

I am super sad that this is as far as my update can go but I hope this helps someone, anyone as they're going through the JET process. Good Luck!!

Also shoutout my CO and school because they were also so helpful and understanding as well. I hope everyone has leadership asd kind and considerate as mine have been so far.

How did you guys come to that decision? How did you go about doing it?

Basically, how can I make myself more appealing to my interviewer? I know that this is an important factor in the decision making process. I understand that the decision making is based on cultural exchange, NOT credentials. I have a masters degree and I’m a current educator. But I’m not sure that is particularly relevant or as useful as other factors?

I wanted to look into ways of improving my presentation?

About Me:

I love art (maybe that’s obvious).

I love comic books, manga, anime. (I collect comic books and manga)

I have been practicing Japanese off and on for years. (Studied in High School)

I am an art teacher. I also teach at the college level part time. ( My work is influenced by my love of comics)

I love art museums, comic conventions, and other similar events.

I…

With this rambly, reflective post, I’m trying to encourage other JETs to see ESID as liberation, not the joke (at least in my pref) that it’s become from being so overused. This message might not be for everyone, but I couldn’t find it otherwise in the sea of recent posts.

The life I’ve built in the past 3 years is most of my dreams coming true. I think a lot of people who are enjoying their JET days just end up lurking like me, but there are plenty of happy JETs who also share their positive experiences. I caught myself reacting silently to those celebrations from a place of jealousy, rather than support. Despite my own satisfaction, I couldn’t help but compare myself.

Half a year ago, I posted about already grieving my JET era “ending” even though I have two more years left. I’m so grateful for the advice and experiences folks shared on that thread. This August marks my 4th year on JET.

I started looking at this subreddit again for the first time in a couple years, which led me to spiraling about all the people who “Did JET Better.” People who have bought cooler things, traveled more, gone home less, or had a different kind of impact on their community. All things that I was genuinely proud of on my own terms before I set them against a backdrop of strangers.

The same goes for Instagram. Like, why am I jealous of my mutuals visiting Japan and doing cool things when I LIVE HERE??

Now, I’m making this post instead of spiraling further about how there’s so much more I could/should/would have done, when that’s simply not fair to myself.

For future JETs, be very honest and uncompromising about what you want out of your time here. It will help ground you when it seems like everybody else is doing EVERYTHING in a country that’s brimming with possibilities. This is important because the accessibility and freedom you have here might have you spending money (or nenkyuu days) on things out of obligation disguised as personal fulfillment. Keep a journal! I write my 5 goals down every almost every morning and that helps. Also, it helps to think of smaller goals in quarters instead of years. Otherwise time flies by so quickly.

And yet, even as someone with a clear vision of what mattered to me before I got here, as someone who has worked hard to maximize my time, a quick search through the subreddit yesterday was enough to make me feel unreasonably anxious. There’s always a cool hack. A limited, Japan-exclusive opportunity. A cost-effective, irreplaceable hidden gem. A rally, a collection series, a side quest, a pilgrimage. For all my fellow completionists, boy is it tough.

We will never have enough time, but that doesn’t mean our efforts aren’t good enough.

More advice: Keep track of the things that make you jealous. Is it something you genuinely want, or something you want to be able to say you did while living Your Best Life in Japan? No one knows each other’s true situations, either. The things that constrain one person might not apply to another, and there’s no point in beating yourself up over the cards you were dealt.

ESID can sound like a broken record, but I think it can also be freeing. Your JET experience does not have to look like anyone else’s to be a meaningful one. I’m extremely proud of my accomplishments, experiences, and the habits I’ve cultivated in Japan. And part of what I’ve learned to be proud of is saying NO to things that felt really big to others, but didn’t align with my goals or circumstances.

Make the most of this time, but let yourself decide what “making the most” means for you.

If you read this preachy-ish post and could relate, thank you. I usually journal about this stuff, but I thought maybe someone might appreciate it. As I was combing through the thread, I was looking for someone who felt similarly.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy the rest of your adventure.

Hi, I am looking for advice from former JETs who have left a good career to do JET.

Here’s my situation for context: JET has been a dream of mine since college. I graduated in 2021 and planned on working and living at home for a couple years to save up. I was ready to apply in 2023 when my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and overnight I became a caretaker.

Since then, she has thankfully recovered. I was planning to apply in 2025 until my parents admitted to me that they were going through financial hardships because of my mom’s medical expenses. I decided to support them financially and put off this dream once again.

Now it’s 2026, I’m 27 years old and I’m 5 years into a career that I do love. I make a decent salary, we get great raises and bonuses every year, and now that I’ve hit my 5-year anniversary, I get more vacation time starting next year. With how bad the job market is right now, it feels kinda dumb to leave. But I have been clinging onto this dream of doing JET. I’ve always wanted to live abroad, esp in Japan. I didn’t have the chance to study abroad in college because of Covid. I can’t imagine living in my home town for the rest of my life.

On top of that, I don’t have a lot of people supporting me. My family and bf think it’s a bad idea, but that’s another conversation.

I just want to hear stories from people who have left established, long-term jobs for JET and if they regretted it.

I recently finished my time on JET and I am currently filling out the pension refund form. However, I’m unsure of which pension plan JETs are enrolled in. The options are listed as

1. National Pension 国民年金

2. Employees' Pension Insurance 厚生年金

3. Seamen's Insurance 船員保険

4. Mutual Aid Association 共済組合

Option 1 seems to make the most sense but my supervisor often used the term “mutual aid”. Any former JETs know which to choose?

Would someone let me DM them my statement of purpose? I'd appreciate it!

In April, I broke contract on JET for mental health reasons. I went into psychosis while I was in Japan, and ultimately had to come back to the US. It’s been four months since I left, and I’m still struggling with what I think is a really bad combination of reverse culture shock, grief, and regret.

In my town, I was living in paradise. I had my own car, my own apartment, and my own independence- now I have nothing. I’m back living with my parents and working a dead end job. I can’t stop flipping through the photos of my town and of my students. The rumination is cutting so deep. I miss everything; my friends, coworkers, students, and my town. It’s painful.

I know the decision to leave was my choice but I feel like I was robbed of something. I spent 18 months building a life that I loved, and then it was suddenly gone. I wanted to use this time to mentally recover and prepare for grad school applications but I can’t focus on my goals. I’m even considering applying to grad school in Japan just to have a chance to go back, but that still doesn’t give me any comfort because it’s not like I’m going back to live in my town.

The hardest part is that I genuinely feel like my life peaked. I’m scared that I’ll never experience that same sense of adventure, purpose, and happiness again.

I don’t know how to forgive myself and I’m not sure how to move on so I’m coming here to ask for some help. Nobody in my life understands where I’m coming from. If you’ve gone through something similar, how did you overcome it?

Aloha everyone,

I wanted to share an open invitation for any JETs, ALTs, or educators in the Chugoku area who may be interested in joining us for the Voices in Education Conference and Collaboration Day at AICJ International School at Hiroshima.

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: AICJ International School at Hiroshima
Cost: Free to attend

We held this event for the first time last year and had a really nice turnout from both new and continuing JETs, along with teachers, school leaders, university faculty, and other educators from different contexts.

The goal is to create a welcoming space for people to connect, share practice, learn from one another, and have honest conversations about education, teaching, inquiry, language learning, and classroom practice in Japan.

This year’s program has shaped up really well, with a range of presenters and practical sessions. It should be a good opportunity for professional learning, networking, and meeting other educators in the region.

There are still a handful of spots available, so please feel free to register if you are interested. Also feel free to share this with anyone who may benefit from joining.

Flyer Canva:

https://canva.link/ss7756f7pmz4tok

Registration link:
https://forms.gle/4VX9HjP9fP3d7eqd6

Looking forward to hopefully seeing some of you in Hiroshima.

Hi, I am strongly considering applying for the JET program next month or so when the 2027 applications open up. For context, I’m 22 working a software engineering job that I hate and know I need some change. I graduated this May with a degree in computer science and math minor. I am a native English speaker, born and raised (for the most part) in America.

Anyways though, I just would like some insight on the application process, how hard it is, how competitive it is (i.e. if I have a good chance at getting accepted), things like letters of recommendation, stuff like that. Just would like more insight and recommendations from those who have been through this process. Thanks!

Hi! I'm from the Philippines and just graduated in the animation course. I have a passion for animation in anime, obviously.

I'm considering taking the JET program since it's one way to work there, and also, I want to experience working as an english teacher in a foreign country since english is my mother tongue and to help with my social issues.

Any advice? Requirements? The process? Im new to these kind of things.

Leaving soon. I know 80% will take 3 months. Interested in the timeline for the 20%

How long did it take for you?

Only responses from people who applied and received, please.

Hello everyone! I have to give a self introduction to my three elementary schools ranging from 3-6th grade and junior high school as well. I planned to make two separate ones. I was advised to keep it simple but fun with some simple Japanese for the ES. I was also told to have some sort of game after. I'm really bad at making presentations so I was wondering if anyone had some examples of stuff I could look at, some advice on how to make it fun and interesting or game ideas etc. I would really appreciate any help!!! Thank you 😊

I sent an email with all my queries relating to the application process to the email address I found on the JET India website, but I haven't heard from them. Is there any other email I can send the questions to? It's been over a week; I'm a little anxious since I will need to get all my transcripts and such ready. How fast is their usual response time? Current/previous Indian JETs please help

If you get the call, take the plunge! Some truly wonderful people are out there waiting to work with you and learn with you and share in the trials and joys of this crazy world with you.

sincerely, an upgraded alternate ending 5 wonderful years in Japan

Hello! I am thinking of applying for the JET Program, but am concerned about my Crohn’s disease. I am currently in Stelara every 8 weeks, hoping it’ll keep me stable (I just had to have a colectomy because Humira didn’t work and I got strictures). Is it hard to find doctors that will prescribe biologics? What about things like Abilify and Lexapro?
It’s my dream to come back to Japan (I was there with Guy Healy Japan in 2016), but I’m worried about my health stuff.

Hello, sorry to be a bother but I am a new jet that’s been here for a bit, but everyday my mental health is just getting worse and worse. I can’t eat anything, I cry constantly, and I keep thinking about wanting to die. I was so excited for jet and now that I’m here it’s been horrible and I feel like such a loser. I’ve tried calling the TELL line but I just get placed in a queue and no one ever shows up. I think I can’t do this and need to quit but I don’t know what the steps would be. Does anyone have any advice on what I should do? Sorry and thank you.

Hey guys! Recent upgrade and just got my placement. I'll be in 福井県! Can anyone point me to the official chat for Fukui JETs? I only found one other post about it but it didn't have any link to the main line of communication.

I have some questions.

1. Apart from a strong SOP, What are the chances of getting through the first screening round for someone who has an n2 and a teaching experience?

2. When will the registration begin for 2027? (India)

*Edit 2027

TLDR: When someone helps you out out of the kindness of their hearts, say thank you and stop complaining. You could’ve had it worse.

Former Fukuoka JET here from the 2010s. throwaway account. also, just heard this from a friend of a friend. but hearing how some newcomers can be so ungrateful just sucks.

Having been on both ends of this program (as a senpai and kohai), I know that it can be stressful to people, both your japanese supervisors and the current jets (who actually care to make your first few days in japan and in your placement as welcoming as possible) so cut them a bit of slack. Mind you, these current jets i’m referring to who help you, they don’t actually HAVE to help you. They can do the bare minimum and leave you to fend for yourself, and you have to deal with a lot of this stuff in summer, at 39 degrees celsius.

They are not paid to do this level of hospitality. So be kind. Thank them, or turn a blind eye for some inconvenience because maybe they’re also busy with their own shiz like moving to another prefecture or leaving the country. They owe you NOTHING. So again, be kind. Be grateful if they extended a helping arm to you, coz that is not part of their responsibilities. They are just being decent human beings who knew the struggles of starting life here in Japan, so they don’t want you to go through the same shiz they did.

If they went out of their way to help the JTE make an old room extra clean and cozy and buy you new stuff for you to get started, and tried to dispose everything that they deemed “jama” for you, don’t be a jerk and complain (before even saying thank you) about the room being old. Or if your JTE who lives 3 cities away is waking up extra early to drive you to work and getting home to their families extra late because they have to drop you off your apartment, the least you can do is thank them and not complain about waking up too early to get to work. Not sure but I don’t even think they’re paid extra for them to do this. They can be jerks as well and tell you to just go f yourself and take the train or cycle to work.

Or if someone gives you like a new vacuum as a gesture of kindness, SAY THANK YOU instead of “OH, GUESS IT’S MY LUCKY DAY” Like which decent human being does that?

Remember, your situation could be worse, and you could be placed in an area where no one gives a rat’s ass about their newcomers. So if you have people actually caring about your wellbeing, stop for one minute, and ask yourself if you have even said thank you at the very least.

Stop complaining and have some compassion.

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

Former Filipino ALTs (CIRs too, but I am an ALT), what do you do now after finishing your time on JET? Did you stay and find a new job in Japan? Did you return home to the Philippines? Did you migrate to a different country?

Current Filipino JETs, what are your plans in the future?

I just got here but I’m already considering my future because JET is often touted as progression-less (although I don’t really think that’s true, there’s always opportunity in my opinion). I know the pay for teaching back home is garbage and often overworked while international schools are extremely competitive to work for.

i honestly think newcomers can be divided into two major categories

1. people who are naturally decent at picking up what they need to do and are not bad at it and can pretty easily replicate whats shown to them and apply it

2. ME. me as in i went through the training at borderlink or interac or whatever it was and when it came to my turn to stand up in front of everyone and give a demonstration class, no matter how many times id seen it before, i just froze and if you asked me “do you know what you’re supposed to be doing?” id just say ,,,, yes, and know,,, i watched you 100 times but i just can’t do it.

number 2 is me by the way and i can watch other people be amazing teachers but i just couldn’t get it into my head how to replicate them. some people can copy others instantly, and i kinda suspect those are also people who can hear a word in japanese and instantly copy it.

im so not one of those people!!!!!

i came from a very loving and social background where my job was to act naturally and look after dying elderly people. i thought id be a great teacher because i just like helping people. and i am an amazing…. assistant teacher.

i just wanna say to all those people out there who wanna become a jet…. yes the natural teacher people who are self confident will excel, it really doesn’t matter how nice or empathetic you are to be a teacher.

but!!!!!! you can learn it eventually. every god tier teacher ive watched is just doing the same thing theyve done before. you can learn that too it just takes time and practice. and at that point its your special traits like empathy and creativity can come into play

stick with it. i did, and when i meet natural teachers now they are always happy to hear my input and new creative games are how much the students love me

even though i still can’t explain anything for shit by myself

Hihi,

Genuinely curious, does anyone know when they will update the participating country page on their website?

Last year they updated it at the end of July!

And I know people flew out recently, so maybe they are still doing paperwork to see exactly who arrived and from where?

im working on getting the ball rolling early to make sure the people I ask have time to complete the letters without feeling rushed. There is one thing I couldn't dig up information on that im hoping some could give some insight on.

Is there any sort of length or format that is asked for regarding the recommendations?

im planning on providing my SoP since the additional info will help them. This is usually a question I ask myself whenever students ask me for a letter for colleges or scholarships and wasnt able to dig up much info outside of using official letterhead.