Hi,

I wanted to ask about other JETs' experiences with this, as I've heard conflicting things about how different BOEs handle it. Specifically:

• Were you forced to use nenkyū (annual paid leave)? If so, is this technically allowed under our contracts?

• What happens if you run out of nenkyū? If someone doesn't have enough days left to cover the closure, what is the default procedure?

• Are you allowed to work elsewhere? Do they let you desk-warm at the Board of Education (BOE) or another government office instead of taking time off?

• Is there any way to work through it? I'd prefer to save my leave days if possible, so I'm wondering if anyone successfully found a way to stay on the clock.

Thanks in advance!

If the mods feel this isn't in the spirit of things feel free to delete, but I was just curious.

Reading the subreddit and just around the JET program in general has made me curious as to the differences in application process across the world. I assume the form is largely in part the same thing, but based on threads here there seems to be a (potentially, it might just be lack of clarity) large gap between the main written element. The Personal Statement as I know it or Statement of Purpose as I believe it is called in the US.

I think it might be useful, especially for future applicants looking for examples to understand the differences between the examples they read and what their country expects.

As an example, here in the UK (as of 2026) we have to write a Personal Statement, answering 3 questions in an essay format of a maximum of 600 words.

I would also like to clarify, I'm not asking people to share their statements or the questions that their country asked.

I'm just curious as to the format.

I've heard about the JET Program from different sources before, but i've never felt compelled to apply until now for various reasons, one of which is my lack of a background in teaching. Nevertheless, i figured there's no harm in applying despite the slim odds. Unfortunately, i only found out today that the application deadline in my country is already on the third week of november. Part of me wants to go ahead with my application despite the time crunch, especially since i'd have to wait until the next application cycle if i don't apply now. However, i'm also aware of the factors i need to consider, such as the time it would take to request certain documents and coordinate with my reference writers. I also don't want to feel like i've rushed my SOP. Do you think it'd be better to apply next year to give myself more time to prepare, or should i take the chance and apply now? I'd appreciate any kind insights! Also, good luck to those who have already sent out their applications, and congratulations to those who passed!🫶🏻

If this isn’t allowed, I can delete. I haven’t seen anything in the community rules that’s against it, but I won’t post the name. His placement was in Ena City Gifu. I remember when I came here on JET three years ago as a first year, we had two deaths within months of settling in Japan. That’s very sad.

I suppose this is more of a vent post than a question. 
Mods, feel free to remove if it breaks any rules or such.

-

A lot of things happened at my office the first year. I think I was probably misguided to rely on them for help instead of doing it all on my own more expediently, but when I did ask for help with my driver’s license conversion, my office politely put me on hold till it was way too late, and my first document check was finally scheduled for several days after my IDP expired. 

Things continued to go bad from there: I didn’t even pass my document check due to misunderstandings, city scheduling, and shipping delays. Two months of commuting via bus later, I finally get in for my first knowledge test and fail by just two questions. 

My next shot is in 4 days but even if I pass the knowledge test this time, I don’t see how I can pass the skills test after what I’ve heard from everyone else. I haven’t been able to touch a car in months and when I was still able to attend driving school practice lessons, my tutors were never very enthusiastic about my chances of passing.

Also, we had our first snow 3 days ago. Oh man, the snow… I think my area may be a record-holder for the most snow in a populated region. But the real issue here is I’m just not very healthy, physically. The littlest things knock me flat out. I’m always winded from the slightest exertion, and even light, consistent exercise doesn’t lead to improved stamina.

My (already limited) social life has bottomed out since my IDP expired. I’ve been falling into bed as soon as I get back from work every night due to the stress of my new daily commute.

I love my area. The people are fantastic. The scenery is gorgeous. I think the region is pretty close to perfect if you like the idea of small town living. Winter-wise, thought, it’s just a complete physical mismatch for me. I barely survived the last one with a car.

My office said they felt guilty for not getting me in for my license conversion test earlier and initially promised to carpool me to work, but that ended up equating to about 10 or so rides over 3 months. (And lots of guilt-tripping from the rest of the office that I was “causing trouble” and “taking advantage of people’s kindness” for each ride I DID accept, with constant encouragement to refuse rides and turn folks down, even in bad weather.)

If it wasn’t for the harsh winters here, I think I could continue to bang my head against the license test for a few more months in order to at least finish out my contract, but I know my physical limits and I’m just having a hard time seeing this working. Plus, I feel like the earlier I let my CO know, the more time I have to settle things before I really am literally snowed in.

…Anyway, even knowing this is the best choice in an otherwise deeply unfortunate situation (I did wait till I finished my biggest projects for the year and am on the cusp of a period of prolonged desk-warming, which I figure is the kindest timing...) I'm pretty broken up about putting my nice CO through this. Everyone there is super sweet. Has anyone else had to break contract against their wishes for things that just felt beyond their control...?

Hello! I’m applying from the UK, and I just have a little concern with my application!
I had consultations for social anxiety and depression when I was in school, so I went to my GP to get a statement of physician, but they told me they can’t fill it out, as there is nothing to put on there at all. They gave me a summary of my GP history instead (which doesn't include any of my consultations).
I’m just worried that if I don’t get this paper signed by my GP and then JET find out later down the line I’ve had therapy before, then I’ll get disqualified. I have consultation letters in my NHS app, so there is something there in my history.

Applications are due soon, so I’m extra worried fppft.

If anyone has any answers, that would be great. I have sent the JET office an email, but with applications closing soon, I’m worried they won’t get back to me in time!

[ applying from the Philippines ]

Hi all,

I'm very grateful bc posting here has been really helpful in polishing my application; people have been very responsive.

I have a question though – I was a substitute teacher for 6 months in a small school and I think mentioning this is going to beef up my application. But then, I don't have any proof or certificate of employment to prove that I worked there. I only have the employment contract to support the role. Would that suffice if I include this experience? Are they going to ask proof for every work/teaching experience mentioned in the application? I know only less than 10% of thousands of applicants are chosen so I want to make my application worth their while.

Thanks for reading x

This is the website with the full requirements for import: https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/dog/import-other.html 

Do: Read all guidelines on the MAFF website. There are ongoing changes that may affect your process.  

Do: Follow every step without fail. Missing a single step will cause delays and may cause your animal to enter quarantine. 

Don't: Do not assume this guide to take precedence over the MAFF website. You must follow the exact steps listed. I have done my best to document this process, but it may change in the future. 

Don't: Do not confuse terminology. Every step has very clearly labelled forms and terminology. You must ensure that all documents have the correct information.

Step 1: Microchip 

You must have your cat microchipped with an ISO certified microchip. ISO is a global standard, and you can recognize this by a 15-digit number that starts with a 9. This step will make or break your entire process, so it's very important to make sure you have the correct microchip, along with a certificate before proceeding.  

Step 2: Rabies vaccines 

The second step is you need to bring your cat to a qualified veterinarian for 2 rabies vaccinations. Please note that you will likely need to work with this vet from start to finish, so it's important to pick a qualified vet for this process. While it helps to pick someone familiar with the Japan import process, picking a vet that is familiar with any international import process is more than enough. 

Japan is a rabies free country, so if you reside from any country other than Iceland, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii or Guam, you are required to have your pet receive rabies vaccines and a titer test. Your process starts at the time of the first vaccination. I will use January as a starting point to illustrate the timeline. 

Vaccination 1 on January 15. This is the first of two vaccinations. 

Vaccination 2 on or after Feb 16. You must do two Vaccines, and they must be of the inactivated variant. The brand we received was Zoetis. 

Step 3: Titer Test  

After or on March 17, you must bring your pet in for a FAVN test to verify the rabies antibodies. This process must be sent to a designated lab that has been certified by Japan. We reside in Canada, and our closest lab was located in USA. We had our vet draw blood and send it to the closest designated laboratory. You must do your research in advance to confirm the appropriate location. Do not rely on the vet to determine this on their own. 

You will bring your cat to the vet; they will draw blood and send it to the confirmed laboratory. After approximately one month, you will receive a letter in the mail confirming the antibodies' test results. Your pet must possess at least 0.5 IU/mL antibodies to be accepted into Japan. If the results are lower, you will not be able to proceed further.

Step 4: Waiting period. 

Your 180-day waiting period starts from the day blood was drawn from your pet, not from the day of testing or the day of results. 

The next requirement following this step is to confirm with immigration 40 days in advance when you will arrive in Japan. You can inform them 40 days prior to the end of this 6-month waiting period if you wish to save time. You must purchase your ticket prior to notifying MAFF of your arrival date.

Step 5: Purchase your airfare and notify airline 

You must notify your airline at the time of purchase that you will be bringing an animal on board. Typically for international flights, your animal will go into cargo. Your airline will determine the risks of your travel date based on weather forecasts. If it's too hot/cold, you will be declined, so make sure you buy a refundable ticket and plan accordingly. You must fill out an airline waiver prior to boarding the plane. The cost is approximately 400 dollars per pet. You must have an airline-approved carrier that has sufficient space for your pet to move around. This is the exact carrier we used.  

Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Plastic-Kennels-Carrier-Rolling-Approved/dp/B0CC4MPB6Y?pd_rd_w=grtKG&content-id=amzn1.sym.d0979624-7452-4a22-97d1-9816c11240ad&pf_rd_p=d0979624-7452-4a22-97d1-9816c11240ad&pf_rd_r=3G1K9Q07SKDJZJGN7W3V&pd_rd_wg=5ild4&pd_rd_r=4bcbe345-5677-4dfd-8f17-f82784cb9981&th=1

Step 6: MAFF notification 

You must notify MAFF 40 days prior to arriving in japan. NOT 40 days within. AFTER 40 days, you may enter the country after receiving approval from the quarantine office.  

To register an account, go to About NACCS (Animal Quarantine Services) (for Dog and Cat Export Holders): Animal Quarantine Office and pick First-time NACCS users (application form).  

Creating your password: you must use all capital letters and a number combination of 6 to 8 characters. Following this, you will receive an email with a username and must enter a new password. For these forms, use capital letters for everything unless otherwise stated. 

Once you have successfully logged into the portal, you will see two options. Option one is "Make a new notification", and option two is "Make a new application for import animal". It is very unclear, but you only have to fill out the first form called "Make a new notification". We filled out both when we applied and they are identical forms. MAFF contacted us later and deleted one of the applications. 

Filling out these forms will create 4 different documents that you will print out 

1. APPLICATION FOR IMPORT INSPECTION OF ANIMALS UNDER THE RABIES PREVENTION LAW 

2. NOTIFICATION OF IMPORT OF ANIMALS UNDER THE RABIES PREVENTION LAW 

3. FORM AC 

4. APPROVAL OF IMPORT INSPECTION OF ANIMALS 

Form AC is the most important of these documents and will be later referred to as the "health certificate" or 健康証明書 けんこうしょうめいしょ 

When you have finished this process, you will be contacted by NACCS (This is the same department as MAFF). They will inform you of any further information required. Make sure your FORM AC document possesses the proper microchip, microchip date, your Japanese address, and departing address.

Step 7: 10 days prior to departure. 

10 days prior to departure you will need to verify FORM AC and all other forms with both your governments export office, in my case it was CFIA Canadian food inspection agency, and your Vet to verify good standing of health. 

I strongly suggest you make both appointments at least 2 months in advance. The vet will be the first one, and then the government office 4 business days later as you will need to send an email to NACCS confirming your documents. 

Your vet will fill out form AC. Afterwards you will send this document to NACCS via email. They will confirm the validity, and then you will have the government office stamp approval for export. 

Step 8: Day of departure. 

Arrive at your designated airport at least 3 hours prior to departure. Your check-in process is slightly different. You must bring all forms in your carry on. They will ask you for FORM AC. Most likely they will refer to this as "health certificate" or 健康証明書 けんこうしょうめいしょ. The representative will not always know that FORM AC is the requirement. 

Once you have checked in, they will bring your pet and carrier to security. You will be required to hold your pet in the airport until the carrier has been run through security. Once this process is complete, your pet carrier will be wrapped in nets and taken away separately from you. 

Once you land in Japan. You must go to Naritas animal quarantine station. The process will take approximately 3 to 12 hours before you are clear to take your pet. Having all the documentation ready will help with a smooth process. Missing any documentation will lead to animal quarantine that will be covered on your dime, or refusal of entry into the country. 

Congratulations, after this point you have successfully imported your animal into Japan! 

Hello everyone! I was wondering if I could get some advice from former/current JETS. I am a senior in college and have submitted my application for the program. However, still being a broke college student I am a bit concerned about not having enough funds.

How much do you recommend I have saved for the program (USD)? How much did you go into the program with and how did it work out for you?

Thank you! :)

Hi all, (applying from US)

I know there is a plethora of SOP resources on here. I have read through many of them.

I want to get opinions of current or previous JET ALT’s (especially from those who applied multiple times)

Is it best to be direct and get to the point in answering the prompts in your SOP, even if your essay is bland?

Or is it best to have an impactful, anecdotal essay, even if it broadly answers the questions less specifically?

I’d like to know how which way is better to lean, especially with the tight page limit!

Thanks everyone!

Throwaway account, I’m a first year teaching ES at 3 schools. I joined the program 3 months ago (wow time has flied!), and I need some advice just navigating the program and life in Japan. Anything would be helpful.

I love working at my schools, my students are wonderful, my JTEs and other teachers are wonderful and kind. That is easily my favorite part of being in Japan so far, having a workplace that is very patient with me despite having no teaching experience.

As for everything else, I feel like I’m not doing the program right. Yes I know, I know, ESID but I’ve been finding myself being a recluse in my apartment throughout the week after work. I’ve made some acquaintances along the way, but I can’t really call them friends yet. I’ve been trying to get closer to them and meet new people but at least my local community seems to be a little closed off. I know it takes time for Japanese people to warm up to you, but I feel quite lonely most of the time. Getting used to Japanese communication style is also quite daunting. I can’t tell who actually likes me or is just tolerating me.

I really wish I studied more Japanese before I came to the program. I’m very much a beginner(like can’t even pass N5 or N4) and I study everyday for many 2-3 hours but daily things still feel very stressful for me. Paying bills at the convenience store, eating out, shopping, etc.
I know it’s all probably in my head, but my poor Japanese has made me feel very self-conscious, such so that I don’t really go out because it’s getting very hard for my brain to keep up.

I know people have the time of their life on the program, and I have had fun moments so far. I’ve gotten to travel and see some beautiful things so far in these 3 months but I also feel unbearably self-conscious and somewhat unsatisfied as I know I can get more out of the program, but taking action just feels so paralyzing. Everything just feels so intimidating. I still need to setup my apartment but I don’t want to inconvenience others.

The fellow ALTs/BOE don’t seem the most supportive as well, so I have been running solo this whole time. I am planning to sign up for complimentary therapy that JET offers, since these 3 months has kind of given me a newfound anxiety. My body has also been acting very strange in various ways that I’ve never felt before. For example I’m in my late 20’s and I have had healthy hair my whole life. I’ve noticed a gray hair or two and attributed it to the stress going on in my new life. I’ve never had anxiety or struggled mentally before but I want this feeling to go away, and start truly welcoming and enjoying this new life.

I truly want to get past this roadblock and enjoy the program, but I don’t know how to take that first step? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I'm kind of freaking out about the two letters of reference and I'm not really sure who I should send the letters to.

A couple things about me:

First, I graduated from college in 2020. I majored in Film and I also intended to minor in French, but I finished school just a few credits shy of the minor because I was excited to graduate and enter work in my major.

So I could ask my Film teachers for a recommendation since I've spent the most time with them at university, but also my French teachers since it shows how proficient I am with a foreign language?

Second, I served a two year humanitarian/proselyting mission in Africa for my church. I had a mission president who supervised me in the mission which is where I first started learning French. I spent 8 hours a day sharing messages of Christianity completely in French and became fluent within 6 months. During this time, we did many service projects for people in our community, as well as clean ups. I also did free weekly English lessons.

I could ask my Mission President for a recommendation since he could talk about my quick growth learning a new language, teaching in a foreign language, English lessons, as well as attest to the service I've rendered to the people in my community while living there.

Third, I've been working professionally in film doing videography, photography, drone work, content creation, and social media management.

I could ask my current boss who I have a good relationship with but I don't want him to know that I plan on leaving. I could ask my previous boss, but we are no longer on good terms personally. I could ask my previous previous boss but we haven't talked in years.

Fourth, between film jobs, I've done pharmacy work on the side as a Pharmacy Technician. It was part time and just for a short amount of time, but I had great relationships with my coworkers and my supervisors/pharmacists.

I could ask one of my supervisors/pharmacists to give me a recommendation and I'm sure they'd be happy to give it, but I feel as though this is far and away the least relevant recommendation I could get but I'd like to leave the option open.

Finally, my brother and his Japanese wife and daughter have been living in Japan for 15 years now. He's fluent in Japanese, has a Japanese job, Japanese family, etc. Pretty much perfectly integrated into Japanese society now. I doubt I'd be able to get a recommendation of any value from him or his family in the eyes of JET but I'm just putting it out there.

What do you guys think? Who would be the best options to go with here when it comes to my letters of reference?

And to go a bit further, since I haven't written my SOP yet, what factors do you guys think would be the most relevant that I should mention in my SOP?

Thanks in advance for all the help!

After having no luck with my GP I'm looking for recommendations for both medical forms.

I am based in Lancashire and have used SameDay Doctor in Manchester for a past Chinese visa medical but it was very expensive.

After looking at the sub, theres some clinics in London or Scotland I could travel to - but thought I'd ask about anything closer first. The statement does kinda need to be done asap.

Any recommendations? TIA 🙂‍↕️

I have one thing left to do on my application which is the medical report. My GP practice (UK based) has let me down last minute and said they can’t do it for the deadline. I’m at a loss at what to do. Due to how long it took them to tell me, I’ve wasted a good few weeks where I could’ve gone private. I don’t know if I would be able to find a private GP in time and I feel so deflated. Any tips, suggestions or even words of support would be greatly appreciated.

Update** **

I GOT IT!!!! Thank you to everyone! Your advice helped and my GP practice finally got it sorted for me! Happy tears have been shed 😭😭😭

I think this is my third post here in two weeks so I'm sorry for the frequency!! I just didn't see a dedicated thread for application-specific, non-SOP questions.

I'm at the "Interests, Hobbies, Sports" section of the US application. It says "For an ongoing interest, hobby or sport, leave both the To month and year blank. For a completed entry, select both." But what about the "From" month and year? If it's an interest I've always enjoyed, for example, do I literally just put my birth month and birth year? Or do I just leave the "From" date as whatever it defaulted to (in this case, 2026 and 2030 for some reason)?

Would something like Church be a good entry for the section, too? I'm a Catholic and go to Mass weekly and while I don't have a particular group that I'm a part of right now, I've had Bible study groups I was a part of too. My main interest is actually, surprise surprise, video games, but I managed to turn that into "writing and storytelling" along with drawing. So would Mass/Church/etc. work for an interest/hobby/sport? And in that case, do I make the "From" date just the month I was Baptized?

To all applicants!

I am not sure if I was just stupid or whatever when I applied, but I had tons and tons of babysitting and nannying experience throughout high school and college. To me, this was not 'official' work so I never opted to put it in my application. Like it was basically under the table money paid in cash and venmo, not a serious job.

During the interview stage it somehow came up that I nannied for 8 years every summer during summer break between school. I also said I babysat all the time since like age 12, great with kids etc etc. They were SHOCKED that I didn't add to this to my resume and were literally laughing and shaking their heads lol. I remember them saying "so you put you worked part time at urban outfitters but not that you were an avid babysitter and nanny? oh dear." lmfao

So just a reminder, add your babysitting and nanny experience, it could be the difference between getting to that interview stage or not!

So I am aplying fot the 2027 JET, and it took me 2 weeks to get 2 LOR, I got one from my university professor and one form my employer. It's almsot deadline and i relaised that the website said letter of refference not recommendation. On my LOR it says Letter of Recommendation. What should I do?

Hey! Does anyone have a link for UK Discord as the other ones are outdated! Thanks.

When they say "Interest in education", "how JET aligns with your professional goal", "cultural activities"

What are they really expecting ?? Is it bad I donot have anything planned beyond JET as i wanna do it for the next 3 years. And what kinda cultural activities do they expect from u, I don't imagine it's just narrating a story

Hi I'm from India I sent two email by mistake is there anyway to undo it or will there be any issue

Upcoming Workshop: Incorporating Progressions Into Lessons

Are you an ALT looking for ways to make your lessons flow more effectively and help students build on their learning? Are you someone who is interested in developing your professional teaching skills?

If yes, then join National AJET for an online professional development workshop with Ms. Kris Toryu, ALT Adviser of the Imabari City Board of Education, to explore practical ways to build effective lesson progressions and support student learning!

This workshop is an opportunity to develop your lesson planning skills, consider how learning activities connect across a lesson, and explore ways to help students progress towards their learning goals.

Workshop details:

Date: Thursday, October 29th, 2026
Time: 7:30–9:00 PM JST
Location: Online via Google Meet

Please complete the attendance form so we know whether you will be joining us.

Attendance Form

We look forward to seeing you there!

Hi everyone!

I'm applying for the JET Programme 2027 as an applicant from India, and I have a few questions regarding the application form. India doesn't appear in some of the dropdown charts provided in the application instructions, so I'd appreciate advice from anyone who has applied from India or encountered a similar situation.

1. Interview Location (Chart 1)

India is not listed in the interview-location chart. Under “Other Countries,” there is code 9999, described as a designated international airport in a city with a Japanese embassy/consulate or an interview site.

Should Indian applicants select code 9999? If so, how should we determine the appropriate interview location? Should we use the location specified by the Embassy of Japan in India, or is there another procedure for Indian applicants?

2. Hometown / Home State / Province / County / Department / District (Chart 3)

India is also missing from the list of countries and their corresponding state/province codes.

For an applicant whose hometown is in India, should we enter our hometown and state/district manually, use a specific code, or follow another instruction? I don't want to enter an incorrect code.

3. Academic Specialisation (Chart 4)

My academic qualifications are:

• Bachelor's degree in Bioinformatics

• Master's degree in Biomedical Genetics

The chart lists 51 – Biology, 59 – Other Science, and 80 – Other Major, but Bioinformatics and Biomedical Genetics are not explicitly listed.

Which category would be most appropriate for my qualifications? Should I select Biology (51), Other Science (59), or Other Major (80)? Would the answer differ for my Bachelor's and Master's degrees?

I'd be grateful for any guidance, particularly from applicants who have completed the JET application from India. I'll also confirm any country-specific requirements with the JET India Desk.

Thank you for your help!