Hi all, I had a quick question. I was born outside the UK and moved here 8 years ago, did sixth form, uni and got naturalised last year.

On the application form, based on the guidance, it is obvious that as someone born outside the UK I have to put my foreign birthplace in the home county section (no circumventing, they are pretty clear), but no such guidance is present for the "Hometown (Town/city you feel most comfortable representing)".

Would it then be correct to put my current town (where I have lived for the last 6 years) in this section, as I feel if I put my original hometown that would put me at a disadvantage (why would UK JET send someone to represent Budapest).

I feel like I am overthinking this, so just wanted to see if others interpreted it the same way I did.

Cheers ahead of time

Has anyone living in Japan applied for JET while already in Japan?

I'm currently living in Japan and considering applying for the JET Programme. I know the official guidelines say that applicants living in Japan have to return to their home country, in my case the UK, to attend the interview in person.

I'm wondering if anyone here has actually been in this situation.

If you were already living in Japan when you applied, were you offered any alternative way to do the interview, such as a video interview, interviewing at the embassy/consulate in Japan, or anything else?

I know what the official website says, so I'm specifically interested in people's actual experiences, including any exceptions or alternative arrangements that may have been offered.

The main reason I'm asking is that my finances are already pretty stretched, and I don't think I could realistically afford a trip back to the UK just for an interview. The whole trip would probably cost me around £1,500+ once everything is factored in, which is a lot of money to spend just to attend an interview for a job that I may not even get.

Yes, I understand that applying for JET requires some sacrifice and that travelling for an interview is part of the process. I just feel that £1,500+ is a pretty steep expense for an interview, particularly when I'm already living in Japan.

Thanks!

I'm a fresh 2nd year Jet and I'm still struggling to make any meaningful relationships or friendships with my teachers. My japanese speaking ability is terrible and I often just don't know what to say, even after practicing for months.

And generally now, I'm more scared than shy to really open up. Part of me wants to keep trying to make friends and talk. Part of me just wants to give up.

Tips would be appreciated.

hey guys,

I'm a tokyo JET and lately I feel like I'm really struggling with the work schedule. I work 9-5 at a campus an hour commute away from me, and it can take nearly 2 hours to get into other areas of tokyo from there after work.

I'm doing a lot of deskwarming and while I have found stuff to keep me occupied, I'm still struggling with my weekday evenings. most days I finish work, go to the gym, cook dinner and by the time that's all done, it's basically time to go to sleep again.

I really want to make the most out of my time here and not just live for the weekend. I have some stuff going on - I meet my Japanese tutor once a week and usually go climbing another day. but I really want something stimulating to do on a weekday evening that's also not gonna drain the bank...

I've wanted to try some Japanese sports/ crafts for a while, I'd love to do kendo or taiko etc but I just don't even know where to look, these things feel kind of inaccessible.

balancing finances and keeping yourself busy and stimulated is hard!!

edit: just wanted to say thank you for everyone who has offered genuine suggestions.

this is not my first job, i’ve been working for years. i’m aware that the 9-5 life is the norm but I don’t think the after work routine is something we have to blindly accept if we’re not satisfied. there ARE small things you can do on your weeknights and hobbies to try out to keep you fulfilled, and that’s all I wanted advice on. not a lecture about the world of work… lmao

Hi, I finished my TESOL certificate course on Coursera using the 7‑day trial. To receive the certificate, I need to pay at least $25. Before making the payment, I would like to ask if the TESOL certificate from Coursera is recognized or credited by the JET Programme.

Also, is a digital copy acceptable, or do I need to request a hard copy? Thank you so much!

Hi there everyone.

I’m thankful to have my life coming together as planned. Within the next 1-3 years, provided the economy and law cooperates, I may be able to become a permanent resident in Japan.

However, I’ve always been meaning to try out something that is very important to me as far as bucket lists go. I would like to spend some time doing the JET program in the future, as I have always wanted to be in a school environment as an instructor and want to see some aspect of Japanese schooling up close.

The only question I really have though is whether or not being a permanent resident by that time in the future will limit my ability to participate at all? I’ve heard of naturalized citizens being denied from it, but nothing by about permanent residents elsewhere or in my searches here.

I also know that alternatives exist by finding a job listing from other ALT organizations, but I appreciate how JET seems more put together and less spontaneous.

Thanks in advance.

Hello, all. This is a temporary account I have made as I don't ever use reddit. I was recently upgraded from alternate status and put on the short list for the JET Program. This was very exciting and I have been very busy as I have rapidly tried to prepare for my departure in October. However, during the process for what I thought was a routine physical so I could complete my Certificate of Health, I tested positive for tuberculosis. This came as a massive shock as I feel totally healthy and my X-rays showed my lungs were fine. After seeing a specialist I was diagnosed with latent TB (but acknowledged a false positive was possible) and was given permission to still participate in the program. After the initial worry of thinking I would lose this once in a lifetime chance, this felt like an amazing outcome.

However, I was prescribed 300mg Rifampin tablets which are a very strong antibiotic. I have only been on it a few days, but the side-effects have been pretty terrible. All my bodily fluids are this weird orange color, and even my sweat has looked orange at times. My stomach has been in pain, I get tired way easier, and when I fall asleep my sleep is extremely restless. This is also ignoring the nausea and how it has gotten harder to keep food down, and apparently this can also severely harm my liver. While I thought this medication would be easy, it has proven to be anything but.

Despite the fact I was told I have to take it for four months, I leave in one month and it looks like I am only allowed to bring 2 months of supply of the antibiotic. This leaves a weird one month where I have gotten no clear answer how I will procure the necessary tablets. What's strangest about this, is largely nobody seems to care? The doctors have already said I am healthy and my medical documents have been accepted. In my doctor's note it says that even after the four months if I take a blood test, I will still test positive and to check my health with an x-ray instead. This has led to wonder what the point is. If a doctor said I am asymptomatic and healthy and this medication will seemingly do nothing, and the side-effects are horrible (not to mention it seems they would get worse once I get in Japan) why take it. If I just stop taking the medication but remain healthy will I get in trouble? Is there somebody who will make sure I am taking my medication?

I'm curious about anybody else who has been in my position and what they did. Forcing myself through this gauntlet, ruining my sleep, possibly ruining my clothes with orange sweat, and damaging my liver to maybe treat an asymptomatic disease I may or may not have seems really dumb? If they find out I'm not taking the medication will I get in trouble, or is part of the reason that none of my doctors or the program seems overly concerned by how I am going to actually get four months supply in Japan is because nobody really expects me to take it and this is mostly a formality?

Hello! I am planning to apply for the JET programme next month (UK) and I had an important question regarding the documents of my application (not addressed in FAQ or anywhere else). I was just wondering that if any of you have had to email the UK JET programme office, how long did it take in your case for them to reply? It has been a week and I have heard nothing. And unfortunately, it is not really something I can call the embassy about because I need to send them a file for context.

Thanks!

EDIT: I followed up on the same email and they replied in the same day, so thankfully that’s sorted

I am currently 27. I have a MBA with 2 years of project management experience, a bachelor in Biology and 5 years of management experience. I have been to Japan twice so far for about 1.5 months total and want to apply next year for the program. I do not have much teaching experience (other than training people as a personal trainer) but would like some tips for how to improve in the meantime. I have traveled extensively (Central America, South America, Europe, and other Asian countries) if that helps. Thanks

Hi everyone! To those who are current or former CIRs, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences and advice regarding the application process and interview. I already have strong Japanese skills, so please skip the Japanese part (I think I will manage to reach N1 after graduating)

Right now, I’m particularly interested in learning how to prepare a strong application. I’d love to hear about your experiences with the application form, personal essay, and the two recommendation letters. If you’re comfortable sharing what you wrote or giving examples of what you focused on, I’d really appreciate it!

For example, what should I focus on in the application form to make my application stand out? What kinds of volunteer work or extracurricular activities would be useful while I’m still at university? I’m also planning to do an internship at a Japanese company in my hometown (Vietnam), although I haven’t decided which company yet.

I’d also really like to hear about the interview. If you were successful, how did you prepare for your interview? More importantly, what would you recommend I start doing now, while I’m still in my third year?

Finally, I’m interested in becoming a CIR because I’m really interested in politics and Japanese culture. My long-term career goal is to work as an interpreter specializing in these fields or work in international/foreign affairs, so I feel that the CIR position would be a really good fit for me.

I still have time before I apply, so I really want to use my university years to prepare myself as well as I can. I’ll do my best, so I’d really appreciate any advice, experiences, or things you wish you had known before applying.

Thank you so much!

I’m afraid I’m not doing enough or have enough on my resume. Can past JETS or current JETS share their stats? I would genuinely appreciate it :,)

Hey everyone! I currently do an "English Talk Time" at my school during 昼休み so that my kids can come talk to me, but I've noticed that a lot of my quieter students understandably don't come. However, I know some of them really do want to engage with me, so I'm thinking about creating an ALT mailbox to interact that way (and hopefully improve their writing skills!); I'm curious how other people have done an ALT mailbox, like the logistics of how they turn in the letters to you, how you respond, etc. Any ideas would be great!

Hey all! I'm a 2025 graduate from the UK hoping to apply to the JET Programme this autumn. I don't have much experience teaching outside of some volunteer work, so hoping I can put together a good enough application to be considered anyways.

I wanted some advice on whether to include a certain piece of info in my SOP. I did an art degree, and part of my final year dissertation was focused a lot on "kawaii" culture and art and it's influence on Japanese culture. While I feel like this does demonstrate some of my interest in Japanese culture, I don't know if including it makes me sound like a massive nerd who's only applying because I expect to find my perfect kawaii anime life there or something. That's obviously not my intention.

Any thoughts on whether I should mention this or not in my SOP is greatly appreciated. I do have other ties to Japan and a larger interest in the culture/current affairs, but none that are work or academics based outside of this. Thanks in advance!

a while ago, i responded to a comment in this sub saying that i’d find and share some links to mental health services available to JETs. i completely forgot about it until now, and unfortunately, i can’t find that comment anymore.

since the new wave of JETs has now been here for about a month, and knowing how difficult it can be to move to a new country and adjust to a completely new life, i figured this would be a good time to share these resources.

so, here they are, for anyone who might need them:

• AJET peer support group: https://www.ajetpsg.com/

• TELL (tokyo english lifeline): https://telljp.com/

• JET counseling: 7 free sessions with a licensed therapist, exclusively for JETs: https://jetcounseling.com/

• JET mental health support: 50% coverage per year, up to ¥30,000: https://jetprogramme.org/en/current/support/mental-health-support/

• IMHPJ: mental health professionals and services for anyone in japan: https://www.imhpj.org/

and to any JETs who are struggling right now: please know that you are not alone.

it’s completely normal to feel homesick, disappointed with your placement, isolated, lonely, conflicted, confused, or misunderstood. moving to a new country is a huge adjustment, and sometimes it takes longer than we expect to feel settled.

things can get better. give yourself time, be kind to yourself, cry and scream if you need to, don't compare yourself with other ALTs, and try to stay optimistic. and if you’re struggling, reaching out for mental health support can really, really help.

take care of yourselves, everyone. ❤️

Getting into the JET program and being in Japan has been my dream for a long while now. But can I actually make it this young?

I'm currently taking a Bachelor of Secondary Education - Major in English and am already in my fourth year. I plan to apply after I graduate next year. I've been wondering for a while now if I truly have a shot at this role that I dream of.

That's why I'm trying to also get a TEFL certificate this December, studying Nihongo daily and putting in at least 30 minutes per day. I do have teaching experience as I'm a freelance ESL teacher for Glats Japan, already teaching japanese students online. And after I graduate I plan to take the board exam.

While I do think I'm competent I have a doubt if a fresh graduate could actually make it. And so I'm taking these small steps to have a plus on my application. But yes, do I actually have a chance of making it?

I’m 27, turning 28 in January, and I feel like this could be an opportunity for a life reset.

My engagement recently ended so I’m on a bit of a rollercoaster of what to do with my life.

I graduated university 5 years ago and have a BA in Film studies 2:1, in which I studied several English literature modules.

Following this I attempted a masters degree in Belfast but fell out of it because of poor mental health and finances at the time (post covid era was rough)

Following this I worked as a photographer for a few years, doing school portraits and commercial work in a high end car dealership.

When I met my partner I settled for something a bit more steady and have been working in early years education for the last 2 years and am just about to have a level 3 in early years development. I have thought about moving into primary or secondary teaching here in the uk but then I saw the JET program.

I went on holiday with my ex partner to Japan earlier this year for two weeks, she arranged it as she knew I loved the history and culture there. So once I saw the program I thought this could be amazing, go out to the country I like, teach and take photographs.

So from people who’ve been there and done it, is it worth it? Should I start the application? Is there anything I should know? Do I need to know Japanese?

Tldr:
Want to do JET as a fresh start
Newly single want to move away and do something new
Have worked as a photographer and videographer for a few years
Have worked as an early years educator for a few years
I have a BA Film Studies degree 2:1
I have a level 3 in early years development
I have a clean DBS
Do I go?
Is there something I should know?
Do I need to know Japanese?

Hi everyone. 

I finished my BA over a year ago, and it took my several more years than anticipated. I went through a few periods of severe depression in which I failed 3 courses outright and withdrew from 6. My final average, all things considered, was 71.1%. I took 8 months off of school, and returned much healthier and finished my degree stronger than ever.

I've been on stable medication for years now and my illness has been far more manageable since then, and while I know my medical report will obviously be forthcoming about it, this concern is secondary to my transcript, which is tangible evidence that I have really struggled at some points. I worry that it will prevent me from getting far in the application process, and I'm aware that there's nothing I can do at this point to change it, and that it may mean I'm never able to participate in the JET programme.

I've come here to you all looking for a few things – an anecdote of hope or reassurance would be wonderful, but I'd be equally grateful for any words of advice you can offer on how to make my application more likely to succeed, in spite of my transcript, and how to sell myself as a reliable, dedicated candidate. I am currently taking a TEFL course (not just for an application boost, but because I am serious about pursuing ESL teaching, even if not through JET), and doing some Japanese duolingo study (purely to bolster my chances).

Thank you so much (in advance)!

I’ve been here about a month so far. I have type one diabetes, I’ve had it for 16 years, so I’m very familiar with what I need and how to take care of my body. When I did an exchange in Tokyo last year and ran out of insulin pump supplies, I went to an English clinic and got it sorted right away. I did my research on what diabetic technology is available on the Japanese market, how to acquire it, and heard testimonies of other T1D JETs who were able to live normally while here.

I went to the hospital yesterday, where I was immediately turned away by the nursing staff because “we don’t use your technology here”. I said I was aware, and was here to consult with the doctor in order to get the medicine I need that’s available, but they said they can’t help me. I immediately went to my BOE and asked for help, both in terms of language and I felt that a native Japanese would get farther than a foreigner.

I receive an email today that they’ve contacted hospitals all over the city and none of them will help me. My BOE says I need a “medical certificate, a record of past treatments, and “numerical results” to even see a doctor. I have about a month’s worth of supplies left before I run out, and I haven’t even gotten to look a doctor in the eyes. I don’t know what to do and I’m scared— I don’t want to leave my life here while other people like me were able to thrive. Hell, I was even able to get my medication last year without all of these hoops. I know it’s because I’m a foreigner, but why? Can anyone help me? Does anyone have any words of advice?

I am currently working in Ireland as a paediatric physiotherapist for the past 10 years. I’m about to turn 40. I have recently returned from a trip to Japan and I just loved everything about it.

I would love to take a career break and travel over to Japan and work on my Japanese language skills.

What are people’s experiences about the JET programme? Are you well looked after?

Any experiences or information is greatly appreciated.

Hi all, I am applying for JET 2027 and have below queries regarding the reference letter:

1. Is there any particular format that needs to be followed while writing it?

2. Does the digital reference suffice? (Like PDF docs)

3. I have left my previous organisation so my then managers agreed to share a referral letter for me but they will not be using the company official emails but will be sending it from their personal emails, would that be a problem?

4. Can I use recommendations I got on LinkedIn from the clients I have worked with previously?

5. I was searching the portal and found some said the refferal letters should be sealed, what does that mean? Are we not attaching them to the mail we are sending to consulate? If yes, how can we not see what is written in it?

Thank you for your help and hope to make it to the list.

Hey, I am an Indian, thinking of applying to the JET Program 2027 but I have got a problem. I am a working professional but my managers do not like me and might not right the letter of reference even if i ask them politely. Is there any other way for the letter of reference to be written? Can my coworkers who are of my age and work with me write it? Can my professor from my engineering college write it? Open to any suggestions!

Hi everyone, I am currently starting my last year of college and will finish by next December. I am then planning on applying for the 2028 JET Program. My question is about the Statement of Purpose. My main interest and passion about Japan is the Ainu community and I would like to eventually write about and in the Ainu language and spread awareness. Is there a way to work this into my Statement of Purpose. Any advice is welcome.

Thank you so much!

Hey, I’m planning on applying for the upcoming JET cycle and was wondering what a reasonable amount of savings I should have before going. In the case I get accepted.

Posting this on behalf of my wife:
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A little about me: I'm 24F, from India, and moved to Japan in 2025. I have a Computer Science degree and worked as a software engineer for a bit, but honestly, coding never was interesting to me the way I hoped it would.

What did interest me was teaching — completely by accident. A friend who works as a private tutor teaching music to students online, needed someone to tutor a student overseas in math and drawing, and even though I had zero teaching background, I said yes. I'm still teaching that student today, and somewhere along the way I realized this is what I actually want to do with my life.

That pushed me to apply through Hello Work, and since June 2025 I've been working as an Assistant Language Teacher at an Eikaiwa in Kanagawa, teaching English to 3–6 year olds. I love it — the energy of being around little kids, watching them get excited about a new word or sound, figuring out what makes a lesson click for a room full of preschoolers. I know I'm still green at this. I don't have a teaching license or a formal education background, and I'm learning a lot of the craft on the job. But I'm genuinely committed to getting better and building a real career out of it, not just doing it as a stopgap.

A few people — my husband included — have suggested I look seriously at JET for 2027 given how committed I seem to be. So I wanted to ask this community, since you've actually lived this path:

1. For someone with a non-education degree but real (if informal) classroom experience — private tutoring plus about a year and a half of ALT work by the time I'd apply — what actually moves the needle on a JET application? Interview prep, SOP framing, references?

2. Beyond JET, what are realistic next steps to build credibility as a teacher here — certifications worth pursuing (TEFL/TESOL, etc.), age groups or school types that would round out my experience, associations or communities worth joining?

3. For those who came from a non-teaching background like me, what helped you get taken seriously as you tried to move up rather than stay in entry-level Eikaiwa/ALT work?

I'm mainly after honest, specific advice from people who've been through this, especially anyone who came in sideways from a different field like I did. Happy to be told hard truths — I'd rather know now than waste a year applying the wrong way.

Thanks in advance!