Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this guide. You should now be well on your way to becoming an ALT with the JET Programme. Here is a summary of the benefits of using this guide to help you with your application:
- Detailed deconstruction of my Statement of Purpose to help you write the most optimised version of yours
- An insight into the exact kind of applicant JET are looking for
- The fruits of all of my research into creating an application that had no chance of failure
- Tips on how to prep for your interview based on possible questions you might get asked
- Tips on how to select where you want to live in Japan
- Tips on how to find out answers to all the burning questions you have
- Guidance from a successful JET applicant
I wish you all the best of luck with your application and your possible adventure!
We all applied to the JET Programme because of our love of the magical nation of Japan – and now you have the best possible chance to live there!
Keep reading for the list of highly recommended resources that I’ve mentioned throughout, along with more detailed descriptions of each one on the proceeding pages.
Sayōnara!
Highly Recommended Resources
Learning Japanese
This is a great audio resource for learning Japanese, I personally used it whenever I washed dishes or did the ironing. I found myself speaking Japanese around the house almost straight away.
Free daily podcasts to learn Japanese at your own pace.
Beginner Japanese (Katakana) – Skillshare
Skillshare is an educational platform where you can learn all sorts of digital and lifestyle skills from online tutorials. Here is a great beginner language class that you can take for free! This link gets you 2 free months of Skillshare.
Books
This is a memoir of a former JETs experience on the programme. I read it as a means of imagining myself in his position and previewing what life on the JET Programme would be like. The author is also a great writer and really funny guy.
This is the book to read for all Japan enthusiasts. It goes into detail on everything Japanese, from the working culture to manga. A fascinating read.
This is perfect for helping you to select your location choices and daydreaming about trips you would take if selected for the Programme.
Blogs
http://www.cubiclethrowdown.com/the-jet-programme-from-application-to/
Podcasts
Let’s be honest…deciding to go and move and work in a completely new country and culture is a scary and intimidating prospect.
I know that during my application process, I constantly listened to podcasts centred around the JET programme.
Within these podcasts were experienced JETs who talked extensively of such things as the application, the interview and the experience of actually moving to the land of the rising sun and teaching.
Here are my recommendations:
James from ‘The Inside Japan Podcast' (ALT insider podcast) provided a constant stream of comfort and information during the JET application procedure. The application took me about two weeks and I listened to at least an episode of this podcast a day.
I listened to the practical episodes which gave great tips with the application, as well as what to expect from teaching.
This podcast took away the element of the unknown and made teaching in Japan seem like a reality rather than just a crazy idea.
James’ whole attitude towards the JET programme is based around having fun. Because of course it can be scary moving to a new place. And if you’re new too careful, you could allow yourself to be too overwhelmed to enjoy the experience.
Hence why James suggests taking the attitude of trying to have as much fun as possible.
This is a podcast I discovered through ALT insider. The host has a lot of in depth conversations with ex and current JETs about their experience and life after the programme. Really recommend this one once you run out of ALT Insider episodes to consumer.
YouTube Channels/Videos
MyArgonauts Jason
Jason is the staple of any wannabe JET YouTube diet. He provides so much clarity and information just by talking to the camera and explaining his way of life on the JET Programme.
This is really the channel to go to for getting excited about moving to Japan. Chris Broad is an incredibly funny guy and he really is a prime example of getting the most out of the JET Programme.
There are many great videos covering all aspects of Japan, from hyping yourself up to take the leap, to visiting an island devoted to foxes.
Apartment Tour Video (CaraAdventures)
New JETs giving a guided tour of their new home. These are the perfect videos to make everything feel a bit more real and prepare yourself for potentially moving into your new home.
Seeing someone’s bathroom can really help you decide in your mind if you can picture yourself brushing your teeth twice a day there.
A Day in the Life of an ALT
The infectious energy of the guy in the video will motivate you to get the application done and sent off as quick as possible. It did for me! As soon as I saw this video I knew that this is what I wanted to be doing.
Japan Club
Whether you wish to practice the language of if you want to lessen the anxiety of waiting around to hear the result of your application/interview, you can find a local Japan Club.
You can do this by going on https://www.meetup.com/ or even just googling your city and ‘Japan Club’.
I cannot guarantee there will be one, but if there isn’t, you can always start one yourself. This would be good practice for getting yourself out there in the community – which is something that you may be doing a lot in Japan – whether you find yourself in a rural or a city location.
In my experience of Japan Club, I met lots of people that had participated in similar programmes to JET, which really helped ease my nerves and also gave me a lot of information on good locations to live or to travel to.
Online Jobs to Save Money for Japan
Whether you proceed with JET or not, you can still become an online teacher with teach from home jobs with the following platforms:
Or read even more about side hustles from home.
Rethinking Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century