Applying to the JET Program - Vlog #1 - Get the Application!

[ujustsad]

I want to go high school in Japan how will I go about doing that ?

[myargonauts]

@ujustsad I have no experience with that - sorry. But if you google search or search YT for foreign exchange then you should find lots of vids and info - you might start with the Katrandom channel - she did it over a year ago

[ujustsad]

@myargonauts ok thanks

[ujustsad]

@myargonauts ok thanks



[CoreyLongmire]

you take wayyyyy to long to get to the point, I almost changed the channel

[myargonauts]

@CoreyLongmire well, this was one of my first vlogs I ever made - over 3 years ago, so I was a little rusty. I hope you try some of the other vids and find the information helpful.

[JakeintheBox17]

Hey! Thanks for being so cool, being from San Diego, and being a Charger FAN!!!! I am getting ready to apply for JET, but do you have any idea why the deadline is still not up?

[myargonauts]

@JakeintheBox17 should be any day now... If not by Nov. 1st, send me a PM and I'll email someone I know and ask.

[RAWRitsanONION]

@JakeintheBox17 The deadline is on the site now. It is on November 25!

[JakeintheBox17]

@RAWRitsanONION

Thanks!

[Spazzosity]

Will they let me apply with a BFA instead of a BA?

[JPNstone63]

I have serveral qualifications in IT computer technology i go to college in britain would i be able to scrape an application into the jet program. I really want to move to japan and teach or get a good IT job. If i haven't got the criteria could you provide me some advice for getting that criteria, i would be very grateful.

[myargonauts]

@JPNstone63 just google jet programme UK and you'll see a link to the UK consulate site for Japan and JET. The app comes online later this year in September.

[SenseiDLowe]

I just wanted to thank you so much for your interview tips, because they worked! I'll be teaching in Kujukuri, Chiba. I can't wait!

[myargonauts]

@SenseiDLowe great!  I'm glad you had a successful interview. Have a great 1st year on JET.

[myargonauts]

@Mr1Niko sure - that sounds like a great foundation for an application to JET. Make sure you get some volunteer or work experience teaching or with kids along the way, and make nice with at least one professor to get a good letter of rec and you'll be well prepared.

[Yuri92001]

Though I am certified to teach bilingually in Spanish and English (with a Masters degree in teaching), should my degree and experience with teaching bilingually help ? I am also planning on getting my TEFL online this year....that should also help? I hear that it is really competitive and wondered if my expertise in ELD and teaching bilingually will be a plus (even if that language is not Japanese...it is something I am highly interested in).

[myargonauts]

@Yuri92001 Yes - I think it will definitely help your application, but the two most important parts of your app are the 2-page essay you write explaining why you want to go to Japan and how you and Japan will benefit from the experience, and your letters of recommendation. Good luck!

[tri8force]

I have a question. I'm planning to apply with the JET Programme this upcoming fall. I'm going to receive a BAE with an emphasis in history. My professor who recommended the program to me is a former JET and he has stated that he would write me a letter of recommendation. Since I will have an education degree, possibly certification, and a letter of recommendation from a former JET, will that improve my chances to get to the interview stage at least?

[myargonauts]

@tri8force sure - I think all those things will help. You'll need a 2nd letter of rec, so pick someone good and make sure you spend good time writing your SoP. Best of luck

[Floodlezoot]

I arrived the same month as you. awesome. you should definetly make the process more concise, unless peolple love watching 10 videos to figure out the basics, which indeed they might.

[TinasAwesome2]

This may seem like an incredibly dumb question, but I only plan on obtaining an AA degree (I can't justify the price of college for what I want out of life) and am curious as to how strict they are with the BS/BA requirement. I can only assume since this is a respected program that there are scarce, if any, exceptions. I would love to experience Japanese culture firsthand while teaching English. Thanks so much in advance! Also, your vlogs are super informative :)

[myargonauts]

@TinasAwesome2 yeah, an AA degree won't get you into JET, and it's more of a Japan Visa requirement than a program requirement, so there is no way around it

[SkyBlitzer1]

What Do you Think The chances of becoming a JET is now??? because some of my friends they say its really competitive ==" also if you don't get picked can you re apply the next year?? Thx :D

[myargonauts]

@SkyBlitzer1 Yes - the program is much more competitive than when I applied in 2003/2004. About one in 6 of those that apply actually get in, so less than a 20% chance.

Yes, you can apply again the next year if you don't get in the first time.

[WICKEDRetribution09]

questions? 1, i want to join the jet program but im wait for my pass port and for me to finish my assistants degree so about 2 year. what is the best time for me apply after i complete my MIB or before? My husband would love to join me on this adventure but he has no college eduction but has worked with children from tutoring to volunteering would he be able to apply too? what is the shorties time you can be in the the jet program? and what are the cost from application to arrival in Nihon?

[myargonauts]

@WICKEDRetribution09 you have to have a full BA or BS degree to get into JET. An AA won't cut it. Your husband could go with you, but he couldn't be a JET without a degree. He would probably be able to find private tutoring work locally, depending on where you are placed. One year is the shortest contract. Cost is minimal to apply - some fees with the app, like getting your transcripts and sending it in, and then the cost of getting to the consulate for the interview.

[zerosonico]

"...I'm glad you searched on youtube for "JET program"..."

Stop spying my internets!! :P

[ADDJamie]

Ever since my Uncle moved to Japan to teach English, I have always wanted to go. He didn't go under JET but that's my goal right now. Im only in my first year of college but I cant wait to apply!

[onlyM3R]

hey, so i just applied to JET for 2011-2012 and i can't tell you how helpful you series has been. thanks again.

[myargonauts]

@onlyM3R excellent. Glad the vids have been helpful. Good luck with your app.

[fallenangelforever]

Do you have to be a teacher? The website is very confusing. I will be graduating next year with a Japanese major and I would love to apply to the JET program but I've never taught anyone and I don't have any teaching degrees. Can you explain that a litter more?

[myargonauts]

@fallenangelforever No, you don't have to have teaching experience. You can have a degree in any subject. But when you fill out the application, you will have to list experience that makes you a good candidate for the job - so it helps to have worked with children or have tutoring experience, etc.

[Mandilore]

@myargonauts So if I tutored a Japanese person learning English for some years, would that be helpful for applying for JET Program? Also, he plays in a band which is signed to a record label and I've done English translation work for them so I don't know if that will help with the application.

[myargonauts]

@Mandilore certainly things you might want to mention in your 2-page essay.

[dragondemond123]

Become a JET. SWEET i can fly to Japan myself

lol

[jajabr1989]

Do you know of any books I could read written by former JETs about their expiriences? I've heared of Learning to Bow by Bruce Fieler but that was written twenty years ago and I imagine many things about the program and even Japan itself have changed since then.

[myargonauts]

@jajabr1989 go over to the forums at my site - JapanJuku(dot)com - and someone just started a thread about this very subject with lots of links

[jajabr1989]

@myargonauts Thanks! I checked it out. It should be really helpful!

[RoMaHazz2]

I plan to apply for 2011. Roughly how much time do you have between arriving in Japan and actually starting to work? Do you have some time to adjust, or do you jump right in? Or does it change depending on where you are? I just want to have an idea of what to expect.

[RoMaHazz2]

Another question: if you decide to renew your contract, do they place you in a different location each time?

[myargonauts]

You almost always stay at the same school(s) for your whole time as a JET. There are exceptions, but in general they want you to stay in the same place. While it is possible to move around your prefecture in some circumstances, it's almost impossible to move to a different prefecture.

[RoMaHazz2]

Thank you for answering my questions so quickly. I think your series could be a big help during my application process, so thanks so much for making it. :)

[myargonauts]

You arrive in Japan in late July (around the 28th) or during the first week of August and the 2nd semester of school usually starts the last week of August or the first week of September, so most JETs have one month to adjust to life before they start teaching.

[myargonauts]

@RoMaHazz2 Most JETs have about one month between arriving at the end of July/start of August before they start teaching. But you'll be "working" before that - going to your BoE and orientations, etc.

[nuggetzz]

I applied this year, Excited to have the opportunity to become a JET member.

[nuggetzz]

By the Way, the deadline for JET enrollment has expired. It was due by November 24th 2009. Over 5300+ people applied for JET this year

[myargonauts]

Yeah - this video was made in 2008 and the deadline will shift slightly each year. Good luck with your app!

[superiorgreyfox]

Are there any GPA requirements for JET Program applicants?

[myargonauts]

not that I know of. You have to graduate and get your degree, but grades haven't been a huge factor in the past. They might start becoming more relevant as more qualified people are competing for fewer openings.

[diamencik1]

My Name is Andrew and I have qustions about jewelry .. I'm jeweler .. do U think I have chance to sell jewelry in Japan > The jewelry they are made in silver and Amber ..or what do U think about my proposition?

[myargonauts]

I have no answers for your questions - sorry.

[1fershadow]

Hello, I am applying for the program. I recently graduated from university in the US. However, I was born in Ecuador, and came here at age 14. I attended school here since the 10th grade. My English is excellent I would say, though you might here an accent at random times, I was wondering if this might make me a less desirable candidate. What do you think? Thanks!

[myargonauts]

I know some schools want you to have had 10 years of continuous education in a native English country, but I don't know what JETs rule is on this.

If you're now a US citizen and graduated from uni with your degree, you should be fine, but I can't say for sure.

check jetprogramme(dot)org for more info.

[lslewis]

I read that you have send in your college transcript when applying. What if I failed a class twice--can I still have a chance in the Jet Program?  I really want to teach in Japan; I'd hate for a "wrinkle" in my transcript to hinder me.

[myargonauts]

How did it affect your overall GPA? I think they look at that number more than any individual class or grade. As long as you graduate and get your degree, you're eligible to go - but the program is getting more competitive, so grades do matter a little bit, but not as much as volunteer/working with kids, interest in Japan and your essay and letters of rec.

[lslewis]

Come to think of it--my GPA wasn't significantly lowered in the end. It's still above a 3.0 right now.  Ok, thanks; I still plan on applying.

[NextNate03]

Thereis no page when I had click on he Link!

[myargonauts]

all the links in the sidebar are active

[kkel19]

any chinese asian americans able to go to japan with JET program with no problem?

[myargonauts]

Should be no problem, as long as you grew up speaking English. Many, many Asian Americans go to JET thru the LA consulate every year.

[lon21]

The dealine for UK applications according to the website is usually the last Friday in November at 6:00pm.

By the way, thanks again for the videos Jason, I discovered JET through my Japanese teacher 2 years ago and subsequently found your vlogs. Now over 2 years later I'm finally in the last year of my degree and will be applying for JET this year, wish me luck!

[myargonauts]

great - glad the vids have been helpful! Good luck with your app!

[kristykatt0404]

Hello, My name is Kristy. Do you think I have a chance of getting accepted into the program if I have an accent?

[myargonauts]

are you a native speaker of English - meaning were you born in America, UK, Australia, S Africa, etc?

If so, then your accent doesn't matter.

[TheSin6productions]

I have a slight filipino accent, but I am an american citizen. I am not sure if that will hurt my chances. What you do think? I appreciate your help. Thanks.

[myargonauts]

nope - won't matter.

According to my British ALT friends, I have the strange accent... :D

[Beachan24]

Hi there! I am a to-be-college student, I start in the fall for a 5 year period of hard study, hehe. But I like to get my facts together waaaaay ahead =) So the thing is that I live in Norway, but I also have French citizenship because I was born there and all. Norway isn't on the list of JET's countries, but since I have a "split-citizenship" I am hoping that it works all the same. Do you know anything about that? =)

[myargonauts]

I'm not sure - go to the main jet website (link on my channel page) and ask this question in their forums - and/or contact the Japanese consulate in either France or Norway and ask.

Good luck!

[JezuzDiedLOL]

In the program, do you have a concrete hold on exactly where you want to be placed or do they place you where you're needed. What I'm getting at is if I wanted, say, Osaka, can I expect to go right there in the city and not some small surrounding town?

[myargonauts]

what vlog #4 in this playlist called "picking your location" for more info, but a short answer is no - you can't decide for sure where you want to go - they put you where they need you based on your location requests

[JezuzDiedLOL]

Thanks

[Orctrist]

Oh yea I'm African American which is not a nationality of any sorts but thats what they are calling us these days. So I'm thinking that maybe will be a hinderence?

[myargonauts]

I wouldn't think so at all. I think the program likes to have a diverse group of ALTs so the kids here can meet all kinds of foreigners.

[mediumsteve]

You have no idea what the meaning of nationality is.

[Orctrist]

I just turned 34 and was wondering if I'm too old to become a Jett?

[myargonauts]

nope - I was 34 when I applied, and I turned 35 a few weeks before I left for Japan in July of 2004. A new JET in my area this year is 37, so as long as you're under 40, your're fine.

[teggielou]

Jason-

What did you go to school for? I'm a junior in college now, going for my English bachelor's degree and I'm very interested in participating in the JET program after I graduate. From what I've heard it doesn't really matter what you go to school for, is this true? Thanks a bunch for the videos!

[myargonauts]

you're right - it doesn't matter what your degree is in.

My BA is in American History with a minor in Japanese studies.

[bryan10011mc]

I was on the JET Program during it's first year, 20 years ago! Based on my experience and my memory, unfortunately, the best advice I can give is: be a robot. You'll be successful if you're willing to be a tool for your Japanese bosses, don't make waves, smile and look like a pretty or handsome gaijin. Being Caucasian helps. I know that sounds bad, but unless Japan has changed radically in the last 20 years, it's true.

[myargonauts]

the interesting thing is that some of the students you and others taught are now JTEs I and other ALTs work with as English teachers.

I can't even imagine being here 20 years ago - pre-internet, pre-keitai, etc. I like to think some things have changed since then, but I'm sure some are just the same.

[Orctrist]

You sound like a prick! It helps to be Caucasian?? Do you speak for the entire JETT program and the Japanese who created the program? It seems there are always going to be a few small-minded morons on any level of education. I would not want my child to be taught by a closet moron. I feel sorry for any Japanese student that has the displeasure of working with you. Good Day.

[flintp51]

He's not closed minded. You are. What he said is accurate.(right, or wrong) It's getting better, but 20 years ago, it was difficult for black people to get job there. Did you know it is legal for a restaurant owner to put up a sign that says "no foreigners." I love Japan, but that's how things are. On the other side. Japan v. America- I know which restaurants to avoid in Japan. People like you force people to be closet racists. Meanwhile, they spit in your soup. I feel sorry for your child.

[myargonauts]

It's interesting that many people assume the opposite of Caucasian is black. While it's true that a black person's experience in Japan is much different than mine on some levels, I also think it would be really challenging to be Asian-American (or of Asian descent) and be an ALT - unique experiences in that case too. On another level, we're all gaijin and life here can be shared on that level no matter who you are (if you're not Japanese).

[flintp51]

I actually didn't assume anything. A few lines down he says he's "African American." First he gets on this guy for giving advice, and maybe he was a little blunt, But at least no one will be going with false expectations. He subscribed to an Anti-Jew page 3 weeks ago, but he can't take a simple comment like that. Asian American, African American..etc. American or not. He better get used to saying American.if he says African-American, the Japanese will only hear African--and he will be butthurt

[Carly1223]

Hey Jason I just saw a poster for the JET Program at my college in Barbados. The deadline for Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago is November 28th. I think I'll wait until next year to apply and give myself some more time.

[myargonauts]

good not to rush it - good luck for next year!

[nanodances]

I hear that you shouldn't apply for the JET if you are interested in learning Japanese seriously. I was thinking of applying but someone discouraged me from doing so based on the fact that I am really passionate about learning about the Japanese culture and language. They didn't mean it harshly, but that the JET program doesn't really like their applicants to know a whole lot of Japanese. What do you think about this? By the way, this is a great, helpful series. Thanks for sharing!

[ToniShinobi]

I also heard about this and wondering if this is true...

[musicsugarlove]

My major is Japanese and I'm applying. I went to a seminar for JET a couple weeks ago and asked if this or the fact that I've been to Japan before would have any negative effects on my application and I was told that it would be an advantage if anything. There is so much more to learn about the culture and language. They also encourage you to learn or continue to learn the language when you get over there. Hope this helps.

[myargonauts]

I'll mention this comment and give my thoughts in my next vlog

[nanodances]

Sweet, thanks. Yeah I am hearing tons of mixed thoughts about this. Hope they take kindly to the fact that I've lived in Japan...

[geezwoman]

I'm not a part of JET, but I believe JET is a great opportunity for serious people.

Living in the country is one of the only ways to become fluent in the language. Rather than being a JET ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) who often uses English, you could apply for the JET CIR position (International Relations--translator/interpre­ter). Plus, all expenses paid while in JPN! Don't know how demanding JET is though.

Of course, you need some Japanese to become a CIR. Should learn that in undergrad.

[poshko41]

I'm also very concerned about my knowledge of the Japanese language adversely affecting my application. I indicated on the online application that my speaking and listening are semi-advanced (having studied for more than four years at college). I just wonder if that will hurt or help my chances...

[blproducer]

Not at all.

Taken from the official JET website.

...If you want to be a CIR:

Criteria O: (You must) Have a strong command of the Japanese language. Japanese language proficiency is necessary to function in a Japanese office environment. Language proficiency of CIR applicants should be at a semi-advanced/advanced level. Applicants with intermediate language skills may find the position of CIR challenging.

[Rictof]

It's great that you're starting this series. You always have a lot of information to put out, and you do well at speaking clearly. I look forward to watching this as the videos are released. Take care Jason, good luck making these vlogs and I hope you get a lot of support from other current JETs.

[myargonauts]

thanks for the support.  :D

[xXsiner666Xx]

Hey I was woundering do you need to have some sort of degree to apply? I just finished High school (2010)

[myargonauts]

@xXsiner666Xx yep - you have to be a college graduate with a BA or BS degree to apply

[ItariShun]

@xXsiner666Xx if you're in Canada, I'm pretty sure they require a university degree

[lleverfreell]

Yay, the series I've been looking forward to! :D I'll be (hopefully) working on my application in the next two months, so your videos will be of great help!

[myargonauts]

Cool - good luck. I just filmed #2 - should be posting it tomorrow.

[fisge]

Thanks for your reply, but you misunderstood my first question. I know you contract through JET with the prefecture or school board, but there is a danger of your renewal being denied, yes? Does JET let you know before your year is up if they want to renew with you or not? If so, I would know then that I need to search for independent work (if I were denied renewal). If they don't let you know before time is up, then I suppose it would be a good idea to start applying around anyway?

Thanks. :-)

[myargonauts]

ahh - ok. JETs almost never get denied if they want to recontract. It's just sooooo much easier and cheaper for the Japanese staff if you stay another year. But with recent cutbacks, some JETs have seen their positions eliminated, but even those JETs were offered a new job in a different location. And if it were to happen, they would certainly tell you at least 4 months before your current contract expires since the Japanese fiscal year starts in April.

[CharacterForming]

Looking forward to the rest of this series. Keep up the good work! On a slight tangent, are there many Irish JETs in your prefecture? Curious because of the Lafcadio Hearns connection. :)

[myargonauts]

Yes - we have a fair number of Irish JETs in Shimane. They used to hire an Irish CIR here in Izumo, since we have a sister city relationship with a city in Ireland, but they recently hired a Californian, but we also have a sister city in Calif.

Go Ireland! :)

[stringtofate]

Hey Jason, I'll be looking forward to this series, thanks for taking the time. What was your major?

[myargonauts]

thanks - question answered in a comment below. :)

[sheerblade]

Great video Jason, informative as always, keep at it for those that wanna be JETs.

[fisge]

I want to do JET for 5 years beginning in 2011. Since you have to renew each year, is it a good idea to apply to schools directly before each anniversary in case your renewal is denied (if you want to continue working in Japan)? Do they let you know they want to renew long before you are set to go back home for that year?

Also, you haven't heard anything about JET possibly being discontinued, have you? That'd be just my luck if they did. =/

[myargonauts]

You don't work for an individual school - you work for the Board of Education (or the Prefecture in case of HS). You have to tell them if you want to recontract in February and your contract ends in July.

JET is certainly scaling back and hiring fewer people, as many school boards are using other companies to hire ALTs since they pay less than JET.

[SchoolhouseTechno]

I almost passed over this video because I thought you were re-posting one of your previous JET videos.

Nice to see more JET videos though, since it's something that I can see myself doing in the future.

[hitmanlineman54]

say by some chance you luck out and get put into Tokyo or Osaka or Kyoto where the cost of living is very high... will the salary go up in those cases or will it stay the same

[myargonauts]

Nope - your salary is the same no matter where you are placed.

[emergencyincas]

Thanks for the new JET series! Always interesting and informative.

[rodgerswan]

jason, thanks so much for this video series! Yeah, I saw the application went live a few days back, so I'm hoping to start on it this week. Gosh, I hope I can make it into JET...again thanks so much for this series, i'm sure it will be really helpful!

[myargonauts]

I'm sure you'll get the interview, unless you were too busy in college watching J-horror flicks and you ended up with a 1.5 GPA... :D

[Carly1223]

Do you have TEFL OF ESL certification? Do you think it's better to have that before applying or does it matter if you have it as long as your a native english speaker? I've been trying to decide whether to get mine because I'm in my final year at college so I really wouldn't have any teaching experience besides being around my mom who is a teacher and learning from her. Do think it would be good to have the TEFL because I don't have any certified exerience?

[myargonauts]

It will certainly look good on your application, and in your post-JET career to have it, but you do NOT need it to become a JET.

[lon21]

Maybe you'll cover this later, but out of interest do you mind me asking what you got your degree in?

[myargonauts]

I graduated from UCSD with a BA in American History and a minor in Japanese Studies.

[Nozokimidayo]

what is the story with pay and Jet, does it vary much on where you go or is there a set pay across the board?

[myargonauts]

every JET makes the same salary - the only thing that varies is cost of living and taxes based on your country of origin.

3,000,000yen per year.

[Nozokimidayo]

How do you feel about it, do you feel you have a decent standard of living?

[myargonauts]

Yeah - I think it's a decent wage for what we do. It would be nice to get a raise if you stick around, like I have, but you know you won't get one before you recontract, so it's just another thing to consider.

If I didn't have to send money home, like I do each month to cover some domestic debt, then the JET salary would be more than enough to live off of and enjoy myself here in Japan.

[Nozokimidayo]

I have noticed that in the last 3 years since I came here the usual basic wage offered to teachers at most places has not increased. I often see adds offering a 250 000 starting pay. I think in the last 3 years cost of living has gone up slightly so it makes me wonder if teachers basic wages will ever improve. When I worked in China we got paid a lot less but because the cost of living is so low and you often get a free apartment to live in it feels like you have a lot of money to throw around.

[tommiskey]

Actually, isn't it 3.6 million yen per year? 300,000 yen per month gross? It was when I was on JET, long ago

[myargonauts]

yep - you're right! I need more sleep - i can't multiply by 12. :P