In an effort to keep the application questions in one place to keep the sub more organized and to provide easier searching please use this thread for application questions.
**Due to the nature of an international program, there are a number of application differences between participating countries’ applications.**
**PLEASE CONSULATE YOUR COUNTRIES EMBASSY FOR COUNTRY SPECIFIC APPLICATION INFORMATION.**
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**Can I apply?**
You must be a citizen of a participating country to apply. If your country is not listed below you will unfortunately not be able to apply, however, there are other organizations that you can apply to such as eikaiwa (cram schools) and other dispatch companies such as Interac.
You can find a list of participating countries [here](http://jetprogramme.org/en/countries/).
**What kind of Certification/Experience/Education do I need?**
You must have a Bachelor’s Degree or three-year teacher training certification or have obtained one by the date designated by your Embassy or Consulate (General) of Japan.
**Do I need a Bachelor’s Degree in English, Japanese, or education to apply for the JET Programme?**
No, a Bachelor’s Degree in any field is sufficient to meet the eligibility criteria.
**Do I need teaching experience/certificate/TESOL/TEFL to apply for the JET Programme?**
No, teaching experience is not a requirement for participation on the JET Programme, but such experience/certification will be an asset during the selection process.
**I do not speak Japanese. Can I apply for the JET Programme?**
Yes, you can apply for the JET Programme even if you do not speak any Japanese. However, if accepted, you are expected to make a continual effort to learn and improve your Japanese skills in order to better communicate with the people around you.
**Where can I find the application?**
It depends on the country you are applying from. Please consult your countries JET website/Embassy for more information. Here is a list of some of the participating countries. (Some applications have no opened yet so the link may be inaccurate. Please contact me to correct it.)
[United States](https://jetprogramusa.org/)
[United Kingdom](https://www.jet-uk.org/)
[Australia](https://www.au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/education_jet_en.html)
[New Zealand](https://www.nz.emb-japan.go.jp/culture_education/JET.html)
[Canada](https://jetprogramme.ca/)
[Ireland](https://www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000048.html)
[South Africa](https://www.za.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/jet_programme.html)
[Philippines](https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000147.html)
[Jamaica](https://www.jamaica.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/jet_application.html)
[Trinidad and Tobago/Barbados](https://www.bb.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/jet.html)
**What positions can I apply for?**
**ALT** (Assistant Language Teacher) – These participants are placed mainly in public schools or local boards of education. ALTs assist with classes taught by Japanese Teachers of English/Language (JTEs/JTLs) and are thus involved in the preparation of teaching materials and in extracurricular activities like English clubs or sports teams. More than 90% of JET participants are employed as ALTs.
**CIR** (Coordinator of International Relations) – Applicants with a functional command of the Japanese language can apply to work as CIRs, assisting local government offices in international exchange activities at the local level. Just under 10% of JET participants are CIRs and major duties often include translation/interpretation for government officials, teaching community or school English classes, and international exchange event planning and implementation.
**SEA** (Sports Exchange Advisor) – SEAs work for local governments, coaching and promoting internationalization through the universal language of sports. SEAs are sports professionals whose role is to assist with sports training and the planning of sports-related projects.
＊Recruitment of SEAs differs greatly from that of ALTs and CIRs, and applicants to the SEA position must be recommended by either the participating country’s National Olympic Committee or another government organization.
**I want to be a CIR but I am unsure about my Japanese language ability. What is a good measure?**
Applicants for the CIR position must demonstrate a grasp of Japanese equivalent to the JLPT N2 or N1 levels. CIR applicants have typically studied Japanese for a minimum of two years at the university level. Additionally, CIRs are tested in Japanese at the interview. While JLPT certification is not a requirement for applying to be a CIR, many CIRs possess a Japanese level equivalent to level N1 of the JLPT.
**When is the application deadline?**
Specific deadlines for applications* vary by country*. Please contact the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in your country of citizenship to find out the application deadline.
**Why does someone else have different information/requirements than me? Did I do something wrong/miss something?**
**Due to the nature of an international program, there are a number of application differences between participating countries’ applications. PLEASE CONSULATE YOUR COUNTRIES EMBASSY FOR COUNTRY SPECIFIC APPLICATION INFORMATION**
43 comments
I’m still a student but I’m expected to graduate with my degree this December. I’m most of the way through my application. Do I still request my transcripts showing everything I’ve done thus far, or just my Proof of Expected Graduation alone?
Guys can someone tell me has Ireland applications open yet i’m very confused!
I’m having some trouble filling out the TEFL section of the application. I took an online 180 hour course but the application only asks if you have a TEFL certificate *with training*. The options are: Yes, TEFL w/ 100+ hours of training OR Yes, TEFL with less than 100 hours of training OR No TEFL cert. From what I’ve read, most people say any online TEFL is okay even without a practicum or in class training but I don’t know how to fill this section out as it is so specific?
I’m still waiting on my reference letters to go through,
Would it be a good idea to wait to fill the rest of the application and get all of that information ready? Or wait, and do it all at once.
Do they check to see the submission date?
So I have many questions about the UK application which hopefully others with experience can help with.
-In the the work experience section for the “Job description” should I write a paragraph on the role or bullet points (or something else?)?
-Does TEFL count as “teacher training”?
-I did Japanese GCSE in 2017, is that worth putting in the “study of japanese language” section?
-For the “International/Intercultural Experience” section, I went solo backpacking for 3 weeks should I pop it in or is it not relevant?
*(as a side note I want to aply for early departure and finding medical stuff is proving tough if anyone can recommend for London/SE)
I completed a the online CELTA certificate with Cambridge University – would I include this in the education section as a University I attended for a month or only in the teaching experience section?
For the Extra-curricular/Volunteer Activities question, it says to limit your answer to a maximum of 200 characters? Do they mean 200 words, because it seems too short 🤔
Question for UK early departures. It says to be considered for early departure you need to submit COH and ICPC with your application.
However, if I go to the ICPC website it says you need something like an offer of employment to request a check? How do you navigate this without a formal offer from JET? Do any former JETs have advice for if you can submit this ASAP after an early departure offer or if there’s a way around the requirement on the ICPC site?
If my birth certificate backside is a bit faded (basically the seal and not all the information on the front) should I still use it or get a new one? You can still see it but it is somewhat faded and they said make sure it’s clear. Wasn’t sure how picky they are on that as long as it’s readable?
UK applicant here. Does anyone know what the regional blocks are on the application form? It says to check the application guidelines for an explanation of which region is which, however… it isn’t even *mentioned* in the application guidelines?
US here. Can I please have help understanding the FBI background check process?
>Submit fingerprints electronically via a third party or a hard-copy by mail. Submit payment online.
So if I understand correctly, the 3rd party fingerprint servicer will send the fingerprints *themselves* to the FBI if electronic is their method? Or will they send those fingerprints to an email I provide them?
>Send the fingerprints with your application (for mail requests) or email confirmation (for electronic requests) to the FBI.
I printed the template onto card stock and had my fingerprints done by a local police station. Does email confirmation mean I can scan my fingerprint card and attach that as a PDF to the FBI website for the electronic option? Or will it be more efficient to do it again electronically from the get-go? Again, I want to go for the electronic method, and I just want to know how to get the FBI my fingerprints.
So will the 3rd party send the prints themselves? Or will they send it to me, and *I* send those electronic fingerprints? OR, can I simply scan what I now have and attach it anywhere as a PDF when doing the request to the FBI?
For the teaching experience section, what should I put in “hours per week” for seasonal jobs I do every summer or spring (Like summer camp jobs)? If I did the actual hours per week when I was working, it would be more than I could conceivably do in a given week. If I averaged it per week for the year, it would be a ridiculously low number
Hi guys, it says I need to submit a statement of physician. When/how do I submit this?? I’m assuming it’s after I submit the form? But the form says I will be unable to make cha he’s once I submit it and I am worried I’ve missed an upload link or something. Can someone confirm??
Hey y’all, I have a question about letters of recommendation’s. My professor used to be involved with the administration side of JET because they were an alumni years ago and they are worried that if they submit this letter it will be voided. Does anyone know if there’s a restriction?
Hello everyone, I applied last year and got rejected. This time around I want to make the strongest case for myself and was wondering if “flare” should be avoided in the essay. Is it considered as a personality showcase or simply a pre-interview where you want to show off your skills as an applicant? Should it be an interesting read or straight to the point?
In my country, they are only advertising openings for the ALT position and not the CIR position.
If I apply for CIR anyways, is there still a chance to get it? Or that they consider me for ALT instead?
Or will they just disregard my application automatically?
Hello, everyone UK ALT applicant for early departure I am trying to apply for the ICPC police check but the website keeps saying the form is disabled for maintenance. It’s been like that for 2 days anyone else is getting this, should I contact the JET desk about it so it doesn’t affect my application? I am not sure what to do? Thanks
Are there any restrictions with applicants that have tattoos? Because I am a 2nd year college Bachelor of science in secondary education major in English planning to apply to the JEt programme and at the same time thinking of getting a tattoo around my chest area, but can be covered up when wearing clothes, and some other tips or things to consider when applying as an English teacher in Japan. Thank you very much!!
What types of things should I include on my personal essay when I’m writing it for the application? Should I talk about myself? My goals? Any help appreciated!
I have an oddly intricate question: Right now I’m (effectively) living abroad and it’s been undoubtedly an experience of meeting with and adapting to an unfamiliar culture. I’d like to list this in my application, and yet there is no definite end date beyond getting work placement (with or without JET). My dilemma is: what do I write in the part of the form that says “period to”? I was considering writing “ongoing” but I know that improper information can make for immediate disqualification. I’m also considering just writing whichever day I happen to be filling in the form, though that wouldn’t be entirely accurate either. I’d consider removing it from the form entirely but I want to put down evidence I’ve adapted to and naturalized in a foreign culture. What do I do?
Update: I participated in a video Q&A session and was told that just putting down the current day or writing “ongoing” is acceptable. I’ll stick with putting down the present-day date just because a date is the requirement for the category and I’m concerned that writing “ongoing” would just create confusion and compromise my application.
Canadian applicant here. I want to add my freelance career as work experience, but I don’t know if that’s allowed. I’m not a registered company, so I don’t have a ‘Company name’ or ‘Company Address’. I have a website, but that’s about it. Should I add this career experience or leave it? The problem is, other than my day job (I work in a publishing office) I don’t have any other work experience ^^’
Will applying for ED increase my chances of being accepted?
Regarding the self-report of medical conditions section, are there certain conditions that they are watching out for to eliminate candidates?
In my specific case, I have ADHD/GAD, both of which are well managed using medicines that are legal for Japanese prescription, but I still wonder if that may cause concerns because of mental health stigmas in Japan.
If I did a 100+ hour online TEFL course but it only took about 12 hours of actual time, do I still select “I have completed 100 hours or more of training”?
I’m from the UK, is my deadline over?
Hi there; just wanted to ask two things as a JET Alumni who attended from the UK.
I went on the JET Programme for 2 years in the 00s, and recently, I’ve been involved with a careers event where I’ve been asked if I can present some info about it to people who are interested in going on JET or similar language teaching options in Japan.
However, it’s been ~15 years since I applied and I want to make sure my information is still reasonably relevant, or find out more about the present process.
**1) Has the JET programme changed significantly in the last 15 years?**
Has the application process changed? Things like application cutoff dates etc. aren’t important, as I wouldn’t give *that* level of detail in such a presentation anyway. I just mean the general things. I get the JET Alumni newsletter and haven’t seen mention of big upheavals and it’s clear that the programme is still running.
Are there any major changes of which I should be aware?
**2) What has happened to private language school teaching in Japan?**
Back when I went, for people who didn’t quite qualify for JET, or wanted to attend on a less stringent timeframe, or for various other reasons – you used to go and work in the Eikaiwa sector, most notably NOVA. However I was also in the country when the NOVA group collapsed, which put thousands of people out of work and left many of my friends in a precarious position, with no job, and their visa sponsor defunct. Many of them immediately went home.
What has happened to this sector since? Has it recovered?
Hey all, UK applicant here
I am confused by the phrasing of section 17 on the UK application form “International/Intercultural Experience (at home or abroad) ”
In the description it says, “If your experiences are in more than three countries, please write the remaining details in the third and final row.”
I backpacked across Europe over the summer but am confused as to whether I write all the countries I travelled through in one of the “country” boxes or list the countries in the final row?
Has anyone else been confused by this section? Do they want 3 seperate experiences, and therefore I can write multiple countries within one box, or 3 individual countries? The note referring to the third and final row makes no sense to me.
OMFG, I didn’t realize that the deadline for the application was EST and not PST and now I got locked out of the portal. I completed everything already and wanted to double check it today after my work before sending it in but didnt realize that the deadline has passed. I emailed them right away but I cant believe I made such a stupid mistake after preparing for it for so long. Am i fked? I actually want to cry
Hello, I have a couple questions for the application.
1. On 7 teaching experience how should I include my time tutoring since it is something I do by myself and not affiliated with any group?
2. 8 Japan related should I just list my studies by semester like on my transcript or list it as a year long like “beginning Japanese” 2014-2015 or Begining Japaense 1 8 2014-12 2014.
3. 13 for placement how should I go about filling out the “reason for selection” part?
4. Does anyone know how heavily they scrutinize the GPA had a few rough semesters so not as high as I would like it to be.
US applicant here—I’m a college student that’s primarily worked in a non-profit for the past two years. I work full time hours and have a proper employment contract, but don’t get any pay—was wondering if this should still be relegated to the volunteering section rather than employment? I would say it’s my “job” atm so I’m hoping to include it in employment
Hi, I’m from the UK. I’d like to ask something about the Statement of Physician requirement – it says you must have one filled out if you’ve suffered from a “physical illness” in the past five years. I had a thyroid disorder that was treated by having a thyroidectomy a few years ago. Does this count as a “physical illness”? I may not be able to see a GP in time to get this filled out, so I’m desperate to avoid having to get this done. I do take medication, but it’s for a now-permanent condition. Do I really need the Statement of Physician in a case like this?
not really a question but the signature date at the end is psyching me out, it’s technically the 19th here even though the application is still open.
Hi, aspiring 2022 JET here. I’m wondering if a girlfriend counts as a co-habiting family member? Been living together for 2 years now and we plan to marry at the latter half of next year. Should I include her in the list?
Uk Applicant here, when do we find out if we’ve made it through to the interview stage?
Thanks.
I thought this was a support sub for JETs as well but scrolling through numerous posts I see people getting put down, unnecessarily downvoted for reasonable answers, people being rude and people telling others to just “give up on JET” during this stressful time. What gives?
Can you teach in Japan with a 2 year bachelor degree? Or does it have to be 3-4 years?
Any other applicants get that “Statement of Physician Announcement” notice? I got my physician to fill out their recommended form but I’m still worried.
UK applicant – will we receive confirmation if we’ve NOT made it to interview? So will we get a rejection email or will we just not hear anything? Obviously hoping it doesn’t come to that haha
Are you able to apply for the JET programme if you have the nationality of a participating country but you have never lived in said country?
USA- If I reject the offer, after being selected, can I still reapply or will that hurt my chances?
I keep seeing posts about Interac here, is this company like the second-best option if you are rejected by JET or something? I hear basically all dispatch companies are like barely paid human trafficking and if there is one you must consider, it would be ALITA.
US here (LA consulate). Has anyone received their interview date? I have not. I responded to their email pretty much immediately, but haven’t heard back. Wanna make sure this is normal and I don’t need to follow up…
Hi, I’ve got my interview in a couple of weeks. I know very basic Japanese (e.g. say ‘hello’ and ‘excuse me’). My plan was to learn some basic phrases and questions (e.g. be able to listen out for ‘what is your name’). I indicated I spoke no Japanese on the form.
What do people think I should do? Learn more phrases or just keep it very basic?