Last May, I was preparing to depart to Japan to study abroad at Nanzan University in Nagoya for the summer. Now, I've been preparing for my departure back to Japan to work abroad as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) with the JET Program.
Taken from JET Program USA -
"Founded in 1987, JET has sent more than 60,000 global participants (including nearly 32,000 Americans) to work in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan. What makes JET unique is that it is the only teaching exchange program managed by the government of Japan."
I first heard about JET in high school through former JETs and informational tables at my high school. Being a participant has always been a goal of mine, so receiving my congratulations email was unbelievable. Although you don't need to have a teacher certification or any knowledge of the Japanese language, you do at least need to have your Bachelor's, an interest in teaching, and an interest in Japan.
Here is a general timeline of the application process (based on my experience, most appropriate for US JETs) -
October: Application Available
November: Application Due
January/February: Interview Notification + Interviews
March/April: Interview Results
May: Placements (for initial shortlisted candidates)
July/Early August: Departure
If you are considering applying for JET, start the application as soon as you are able to. Double-check, even triple-check your application before turning it in. When the interviewers need to choose between two applicants, they will go back to the applicants' original applications and compare those. You do not want to ruin your chances because of a careless mistake. For the Personal Statement (two page essay included in the application), have someone proofread and correct it. You really want to emphasize your interest in Japan and teaching English IN Japan. Showcase your ability to be creative, adaptable, positive, outgoing, humorous, etc.
Being able to adapt in different environments is a major qualification that no JET applicant should take lightly. Although applicants may request up to three placements, nothing is a guarantee. The placement map for incoming JETs actually shows that a majority of people did NOT get any of the three places they requested. You are able to note what you are comfortable with and not comfortable with (city vs. rural) on the application, but that can significantly narrow your chances of getting accepted into the program.
These were my requests in order - Akita prefecture, Nagoya city, and Aichi prefecture. Akita is not a popular choice, so I was very lucky to get placed in Yokote city of Akita prefecture. Yokote has a population of around 91,000 people; there are seventeen elementary schools and six junior high schools. There will be (surprisingly) ten ALTs (including current and incoming JETs) in Yokote this year. I will be working at several schools out of the twenty-three.
Although I am dying to go back to Nagoya, I'm very excited for my new journey to start in Yokote. I leave for Tokyo on August 4th for a two to three day orientation with other JETs before leaving for my placement.
Taken from JET Program USA -
"Founded in 1987, JET has sent more than 60,000 global participants (including nearly 32,000 Americans) to work in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan. What makes JET unique is that it is the only teaching exchange program managed by the government of Japan."
I first heard about JET in high school through former JETs and informational tables at my high school. Being a participant has always been a goal of mine, so receiving my congratulations email was unbelievable. Although you don't need to have a teacher certification or any knowledge of the Japanese language, you do at least need to have your Bachelor's, an interest in teaching, and an interest in Japan.
Here is a general timeline of the application process (based on my experience, most appropriate for US JETs) -
October: Application Available
November: Application Due
January/February: Interview Notification + Interviews
March/April: Interview Results
May: Placements (for initial shortlisted candidates)
July/Early August: Departure
If you are considering applying for JET, start the application as soon as you are able to. Double-check, even triple-check your application before turning it in. When the interviewers need to choose between two applicants, they will go back to the applicants' original applications and compare those. You do not want to ruin your chances because of a careless mistake. For the Personal Statement (two page essay included in the application), have someone proofread and correct it. You really want to emphasize your interest in Japan and teaching English IN Japan. Showcase your ability to be creative, adaptable, positive, outgoing, humorous, etc.
Being able to adapt in different environments is a major qualification that no JET applicant should take lightly. Although applicants may request up to three placements, nothing is a guarantee. The placement map for incoming JETs actually shows that a majority of people did NOT get any of the three places they requested. You are able to note what you are comfortable with and not comfortable with (city vs. rural) on the application, but that can significantly narrow your chances of getting accepted into the program.
These were my requests in order - Akita prefecture, Nagoya city, and Aichi prefecture. Akita is not a popular choice, so I was very lucky to get placed in Yokote city of Akita prefecture. Yokote has a population of around 91,000 people; there are seventeen elementary schools and six junior high schools. There will be (surprisingly) ten ALTs (including current and incoming JETs) in Yokote this year. I will be working at several schools out of the twenty-three.
Although I am dying to go back to Nagoya, I'm very excited for my new journey to start in Yokote. I leave for Tokyo on August 4th for a two to three day orientation with other JETs before leaving for my placement.