Advice for those considering the JET Program

A friend of mine who is currently a senior at Georgetown wrote to me about a week ago letting me know that he is considering applying for the JET program and asking questions about my experience with it so far, the application process, etc.

Below is my response to his e-mail. Thanks to the detailed nature of his e-mail, I was able to write about a lot of things that someone thinking of applying to JET may be concerned about (including concerns that I had).

I agree that it's the program is an amazing opportunity- I had pretty much the same impression last fall when I was applying, and it hasn't changed since. The lack of being able to specifically choose your location can be a downer for some, but I feel like the positives of the program overwhelmingly outweigh it. As for your application- because we didn't get a ton of feedback on it, it's hard to say. Some things I would definitely recommend though:

-They are looking for people who will be good cultural ambassadors and have a real and abiding interest in Japan's people, history, and culture- which I'm sure you are definitely all of those things. Do your best to express this in your application essay. If I can find it later when I get home, I'll try to send mine along.

-Recommendations: pick people in your life who will back up the claims you make in your application essay(s), and make sure to explain to them as in-depth as possible not only why you want to do this program, but also what the program is looking for in its new JETs. Also, make sure to do this as one of your FIRST things- even 3-4 weeks is too little time (as I found out the hard way).

-Make sure you go through the checklist multiple times and read the fine print. I'd forgotten that the program wants a SEPARATE transcript from your study abroad (ask the OIP) included with the application materials.

-Of course, you'll see that they want everything in triplicate- it's a pain in the butt, especially when asking the people writing your recommendation to make sure they make 3 copies of it, but you have to do it.-If I think of any more, I'll let you know.

Another pain is just how long the application process is- you hear if you get an interview at the end of January, actually have it in February, hear of your acceptance in early April, and hear of your placement in May. The biggest drag on me was the fact that my roommates simply couldn't wait until April 10 to sign a lease for the next couple of years in DC, but it all worked out ok (and I had a few different friends with whom I could've lived if JET didn't work out). This may be obvious, but do your best to have a plan B & C for not only jobs, but housing, etc. too.

The interview wasn't particularly challenging (esp. compared to those consulting intverviews haha). They basically ask you to reiterate a lot of things you said in your essays, teach a quick (2 minute) lesson (mine was about my favorite American holiday), and they may ask you to demonstrate your Japanese (not terribly important, they're more just curious). Make sure to not get too worked up and to speak conversationally, but SLOWLY- I spoke a bit quickly b/c I was nervous, and they called me out on it haha. I would say the actual hardest question they asked me was "You've been to Japan before, and your language ability is most likely above being a JET ALT, why do this as opposed to other options?"

The Program up to now- like I said before, my general impression hasn't changed from before I came. In orientation, etc., the Program will tell you ESID (every situation is different) repeatedly, and it really is true. Generally, however, I feel like the other JETs around me are very happy with how the program works out. Those of us with Japanese language ability have a much easier time than those without (though you do have access to a good number of English speakers- other JETs, your supervisor, the Japanese English Teachers in your schools). A lot of your time on weekends you'll spend with other JETs- traveling, doing things- so in that sense it's a lot like study abroad, where your social circle is fairly limited, and I think that's where some people have problems.

Generally, though, it's pretty much as-advertised- we're paid a ridiculous amount (and subsidized in our rent, etc.) for work that's a lot of fun, people are genuinely glad to have us here and are very, very nice (which I'm sure you knew from before), and kids are kids, no matter where you are.

The various orientations that you will have will cover pretty much any possible concern. I had a full-day Q&A session in June, a half-day pre-departure orientation in July, and then 3 full days of Tokyo orientation. The orientations are extensive, detailed, and extremely helpful. Another useful resource is http://www.ithinkimlost.com - it's an unofficial JET discussion board online that's hugely popular. Though my prefecture has its own, closed one, ithinkimlost is great. It even has a section for people who think they'll be applying.