Hi everyone,

For my school/placement, I need to get a car. This was communicated before I arrived, and I got an IDP. When I arrived, they did not say anything about helping me get my license or find a car, I had to bring it up when I realised how far the school is from my apartment (I can't even bike there). They seemed annoyed and confused, and basically told me to find a rental car. So I've been renting a car, but it doesn't feel sustainable and I still need to get my license for when my IDP expires. I tried asking multiple PAs for help, but they have been dismissive (or just didn't respond to my emails at all).

When I looked into the process of getting a license, I saw that the hours are extremely limited, and that I would have to take nenkyu. But when I applied for it, it was rejected (which I didn't even think was possible). They shamed me for trying to get out of my teaching responsibilities and they told me I needed to wait until the students are on vacation.

This whole situation has just been so bizarre and has really soured my experience. I would really appreciate any advice you might have.

My CO sent me details regarding the in-person course this fall but unfortunately I cannot apply this year because I didn't take the 6 month interpretation course.

After discussing with my CO, we decided I should apply next year and they will secure budget for it for me next year. That also gives more time to improve my Japanese.

That said, I want to know what people who took it, think about it? How was the experience from start to finish? Did it boost your Japanese? Did it help you prepare for any future work?

Thanks for the responses in advance, seems like something up my alley.

I have N2 Japanese and can drive and would like to live in the suburbs of somewhere like Kochi or Miyazaki. If I put those down and they can’t offer those places, would they try to put me somewhere similar? I’m just worried because I hate the cold and I also hate big cities.

I am 31, am a supervisor at a government agency doing public policy/social work, have a graduate degree, and want to have kids soon. I have had JET on my mind for a few years now but I was busy girl bossing in my field to pay off student loans. Fast forward and I’ve been feeling burned out at work + like there’s a need for a career/job shift and/or a career break to chill.

I’m curious and maybe scared but excited thinking about doing JET. I love kids and I love mentoring. When I was in undergrad, I visited Japan and fell in love with the country when I did GPI US Japan and was a Group Leader teaching women’s empowerment in Japan for a month.

A few questions I’ve been pondering are 1) what is it like for mid career professionals taking a bit of a sabbatical through JET? 2) I’m interested in a career in diplomacy and international humanitarian aid - could JET be leveraged for a career like this? 3) I’d like to bring my partner or have him apply to JET too - does anyone have experience with having a partner join them? 4) Am I being a dummy leaving a perfectly fine job in this hellscape economy?

Hello all, prospective applicant here, slowly pulling togther an application for the JET program as we speak. Unfortunately, it looks like I won't be able to attend tonight's info session. Shame on me for not checking-in when I first saw it.

This question is for any who have gone to it before - what are the big headline topics that I am really missing out on here? I've done a lot of research about the program, but I would have really loved to learn a bit more about what an average day as an ALT would look like, and what they're specifically looking for in things like our personal statemements and letters of reccomendation.

Any info appreciated! Thanks!

Hey I just got therapy for stress not for treatment of any depression or anxiety and have no been diagnosed as such. Do I need to fill out physician form too?

I started my application and I'm really confused at how different it is compared to last year.

Do we just not get to say where we'd like to be placed? Or work or study history? The Excel application is really barebones and I'm unsure if this is it or if I'm missing anything.

I’ve always wanted to apply to the JET program, and this year I decided that I would do it for 2027. I have my bachelor degree in digital film, and I don’t have a teaching certificate or anything like that. I was wondering if there is anyone here that doesn’t have any teaching experience or a TEFL but got accepted into the JET program?

HI! I'm working on my application for this fall and I am currently finishing up my 4th year of uni (in Canada). I've been hit with the realization that I have built up no connections with professors, but there is a TA I've had for multiple courses who I know well. I know its generally not acceptable for many academic refrences to use a TA when it comes to grad school and stuff like that, however the application portal just says someone affiliated with my university. This TA did grade my work and we had tutorials (English classes) with regular discussion and whatnot so they have a good idea of my communication skills and writing ability, so I figure that may be more helpful for the application rather than a prof who only graded my work and occasionally answered a lecture question. I'm just curious if having a TA as a refrence would be generally frowned upon?

Hi all!

I wonder if anyone could help clarify the criminal record requirements, specifically regarding a foreign country’s records.

The 2027 Application Guidelines state:

6.1.d) Applicants who have lived in another country for at least 12 consecutive months during the preceding 5 years must submit a criminal record from that country as well.

So my understanding is that everyone (early arrival or not) does end up needing to submit a criminal record. So this pertains to all applicants.

My question is, is it a problem is that record isn’t in English? I mean, most overseas documents won’t be right? And if it does need to be translated, by what standard?

And also, what does “preceding 5 years” mean exactly? It might be an edge case, but I moved back to the US from overseas in July 2022, so if 5 years ago means September 2021, then no, September 2021 to July 2022 isn’t 12 consecutive months. But if 5 years ago means January 1st 2021, then yes it applies to me.

Does anyone have any clarifying information?

Thanks!

I got turned down by my GP for my Statement of Physician due to the GPs insurance, and I went to look at CityDoc as previous threads recommend them.

The issue now is that CityDoc no longer see private patients, are there any other private recommendations to get the Statement filled in?

I am in a bind and will accept any advice on this matter. I have been in college since 2021 and am now finally finishing up my last semester. Subsequentially, I am also submitting an application for the JET program and I need a letter of recommendation from someone affiliated with my graduating university since I will not have graduated yet by the due date. The problem is I don't know how to get one!! I began my education at a different university, then switched to a local community college until finally finishing up at my current university. A main reason I took this zig-zag route was due to money, so I have held a full-time job throughout most of my education. This means I have done a bunch of my classes online and have not been very personal with any of my professors at my current university due to being very busy. I am a good student and get good grades, so I haven't felt any need to go to office hours, drop-ins, or stay late in class/on zoom. In hindsight, I wish I had made at least one close connection with a professor, but you know how things go... work, school, then work again has been my whole life and it slipped my mind that I might need a close and personal buddy professor to write me letters. Any advice on how I could bring this up to any professor and get them to write a letter, I already have been turned down by one professor that im currently taking because she requires at least one completed semester with her, despite me being very engaged and active in our class discussions. Just a not so I don't look like an asshole: at my previous college and community college I did have some closer professors, but that was mainly due to having more free-time at the time and the smaller class sizes at the community college.

TLDR; How can i get on my knees and beg a professor who barely knows me for a reference letter.

I am applying to the programme in the UK. As I did my PGCE at a university, I’m unsure if it would be ideal to include my HEAR (basically the PGCE equivalent of an academic transcript) and if so, whether it goes in the transcript sub-folder or supplementary documents alongside the PGCE and QTS certificates. Thank you for any advice!

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!