JET Vlog #1 - Welcome to the JET Programme ようこそ

Umm, I have a pretty long question(actually it's a few) and I would like to know if you had an e-mail I could sent to you or your Facebook thingie? I'm really interested in JET and I just want to make sure I learn as much as I can about the program before I commit. Thanks for your help and your vlogs RULE!!

thanks - I have extensive playlists on JET and the process of applying, so click on my main page and then look thru my playlists.
If you still have a question, send me a PM here on YT

I've also been thinking of studying for the TESOL or CELTA course. Something with which I can alsouse here and its something I can do on the side for additional income along side my main job in the future. Appologies for the long response

So it's just about putting a spin on my absence from IT for the period that I am teaching. I was thinking the best way is to focus on the skills developed and I was hoping to speak to someone whose either been there and done that or someone who works on the JET program already. It would have been easier if I had just graduated and applied on the JET program but unfortunately that is not the case.

The only problem is explaining to potential employers of taking up teaching abroad. My personal reasons are really to get a boost in self confidence and other skills that I might develop. But I can't use self confidence as a reason in interviews. So I was looking at skills I might develop whilst teaching. I have been told a number of times about this self confidence issue and I am convinced that teaching for a while will help.

Thanks. My background is in IT, so after 1 1 ½ yrs - I am going to return to study a MSc in Computer science at uni in the UK. I graduated back in 2005 and have worked on a number of temporary contracts. Work is tough to found these days with the recession and I have realized that I need to update my skills, but before I go to uni I was thinking on teaching.

Hi there,

Great Vlog.

I am considering on applying for the JET.

I have 2 questions:

1) Do you keep in touch with former JET's and where have they ended up?
2) What skills do you develop whilst teaching English in Japan - that can be used as a transferrable skills in other industries?

1 - yeah, it's easy to keep in touch nowadays with emails and facebook, etc. Shimane JETs even have a facebook group (I'm sure most kens do as well) where we can keep in touch.
2 - Well, I've heard that some employers do seek out people with living abroad experience, and of course if you become fluent in Japanese that's a marketable skill. The teaching stuff really only applies to getting work teaching or working with kids, or some other creative way to spin it.

I really enjoy all of your videos! Very useful and entertaining!

Keep up the good work! :)

thanks - glad the vids are helpful