As the deadline draws nearer, I’m starting to realize just how competitive the JET programme is. It’s my first time applying, and though I’m hoping for the best, I still am preparing for any outcome. Does anyone know of any good alternatives to JET? I’ve recently applied to LINK Japan Careers as well. Does anyone have any insight? Thanks
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In terms of support getting to Japan as an ALT, JET is pretty much the easiest way.
You can apply to other (eikaiwa) companies like Interac, NOVA or Aeon directly, but you will have to book your own flight. The pay and conditions are a bit different, but you might have more say where you end up going. I do recall hearing that they have a bit of a backlog since the pandemic however.
Gaijinpot and LinkedIn have job postings, but do your research about any company you apply to. I’ve known way too many people just eager to get over here, signing up for awful conditions…
Consider your long-term goals as well. Even if your Japanese isn’t native level, you might be able to find work in your chosen field too (if that’s outside of teaching).
While it’s good to have a back-up plan, don’t give up just yet 🙂 I actually never thought I was going to get in (no teaching background, no Japanese ability, never lived abroad, absolutely stumbled and stuttered my way through the interview, etc. etc.), but somehow got the job. Just present your best self and cross your fingers!
Whatever you do, stay away from Interac Network. They still have backed logged 2020 applicants that still haven’t arrived because they keep losing contracts, yet are still accepting applications because their turnover rate is high af. They are black company status at this it seems like. They lost some 200 contracts in Kanto to Heart and Borderlink (stay away from them too), and ppl where fired on the spot during a Zoom meeting, with less than 2 weeks to find new employment.
You might want to look at AEON, NOVA, GABA, or ALTIA Central.
There are so many…but kinda crap…even interac which is the next big company. Good luck
Don’t rule out EPIK in Korea. They have two recruitment cycles a year.
It’s not exactly the same, but I’m likely to do the Peace Corps if I don’t get accepted for JET. Also first time applicant
Taiwan has their version of JET called TFETP.
The big plus of working at one of the eikaiwas is that you can be in a big city, if that’s what you prefer. On JET, you can still be in a big city, but your placement is an absolute crapshoot. Odds are, you’ll be in bumfuck nowhere. But compared to JET the pay at an eikaiwa is usually noticeably worse and not always guaranteed (you may get paid by lesson, rather than a salary), the benefits are worse, and your schedule will likely be much worse (working evening hours and weekends). What may or may not be a plus for you, depending on your interest in teaching, is that when you work at an eikaiwa, you will actually be teaching (even if it is very script-based with little freedom on your part). On JET, Every Situation Is Different (ESID) as they say. You may literally sit at your desk all day, you may go to class and be a human tape recorder, or you may be in charge of your own classes.
Overall, an eikaiwa is cookie cutter teaching and you’ll be treated and paid like you are disposable, which you are, but at least you’ll get to experience city life. There’s no guarantee what your experience will be like on JET, but at least on JET you’ll be more financially secure with a guaranteed salary and holidays, and you’ll have a support network of fellow JETs to hopefully hang out with.