Hello Potential Jet Participant. I am in the JET Program now but will be leaving this summer to return home. Back when I was applying, I had a lot of questions and erroneous assumptions about life in Japan and what I would be doing if/once I got there.
In my two years here, I have learned a lot and wanted to somehow share with you what life in the Jet Program in Japan is like so I made this slideshow…it has pictures of school, travel, the city I live in, etc, etc. Just kind of a snapshot of what the JET Program is like if you keep in mind the old motto that every situation is different. Enjoy and Ganbaru!
Click here if looking for some cool Japanese stuff including study materials
Tips on Getting the Most out of Being in the JET Program
1) Learn as much Japanese as possible – Though you technically don’t have to study Japanese, it will help you tremendously in both day-to-day life and you working relationships if you do.
2) Be Pro-active – Japan is a very passive society. You don’t have to be though. That’s the good thing about being a foreigner in Japan…you aren’t expected to act Japanese so don’t worry about it. If you have a constructive opinion or idea, don’t be afraid to express it.
3) Be Patient – It’s easy for an ALT to have a bad day. Culture and language barriers make communication difficult and you get tired of hearing the same things all the time. Don’t take these innocent problems as a personal insult.
4) Get a Hobby – You may find yourself having a lot of downtime and studying kanji (Chinese characters) 12 hours a day can get old fast. Buy a guitar, take up calligraphy, unify the laws of physics…the sky’s the limit.
5) Ganbaru – You’ll get tired of hearing this but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good advice. Do your best with what you’ve got. Many things won’t be ideal…your students may be unmotivated, your teachers may not speak English, you may be cold half the year and fighting off exotic bugs the rest. It’s still a good job and you’re still living in Japan!
Didn’t make it into JET or want to try teaching in Japan another way?
Check out this excellent Book on making a living as an English teacher in Japan
That’s it for now. Leave a question in the comment field and I’ll be happy to get back to you. Just keep in mind that in the JET Program as in life, Every Situation is Different.
Hi!
I enjoyed the pictures. I am Thai/Chinese girl who was born and raised in the US. I was wondering if I don’t look like the ‘typical’ American, will it be a problem?
very nice layout. I got into JET for this coming school year, and am so excited about it. It should be a blast.
Amy…sorry so long in getting back to you…I dont think it will be a problem but I’m sure a lot of the kids will be surprised by the idea that an Asian person can be an American too…
Graham…good luck!