Hi all! This isn't exactly about travel, but has anyone
ever taken part in the JET Program--teaching English in
Japan for a year? I am graduating next May and thinking of
applying for it this Fall, but in the meantime was looking
for some first hand information. If you've been a part of
the program I would appreciate hearing about it. Thanks!
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HI snail,
I haven't taken part in the JET program myself but know of
a lot of teachers that have. It's a pretty good deal.
Good vacations and they treat you well. Not much in the
way of teaching as you will only be an AET (Assistant
English Instructor), but it makes the job much easier.
Some problems that may arise is that you might not be able
to work in the place you want.
Also, a lot of the people in the program are kinda young
and an immature lot. If you like being on your own and
more independant, I recommend coming over on your own and
looking for work for there.
As for myself, I've been in Japan for 6 years now and love
the country. It's also a great place to work, save money,
and travel to other places in Asia. If you'd like to read
more, visit my homepage at
http://members.tripod.com/~SEAsianAdventures
Happy travels!
Yep if you love sitting at your desk 8 hours a day
doing nothing while your Kyoto sensei says you have to be
there you will love it.I have spent twice as much time on
JET doing nothing than I have been teaching. Yep it's a
laugh a minute.
If you're planning on just "showing up" in Japan and
trying to get a job, good luck. You'll find something, no
doubt, but it will likely be a crap job at a local english
school with long hours, low pay and 0 vacation time.
You'll probably have to sign a contract with them too. So,
if you're planning on coming, do the JET program. I don't
necessarily agree that "the JET program particpants are
generally an immature lot". I'm not saying it's without
it's problem people, but what isn't? I've met some really
amazing and interesting people in my time here.
However, it all depends on what school you're placed in,
some are diamonds, and some are, well, not diamonds.
They're all different.
Was on the JET Program for 3 years (came back home last
year). One of the best experiences of my life. As with
many things in life, the JET Program is what you make of it.
There is plenty of time to be bored silly, if you're so
inclined. There is also plenty of opportunity to do a whole
variety of amazing things. I chose the latter. It's all in
your hands. As one of my free time "projects", I took a
survey of 1,000 JET Program participants. The vast majority
really enjoyed their time and experiences there, so I
would say the second post above represents a very small
disenchanted minority. In many ways, your life on the JET
Program is a crap shoot; your time in Japan (and whether you
love or hate it) is mostly dependent on the school you are
assigned to, and unfortunately there are a few bad apples in
there. But probability dictates you'll be warmly received,
enjoy your time immensely, travel extensively, and look back
on your life in Japan with fondness. I encourage you to
apply.
Thank you all for your responses! I found a place on the
Female Travellers branch that also recommended JET to
another girl, so it is beginning to work its way to the top
of my list. It sounds a lot better than the Foreign
Service (yes, I do want to get out of here!)! Thanks
again--Snail
P.S.--I can deal with immaturity, I've been to enough
sorority-girl packed college bars in my life!
If you want to come to Japan to teach English then the JET
program is probably the easiest way to do it and has better
pay and conditions than most of the private English
conversation schools.
But a couple of things you should bear in mind:
You don't get much choice about where you are posted, you
can make requests but they are not always honoured so you
might end up in the middle of nowhere. Particularly jobs in
large cities are in high demand so if you request this then
you might be disappointed. If you want to be near a big city
it is best to request a job in a neighbouring smaller town
where you can easily commute.
Also JET places are in high demand there are always more
applicants than places, so be sure that this is what you
want to do. If you come across in the interview as just
wanting an excuse to get to Japan then you are likely to be
rejected. You can increase your chances by doing things like
volunteer teaching or learning some Japanese or something -
anything to show you are committed.
Most people who do JET really seem to enjoy it so I would
recommend applying, although as someone said above it does
depend a lot on which school you are posted to. There are a
few bad one, but most of them will give you a warm welcome.
Good luck.
i know that the application process for jet is a bit
involved so prepare to put in an effort. I don't know
whether they require teaching experience. But I hear not
everyone can do the program just because they want to. And
there are other programs which give you more teaching
opportunity than the jet program, but then you'll actually
have to do some work.
Hi girlfriend I was an ALT for 3 glorious years. Should you
be a Jet?
If you are motivated, persistent, resourceful, a
self-starter, open to new cultures and ideas, have a lot of
patience, like kids, like teaching, willing to struggle to
learn some of the language, not afraid to try things (and
perhaps fail), and want to have the time of your life, then
YES!
On the other hand, if you like to whine, are not open to new
and unfamiliar things, are lazy, can't lead and can only
follow, don't really care for kids or teaching, are only in
it for the money, are not truly interested in Japan or
Japanese, or only want to be friends with other foreigners,
then NO NO NO PLEASE STAY FAR AWAY!
Good luck to you whatever you decide.