I plan on applying to the JET Programme once I’ve completed my studies in the next 2-3 years in Ireland and I’m wondering what my chances of being accepted are. By the time I will be applying I will have a honours bachelors degree with English as my major. I will also have a masters in education for teaching children of a high school age and my TEFL. However, my Japanese is quite poor. Are my chances of being accepted high?
4 comments
No one knows acceptance chances. You’ll have to apply and see. Good luck!
It has a lot more to do with your attitude toward the program and if you seem like you’ll be friendly and adaptable than teaching qualifications or Japanese ability. They’re looking for people who can adapt to unpredictable situations and go with the flow even when under the stress of culture shock.
I have a degree in something completely unrelated and I’m here, and tons of people come with zero Japanese. If you have good reasons for coming to Japan and seem motivated to try your best and not give up easily, you’ll have a good shot.
Although qualifications do play a role, they look more for someone’s personality and adaptability. Given, there is no public data to reference to figure out rate of acceptance etc but it doesn’t hurt to try. Many people with no history in teaching and a degree on the opposite side of the spectrum have made it in. It’ll all depend on how well you can write your SOP and who interviews you.
You can have qualifications coming out of your ears and you can still not get accepted. The only one you definitely need is a Bachelors for the visa.
Everything else is helpful, but you can make it in without a teaching degree and with speaking no Japanese as long as your SOP is good and your interview shows that you’re open and adaptable.