Aspiring JETS: The Process

An old friend of mine contacted me recently with news: she intended to apply for the JET Program this fall. She wanted to pick my brain for any tips and suggestions that I learned through the application process. As I too hounded--and continue to hound--current JETs with similar questions, I gladly answered her questions. In doing so I figured I could write a blog post about it to help other prospective applicants interested in the JET Program.

But first a tip: be patient. The application process is lengthy. This is expected as thousands of people apply every year from all over the globe to a limited number of positions within Japan. Applicants must be approved both by JET and the Japanese government (the government has the final say in the manner). Then of course there is the matter of assigning successful candidates to the town/city and prefecture where they are most needed. My advice is don't quit your day job and pin your hopes on JET. Use this as a possible route considering it seriously only after you are offered a teaching position.

The application was detailed and thorough. I was once interested in teaching English in China but the application process and many of the program's reviews were sketchy. The JET Program, because of its association with the Japanese government, is the real deal. No doubt other programs exist which allow you to teach English in Japan but JET is by far the most well-known. In October 2015 the application became available online. In addition to the usual background info, it required I submit two letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and answers to several questions. JET wanted to understand my interest in Japan, whether or not I studied abroad, the extent of my linguistic knowledge, etc. Again it is a detailed application. Read it thoroughly!!!

The application was due by mid-November. I waited anxiously for several months before learning in January that I passed the first round of testing; JET scheduled an interview mid-February for me at the Consulate General in Seattle. Dressed in a tie, blazer, and slacks I went into the interview nervous but hopeful.

Three people interviewed me: a JET alumnus, a Japanese language teacher, and a Japanese Consulate secretary. I read some cautionary accounts about applicants being interrogated by their interview board but I did not experience that. My interviewers were extremely polite, understanding, and encouraging. I prepped for many of the questions I was asked which made the interview proceed smoothly. The interview included the Japanese secretary asking me questions in Japanese to test my Japanese ability. This can only help not hurt you so if you know any Japanese at all, speak it! Due to my rustiness, I was more awkward than a platypus on land trying to communicate in Japanese but I think the effort improved my application. Note: I imagine some JETs arrive in Japan knowing only 'sushi', 'sayonara', and 'sumo' so if you know any Japanese, you're ahead of the game.

The interview ended with me giving a practice demo lesson and questions. I expected a demo lesson though I didn't know the content until thirty seconds beforehand. The interviewers asked me to talk about Spokane attractions and gave me thirty seconds to prepare for a quick one minute lesson. During the lesson, they pretended to be Japanese students. The lesson went fairly smoothly. This is a smart way for JET to test potential teachers: the lesson is an ingenious way to gauge an applicant's public speaking skills, his/her ability to think quickly under pressure, and teaching abilities. After the lesson the interviewers offered their helpful critiques as well as compliments. We wrapped up the meeting addressing any questions that I had for JET. This is important because while the interview determines if you are a worthy candidate for the program, it may also determine whether or not JET is right for YOU. In a sense, you are interviewing them too. While my questions were addressed to the board, the JET alumnus took the liberty of answering the questions, which was helpful because I connected with him the most. As he talked about his experiences teaching, I envisioned myself in his shoes and asked myself, "Could I do this?" My answer was a resounding yes.

I waited for about two months before I received an email informing me that JET wanted to hire me. During that wait I applied for a FBI background check. Typically JET will only ask candidates to apply for a background check when they know they are hired however this year the background check applications are backlogged to at least a 13 week wait. Thus I applied within days of JET instructing me to do so. I think JET received my background check about two weeks ago; I applied for the check in February. So if you are serious about the JET Program and feel that you aced the interview, I recommend applying early (per JET's instructions). Thankfully the background check is only $18 but the form and payment must be sent by mail.

About a month after I learned I would be teaching in Japan, I learned where I would be teaching in Japan. When you receive an email from JET congratulating on your acceptance into the program, you will be asked to mail a form confirming your decision to join. Give yourself a few days before sending it in because this is your last opportunity to withdraw (without bad blood at least). Once you send in this form confirming your wish to participate, JET begins assigning you to prefecture, booking your airline ticket to Japan (yes, they pay for your ticket!), and other necessary preparations. To withdraw after that would be impolite and you would risk banishment from applying ever again.

Present day: I am now waiting to hear from my school/contracting organization and my JET alumnus (if there is one). I should know in a few days who and where exactly I will be teaching. There are a few orientations leading up to the departure which I will attend. On July 23rd, I will officially leave the country! I will arrive in Japan on July 24th, stay in Tokyo for a few days for another orientation, and then leave for Goto. This has been a lengthy process but it will be worth it. I am incredibly excited for the future.

Until next time!