I arrived here on my first year around August and I recently re-contracted for my 2nd year earlier this month in December. I only plan on doing 2 years, but I am not sure if the contract is based on school years or actual 12 months periods.
Since I reapplied for my 2nd year, will that mean I’ll be told to return home by April 2024, August 2024, or December 2024? Thanks!
2 comments
Contracts are one year from the contract date. August 1 is usually the first day, and then the last day is July 31st. If you want to take advantage of JET paying for your flight home, you have 30 days from the end of your contract to get a ticket. My CO first confirmed with me that I would be returning to the US within 30 days, and then asked me to pick a date to fly home. I chose August 14th so that I could do a little more traveling in Japan first. They booked the actual flight but allowed me to provide input as to requesting a vegetarian meal, etc. I think I was also allowed to choose the airline, and luckily ANA (my favorite airline) runs a nonstop flight Tokyo to SFO, which was my home airport. When it gets closer to your contract ending, your CO should ask you about these details, if not, bring it up with them. My CO was very vigilant and took the initiative, but some of them might not.
Related to this, double check your visa expiration date! Mine expired before my contract ended (possibly the BOE’s oversight) but my base school tried to get me to stay beyond my visa until my contract end date. I had to really push to inform them that I cannot legally stay in the country beyond what my visa allows. So I’d recommend double checking that your dates don’t overlap like that :)!