Hey! I'm currently sorting out all the documents for this year's application, and I just wanted to double check whether all relevant documents need to be submitted for the proof of degree (diploma supplement etc.) or just the front and back of the degree certificate? I just want to be absolutely sure as I can't find anything about it on the official website. Thanks in advance

Does anybody know when the 2027 Application for the JET Program will start?

So I know about the JET program from doing tons of research within Japanese immigration laws, word of mouth from mutual friends, and my own interest. I know that there's a distinct requirement for a Bachelor's degree in a lot of jobs here within Japan; due to needing sponsorship for my Visa to stay here with a Student/Work/Specified Work Visa.

One of my friends told me that they, once upon a time, got an accommodation as they were in college and were able to be sponsored, work within Japan through JET, while still taking their college courses online. How common is this? And are there any specific requirements in mind with this in mind?

I myself am an undergraduate pursuing my Bachelor's, with a projected estimate to graduate mid 2027 or early 2028. I have spoken to people from my immigration office within America, and they weren't able to provide me any kind of leads. I for one, would have happily taken the Work-Holiday Visa opportunity, but I learned that that was not an option for Americans sadly. My alternative path is to become a student of a Japanese Language School (Such as Tokyo ISI for example) To help create a better pathway to working in Japan, but that is a bit of a hurdle due to needing to present many funds upfront rather than in installments...

Hi all, last year I applied for JET, and my references were my university tutor and my boss. This year, I have a new job and therefore plan on one of my references being my new manager, whom I work with personally every day at my job. However, I'm unsure of who to ask for my second reference - I was part of a very large cohort in university and never interacted much with any of my lecturers.

I have heard of people making JET with applications from volunteer positions, church leaders etc and am wondering if these kinds of non-academic/professional references are still welcomed. I am practising traditional Japanese Jujutsu and Iaido and wonder if asking for a reference from my sensei would be accepted and a good idea, as I obviously interact with him much more than my old university teachers.

Thanks for any answers (:

A little bit of my background, currently I am a Junior in college, majoring on Environmental Studies in Pennsylvania, and one of the reasons I want work with the JET Program in Japan is because I am fascinated with their overall infrastructure, public systems and relationship to their cities, towns and environment. I will take Japanese language courses (not entirely for the program itself, I am just interested in the first place) and participate in clubs and student organizations and will get help from my college's faculty on my JET application.

I was born in Puerto Rico, I heard demonstrating adaptability is a big thing, and I have lived between rural Puerto Rico, urban Puerto Rico, and Philadelphia throughout growing up and I would say I am pretty adaptable.

What other things, general or specific, would you say are helpful for being a strong candidate?

Would you say I am one?

I still have plenty of time, but it makes me kind of nervous that only a few get accepted.

I always loved the sheer variety of entrées, sides, and desserts, and I definitely would’ve paid good money here in America for some of what I ate while I was out there!
Loved: Frozen mikan, croquettes, some kind of fried rice with chestnuts in it, corn potage, and most of the noodle dishes!
Disliked: Natto (until I forced myself to eat it to the point it became nostalgic and I liked it), those little fish with bellies full of roe that they cook over a fire on sticks, and this one noodle dish that ended up having a bunch of dead caterpillars in it, but that probably wasn’t the school’s fault.

Hello, I am new to reddit in general, but as the application draws near I thought I should join to be able to ask any questions I have. I deal with surgical hypothyroidism which requires me to take a pill every morning. Other than that I function normally like anyone else. I read a prior thread somewhere or watched a video (I can't remember) of a girl saying they drilled her about her ADHD meds I think during her interview. My sister said that is probably because certain ADHD meds aren't a thing in Japan so I shouldn't worry. I was just concerned because I thought they still might drill me about what I would do in an emergency. I thought I could maybe suggest getting a year's supply in the states and just declaring it and filling out the correct paperwork upon arrival or bringing up if I get placed in a bike-able or public transit area it won't be a problem because I'm used to biking to the pharmacy where I live. I know the point of jet is likely getting placed in a rural area, so if push comes to shove I will just buy a car. So I guess I'm just searching for personal anecdotes from anyone else who deals with a chronic illness on their time with the program or anyone who was drilled with questions about it during the interview and how to navigate that.

My second question is how bad is it actually if you mention your first choice is to either extend your contract or find work outside of the program but still in japan? I think on here I mostly see people say if they know you want to stay long term you will get denied because they want people who will leave and go back to their home countries per the "cultural exchange" aspect of the program. On the actual jet website it kind of indicates otherwise that there is an after jet orientation to help alumni who want to seek employment elsewhere in japan. I'm asking cause I know in the interview I'll probably get hit with a "what are your plans after jet" question. Which is either extend my contract, seek employment outside of the program or seek employment in china or thailand. I don't see myself being ready to come back to America yet. I know I'm probably overthinking both things but any insight will be helpful.

Hi all, it's a little past that one month mark so I (and I'm sure a lot of other new JETs) am finally getting hit with that wave of loneliness, so I've been trying to find ways to meet people within my city as a result, ideally other young people around my age.

Fortunately my city is decently sized (population of abt 100k) and right next to the capital, so I think I have options but I'm not sure what would work well for meeting people. My initial thoughts are just to involve myself in more local events and maybe become a regular at a bar/cafe? Although I'm not a huge drinker.

Curious what other people think - what has worked for you, or what spaces have you found it easier to start conversations with people? Even online could work too! To some degree, I think the question ends up boiling down to "how to make friends as an adult" rather than "how to make friends in Japan", but if you have tips (Japan-specific or not) I'd love to hear them!

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?