JET Impressions

Inspirations in applying to JET and the Application process

I think that it can be very tough for final year university students to contemplate what to do after graduation. I was no exception to this rule, and felt trepidation as my graduation approached. The woes of final deadlines and future prospects chafed me into collecting application forms, but forever reluctant to fill them in. However, I was able decide on five things: I would work away from home I would meet new and interesting people I would feel like something I did made a difference somewhere I would like a challenge I would do ‘something else’

A great deal of people at University, both friends and acquaintances spoke of going ‘travelling’ after graduating. For me the view was a little different. I wanted to get involved rather than just be an observer.

While researching these ideas, I found the JET Programme. Some internet backwater hyperlink brought me to this very website. A government sponsored chance to work and live in one of the most interesting countries in the world, no Japanese ability required, no teaching experience necessary and a more than generous salary. Naturally I viewed this with immediate suspicion, it does sound too good to be true. Fortunately JET Programme representatives were due to give a lecture at my University in the following week. The frank presentation gave depth to my internet research, and it also allowed us a chance to talk first hand with an ex-JET.

The JET Programme presented a rare opportunity to immerse myself in a culture often wrongly perceived as being alien and isolationist and the chance to play a role that would be both rewarding for myself and my hosts. It appeared that JET fulfilled all of my tenets. And above all, JET appeared to satisfy the ‘something else’ clause that I had originally stipulated. Essentially, a great chance to explore a fascinating country while at the same time testing the limits of my own abilities.

Thoughts Prior to Departure, and Orientation in the UK

I got the call late in the morning from my mother. A letter had arrived from the JET Programme HQ in London saying the name of the town I would be staying in. My mother in an uncharacteristic fit of technological pioneering actually used the internet to find out that I would be in north Chiba. Of course, this initially meant nothing to me, while I pride myself on knowing a few Japanese cities; the names of all 47 prefectures still escape me. The time frame between my acceptance on to the programme and the actual departure was fraught with various events. The languid experience of student life was suddenly lost amongst coursework deadlines and a communal anxiety about degree classifications.

However the JET Programme allowed me a unique freedom among my peers.Having now received welcoming letters from my host Board Of Education, I did not have those major concerns of ‘What now?’ and ‘Where next?’ - The answer was simple ‘I’m going to work in Japan’.

The pre-departure orientation in London allowed a much needed release of enthusiasm. While the basic Japanese lessons were intense and occasionally overwhelming, I don’t think any of us doubted their practicality upon arrival here. Perhaps equally as informative as the workshops themselves was the chance to learn so much from other applicants, the combined knowledge that everyone shares is awesome - what you haven’t found out from JET, someone else will tell you about.

The London pre-departure orientation reassured me that I had nothing to worry about. As graduates what better opportunities than a chance to work abroad in comfort were presenting themselves in the UK?

First Impressions upon arrival, and Orientation in Tokyo

Arrival in Japan immediately both confirmed and destroyed many of my own naive preconceptions. The first immediate thing we all noticed was the heat. JETs typically arrive at the very peak of the Japanese summer. Instead of Britain’s grey skies, Japan actually has identifiably different seasons, and we had arrived during the hottest one. The first three days in Japan were a maelstrom of adjustment and fun. Tokyo is an urban landscape like no other. As a JET newbie, you’re treated to the very best that Tokyo has to offer - accommodated in luxury hotels and attending conferences held in giant halls made the 8000 miles from student life in Sheffield seem even further away.

Throughout the Tokyo orientation, everyone is required to choose from a variety of workshops and seminars to attend, each covering many different topics and serving as basic primer courses for various aspects of your life in Japan. Essential for me were the workshops on grocery shopping - initially a bit of an overwhelming experience, and communications - keeping in contact with people frees you from any feelings of isolation.

Of course, there is plenty of time in which to rest off any jet-lag, although rest is usually spurned in favour of exploring the surrounding area of Shinjuku. Aside from the workshops, there are various no cost spared events to attend, the highlight for British JETs perhaps being a party held by the Ambassador at the British Embassy. Possibly the only place in the whole of Japan you will find a well worn cricket set neatly stuffed into a corner. Each of these events provide a good forum in which to meet fellow ALTs local to you and to be introduced to the various people who form the support structures in place for JETs all over the country.

Ultimately, the whole experience of Tokyo orientation serves as a fantastic welcome to Japan and for myself confirmed that coming to Japan was the right decision to make.

Situation at Work

Typically I teach at the Junior High School level. My time is split between two schools teaching 11 to 15 years olds with monthly sojourns to any one of eight elementary schools. Students generally spend most of their English lessons being drilled in grammar, so as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) it’s my role to teach them stuff outside the realms of dictionaries and textbooks. Lessons normally follow a set plan beginning with a greeting, basic review and then straight in to English games or some kind of cultural activity. None of this is constant as I work with a variety of teachers. Team teaching requires adaptability on the part of the ALT as some teachers will have a specific vision that they wish to fulfil while others really do look to the ALT for guidance.

One of the great aspects of team teaching is the mutual assurance and support that the JTE (Japanese Teacher of English) and the ALT are able to give each other during the lesson. Both individuals have talents that when combined allow for great teaching potential - JTEs are able to gauge their students abilities, while the ALT provides first class interaction with the students. Personally, I find its immensely reassuring to have another teacher with whom to look to if things aren’t going as planned.

Outside of school the ALT’s role continues. Sports activities are a staple pastime for most students and there have been plenty of opportunities for me to join in. Regardless of sporting ability all of the clubs have been welcoming, and despite a chronic incapacity in football I have now found my place as coach for the under 14s.

As JETs we serve not just as teachers inside the school, but as envoys from our home countries outside of it. JETs are hired as catalysts for Internationalisation, and that responsibility extends far beyond the classroom.

Looking Back, and Looking Ahead

Now half way through my first year as a JET, my hope is that the next six months will be as fun and educational as my first six months were. In such a small period I’ve seen and accomplished so much, starting from learning basic Japanese and making new friends to exploring the depths of Tokyo and climbing Mt. Fuji. At this point, I have been asked to offer advice to anyone considering an application to JET. I feel a little cheeky in doing so, considering that I’m only 5 months in to this job, but nevertheless there are perhaps a few things you should contemplate. Coming to Japan is a big decision, you’ll be leaving everyone you know and love to embark on a big adventure.

For myself, after leaving university, I sought a real challenge outside of studying - others come here seeking to experience and assimilate Japanese culture or to develop their teaching skills. Whatever your reasons for applying realise that your application is more than for just a job but for an entire lifestyle experience.

JET is a great opportunity and an intense experience.

You will be here as a representative of your own country; here to teach and inform about other nations outside of Japan - coming here with a gung-ho attitude and the desire to change Japan will not get you far and will only mire you in frustration.

Really though, if you are a polite and positive individual looking for a challenge and a chance to meet a variety of people there really isn’t anything to stop you from applying and succeeding. And, for those of you frightened by the daunting paperwork and interviews, trust me, they’re the hardest part of the entire JET experience.