Hi guys. I’m a second year in college looking to do the JET program as soon as I graduate. I’m currently on path to becoming an English teacher. Getting a BA in English and a single subject credential in English. Also minoring in Asian Studies and Spanish. I know JET is highly competitive and I was wondering how likely would it be that I get in?
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No one can answer this. It’s impossible to know how likely you are to get in based on the limited info you have provided.
Chances are somewhere around 20%. You apply, you get qualified and theyll interview you and hire you. If you have all these qualifications and you suck at the interview stage, chances are you wont be considered. Also, idk about jet, but most companies dont want overqualified people because then its a red flag why youre going for jet instead of building a future with your skills.
Since youre majoring in english and if you get certified with tefl, i think you would have a better chance being the other option besides an alt (i forgot what its called).
If you make it to the interview phase, odds are 1 in 5 make. It all depends on the consulate’s intake. DC for example will have more spots than say Montana, but the odds might be better with smaller consulates.
No one can tell you your exact chances. JET accepts people of all different backgrounds/majors. You have just as much chance getting in as an English major as you do as a Computer Science major. It’s probably a plus if your background shows you have some level of interest in teaching or Japan, but not necessarily a deal breaker.
What matters more is how you present yourself in your application and interview. Do you have good motivations for coming to Japan? Can you positively contribute to your community in Japan? Have you had experience abroad before? Can you adjust well to new environments? These are the things JET will be looking for.
With that experience you probably will get asked in your interview why you want to go to Japan specifically when you could get a better salary and conditions in other countries, and as the main teacher. So I would prepare for that scenario. This is only a teaching assistant position and the public school curriculums are at a WAY lower level than the current international ESL standard.
I feel like you’d have better money and security in an international school. If you go for a TESOL-related MA you can even teach in university here.
There’s no way to tell, those fresh out of college with no experience in teaching get picked over someone with 10 years teaching English and a masters degree… they aren’t looking for that, they are looking for other qualities..how well you can adapt to a new culture, what experience you have with different cultures, how you might handle pressure…it’s not just about your qualifications.
Statistically, about 20% of applicants get shortlisted. Much higher than most graduate jobs.
You can get in with 0 experience teaching, Asian culture knowledge and no work experience. I’d say your chances are better than those people. Complete your application and express your desire to learn Japanese and the culture in the letter of intent. If you get an interview the rest is in your power to make a good first impression .