Applying to JET - Vlog #106 - Tokyo advice roundtable - pt 1

[AMJGFutureJET]

I think the reason that people cannot get placed in Tokyo is because there are already so many foreigners there. The whole meaning behind the jet program is not only to teach English, but to get a feel for the Japanese culture and for the youth of japan to get some experience with foreigners. That is also why you will sometimes see some people get accepted who you would not expect. They're looking for variety. Then again, this is all speculation.

[myargonauts]

@AMJGFutureJET I think those are valid points. You're right, very few JETs get placed in the largest cities of Tokyo and Osaka. So you've got to want to live in Japan, especially rural Japan, to make the most of your JET experience.

[kabochabo]

Jet should be destined for the screening process.It's really wasteful uses of tax money.We don't need this.

[lslewis]

It was really nice to hear Tiera (not sure how to spell it) say that she had a terrible interview experience and see that she still made it in becoming a JET.

[shinmei2006]

so this is ShanePC on the forums huh...hmmm..

jason, are you on there?

[myargonauts]

the official JET forum? No, I don't log in regularly, but I have visited once or twice.

[imdaman765]

I was wondering if you could talk a little bit about the issue that Tara talked about going to many many schools. Quite frankly, this seems like it would be miserable, I would much rather have a base school where I could build a relationship with students and teachers, and then occasionally go to surround schools. I was just wondering what your experience with JETs who have done this is.

[imdaman765]

Do they seem to like it or dislike it? I saw that one of the advantages is not having to go to sports day, but I think this would be something that would be really fun and interesting, and is kind of the point of being in Japan and fostering internationalization.

[myargonauts]

they probably still get to go to Sports Day - but maybe they don't pick which school - it's just whatever one they happen to be at that day. I agree that having 10+ schools is a real challenge - but if that's your situation from the start, I'm sure you adjust to it and figure out how to make it work for you.

[liloaznboi]

sweet! I'm just waiting to graduate and then apply for the JET program!

[zaldabus]

Haha, that's so true about comfort food!

I remember when I found hot cheetoes at this store in Odaiba. I nearly started jumping up and down and screaming for joy. Instead I took a picture and posted it on my blog, which received many a weird comment.

[poshko41]

Hmmph!

I'm SO pumped for my interview now!!! I wish it was right now!

Still have to wait four days............... T_T

[Jackmyster99]

i Hopefully will be applying for JET in 3 years time when i finish my school studies. i'm going on student exchange this november so i guess that will determine if i would want to go back for JET :)

also, how long do you plan to stay in Japan? do you ever think about moving back to America?

[myargonauts]

well the maximum stay for a JET is 5 years, and I'm in my 5th year, so I'll most likely be going home in August.

Good luck with your plans.

[WhiteMatrix2006]

Good video Jason. Good to get different people's point of views. Thanks.

-Billy-

[mountaincritter]

I don't even think the Japanese included Hokkaido on their maps until the 1850s (that date could be wrong), so it's kind of intriguing to me....I think I could tolerate the cold.

[Cronaldo02]

i like the cold, Canada has taut me well

[lleverfreell]

Every time I watch your videos, I'm reminded of how much I want to be accepted into JET. =) I'll keep all the advice in mind and cross my fingers that my interview will get me there!

[Zojo87]

Wow, I can't wait to apply this year. So much good advice. Thanks a lot Jason, hope you stock up as much as you can of Dr. Pepper :-)

Quick question, do any ALT's bring animals with them if they get chosen to be on the JET programme?? or is that a big no no???

[myargonauts]

haha - I've never been asked that. You might be able to bring a cat or dog, but they might have to go thru the typical quarantine system first. I'm not sure. I had a friend here who got a cat once she was here and that was fine, as long as your house/apt allows pets. And many JETs have aquariums for some reason.

[ZoahPorre]

Obviously they are rescuing them! :D

[poshko41]

Actually, there's a section on the JET website that addresses that question. I can't remember exactly where it was, but I still remember what it said. I guess Japanese customs are pretty stringent on bringing in animals. It said that they could be quarantined for as long as six months.

I was seriously thinking of bringing my dog until I read that. Guess he's gonna have to stay with Mom and Dad. :)

[afronathan]

Liked the video, more videos with Shane as well, I aspire to have a job like his :)

Thanks

[BusanKevin]

Although I'm not a JET, I always find these videos interesting. Some good adivce in there for those who hope to join the program :)

[myargonauts]

I appreciate that you watch them even tho they don't necessarily apply to you. ;)

[myargonauts]

yeah - all of the CLAIR staff I've interacted with after they were ALTs are fluent when they go to work for CLAIR.

[myargonauts]

well it depends - on why you want to be placed in a urban area - if you have a good reason, you have a better chance than a random pick by someone else - but 80% or so of JET placements are rural.

[Jmask5]

Man this all seems very interesting and fun. Unfortunately for me I can't work outside my field(IT) for more then 1 year because it would look bad on my Resume. Or so I've been told.

[iTzNoko]

Dr. Pepper oh yeah.

[duerre17]

Thanks a TON Jason. These video's just make me more and more excited. I've still got 1 more year till I'm done with my bachelors so I won't be applying this next time around. But keep the video's coming man. They're awesome!!!

[myargonauts]

cool - thanks!

[PannaIka]

great video Jason :)

[CharacterForming]

lol u do sound wired. musta been a fun day! great vid!

[Graehaus]

Awesome lot of folks there, Jason. Alot of cool info. Thanks for posting. :)