Jet Programme

Lenmeister wrote: »

I've a friend with some good contacts who can help me out.

Forget the friend who has contacts.

Lenmeister wrote: »

Anything at all would be great.

Follow the "strict" guide lines set out here to the letter for a chance placement in 2016
http://www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000049.html

Lenmeister wrote: »

I was wondering if anybody here has actually gone on the Jet programme or thinking about it. Even on it right now. I've been thinking about doing it for a while now and I've a friend with some good contacts who can help me out. I know there are testimonials on the site and all that but I'd prefer to hear from people here and of their experiences. Anything at all would be great.

Only a handful of people go every year so chances are there isn't anyone on here with experience of it but thought I'd check anyway.

There are a few former JET participants on boards who I'm sure would be happy to give advice if you had specific questions. As with most of things it really depends on what you are looking to gain from the experience. Maybe if you post a little about why you are interested in the programme and what you expect from it and Japan you might receive more helpful replies.

shindig-jp wrote: »

Forget the friend who has contacts.


Follow the "strict" guide lines set out here to the letter for a chance placement in 2016
http://www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000049.html

Excellent advice.

just-joe wrote: »

The application is more stringent for JET than the other ALT companies / eikawa schools that I have heard of. This would suggest the JET hires are of a better standard.

I think you'd need to have a very clear definition of this standard you mention for this comment to mean anything. The basic requirements for the JET Programme as an ALT are that you have a university degree and are a native English speaker. Personally I don't think these two requirements guarantee any sort of standard.

Like Joe said JET is a mixed bag. Good and bad, both make it to Japan, for better and worse. Personally speaking - only my opinion so not worth anything - I think some JETs are a bit precious about the programme. It's absolutely a privilege to be allowed into a community the way JETs are but sometimes some JETs think they are the special component of the mix and it can give off a rather negative impression.

As for the programme itself. As a former JET, I think it's a great concept with unlimited potential that has been pretty poorly implemented and terribly managed since its creation, but somehow - and I believe mostly down to the good JETs out there - has made an incredibly positive contribution to communities across Japan.

All the non-JET ALT positions that I know of had at least university degrees and interviews as requirements. Some had added requirements similar to JET and some had extra requirements on top of what JET requires. The only recruitment process I would consider delivers a better standard of ALT are those that require relevant qualifications and experience

I really don't think that it is accurate to say that the JET recruitment process delivers any kind of 'standard' of applicant. There'd have to be some kind of concrete notion of what is required of a JET ALT for a standard to even be established.

You can go to any Hanko seal shop in Japan and order a Raised seal Stamper and be qualified to work as a TEFL teacher in minutes after you print out your fake Teaching diploma on Parchment paper.You might be lucky and get 10 ~ 16 hours per week teaching kindergarden like many of the freelancers in Saitama . A WHV for the under 30's and a high school graduation cert is all that is required.

JET's do the hard work getting their qualifications and work at recognised school educational institutions .

I was on JET for 3 years over 10 years ago. It's really hit and miss how your experience will be. I'll try my best to give the low down on what to expect and some advice for applying.
A university degree (in anything) is a must. This isn't just for JET, but for most work visas for Japan.
Applicants should be under 40 years old. Typically they hire people in their mid to late twenties/early thirties.
Fresh graduates might want to apply in a couple of years, a bit of work experience helps.
You'll have to do a physical. If you have any previous convictions, don't waste your time applying.
If you make it to the interview, dress conservatively. Guys, wear a suit and tie, no earrings or visible tattoos. Sit upright both feet on the floor (I know it sounds a bit strange, but appearance and how you present yourself is VERY important in Japan.) Also in the interview you'll be asked if you drink, this isn't a trick question, so if you drink say yes. Drinking parties are an important part of team building in Japan.
If you get accepted, you'll have very little chance of selecting where you're placed. A good tip is select a town or city in the general part of Japan that you want to live in that has a sister city (twinned town) in Ireland, that will greatly increase your chances.
If you are applying along with your partner, don't expect to be located in the same place, this only applies to married couples. If your spouse or kids are coming but not as JETs they can also get a visa, but won't be able to get a job legally (I'll explain more about informal work later).
You'll be allocated an apartment of house by local government, this will be subsidised by about 50%, my rent on JET was about 200 euro a month. Keep in mind that Japanese apartments are quite small and this will be the Irish equivalent of a council flat.
You won't be living in Tokyo or Osaka, so get used to the idea of being most likely in the middle of nowhere. Public transport is excellent and hotels are cheap enough, so a weekend in the city is an option.
Most apartments will be supplied with the basics, TV, sofa, futon, chopsticks, pots pans etc. Bring enough money to cover your first few months, you won't get paid for about 2 months. I recommend about 4 or 5 grand.
On your arrival in Tokyo you'll have a few days orientation, don't try to skip this as some of the documents and information is important. You'll also attend a function at the Irish embassy, free booze but try not to overdo it, a few lads made a complete show of themselves and it was really embarrassing for the rest of us. The Tokyo subway is massive so if you want to go for drinks stay near the hotel unless you're in a group of JETs that have experience in Tokyo, trying to find the hotel after a skinful can be a nightmare.
You won't have a room to yourself so don't stay out too late, you'll be sharing the room with at least one complete stranger. Don't piss them off, they'll be living in the same area as you and you'll most likely be neighbours for a few years. Also try to get to bed at a decent hour in Tokyo, the jetlag is terrible. Also you'll meet your boss at the end of orientation, don't look like Keith Richards, first impressions count.
Will you have enough money to live on with JET, certainly. I paid off all my debt and never had to stay in due to saving money. Expect to blow a load of cash when you first arrive though. You might need to buy a car, definitely get a bicycle (second hand), bicycle theft is very common in Japan so register the serial number with the local cops)
It's a good idea to have a valid passport for the duration of your stay. You'll also need to carry your "gaijin card" at all times, if the cops stop you, and trust me they will at some point, you'll be in big trouble if you don't have it.
On the topic of cops, cycling after drinking is the same as drink driving, be careful. If you get into any trouble with the cops or annoy the neighbours, your boss will be informed.
As for living as a JET, it's a mixed bag, but in general the work will be very easy, it might get very boring though. Also, a lot of English teachers in Japanese public schools can't speak English, you might find yourself sitting at your desk all day because the teacher is afraid to work with you. The younger teachers tend to be ok though as they've probably studied for a year abroad.
It's a good idea to learn katakana and hiragana before you arrive (I didn't, and really struggled for the first few months), learn how to write your name in katakana. After you settle in, practice writing your address. This is probably the only essential Japanese writing you'll need, however, JET offers a course in Japanese for new arrivals by correspondence, do it, don't be late sending the homework or you'll be kicked off the course.
Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster, initial excitement, loneliness, homesickness, frustration (both kinds). If you're a single woman on JET, don't expect a relationship with a native, or even a one night stand. This is a big factor in women leaving Japan. As for the guys, do NOT under any circumstances get involved with a Japanese coworker, it never ends well.
Don't worry about being perceived by some other gaijin as living in a gaijin bubble, you'll need English speaking friends. There's always a few asshats that come over and try to isolate themselves from other gaijin because they love manga and studied Japanese for a year in college. The japanophiles usually leave after a year of JET due to Japan not living up to their expectations.

Where are you heading to?

excited to hear where I've been placed!

Where are you heading to?

I won't know until mid to late May, it's just the shortlist for now.

(Just an observation) understanding language and communicating it .

Having lived in Japan for a long time, returning to Ireland the culture shock along with understanding the Irish/English language was very hard for me. I have many stories but one story still stands out .

The conversation was between myself and my mother as we were driving home, let's put it this way she was doing all the talking, I was driving and she had a 100 years of gossip to let loose.

As we neared home my mother was pointing her finger forward through the windscreen and asking me "Do you see that blooming get" ? I was looking to the left and right of me toward the grass verge but could not see any flowers. I did see our next door neighbour closing the gate behind himself.