In Japan FAQs
1. How much help are you given when you arrive? Is it easy to make friends?
Support for JETs on arrival is comprehensive. You will have a supervisor who will help you with accommodation, utilities and banking. There is a network of other JETs who can provide support when needed. JETs generally find it easy to make friends in Japan, with other JETs as well as with local people. Many Japanese people are not fluent in English so candidates are recommended to learn as much Japanese as possible to further integrate into the community.
2. I am a poor student, how will I fund my time in Japan?
Obviously you are paid a monthly salary when you start work. This is an ample amount to allow you to live comfortably, enjoy life in Japan and travel. You will not have money concerns.
However, when you initially arrive in Japan you may not be paid for up to a month. It is advisable to take about 1500 pounds to cover this period. If you cannot raised this money you may find you can come to an agreement with your contracting organisation that you will pay your larger bills, such as rent once you are paid. Generally contracting organisations are sympathetic to this issue and aware you may have just graduated.
3. Ifve heard the cost of living is high. Will the JET salary be enough to live on?
Yes, the JET salary is more than adequate to cover living costs in Japan. Average costs at the current time are very similar to those for living in the UK, with city prices slightly higher than in rural areas. The JET salary at present is 3.6 million yen p.a..
4. How does tax repayment work if you have been on JET for a year?
Please see the Embassy of Japan in the UK website for further information or contact your local Inland Revenue Office.
5. How will I arrange accommodation?
You usually will not have to. You will be met by your supervisor who has probably arranged accommodation for you. Alternatively your supervisor will help you with looking for accommodation and buying furniture and in the meantime arrange a homestay or a hotel as temporary accommodation.
JET participants will get their own apartment or house to live in whilst in Japan.
6. Can I drive? How do I get a licence?
You should contact your contracting organisation regarding whether you can drive or not. To drive in Japan you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit which is available from the AA, the RAC, and certain branches of the Post Office.
It MUST be used in conjunction with a valid UK driving licence and is valid for a year. Once in Japan, if you renew your contract and wish to continue driving you must apply for a Japanese driving licence. Information will be available upon arrival.
NOTE: To apply for the International Driving permit you must send a photocopy of appropriate passport pages for postal applications. You must do this in advance of the pre-departure orientation when passports will be collected and held until departure.
7. I donft have a driving licence. What if my placement requires me to have a car?
You are asked this question on the application form. This will be taken into consideration to some extent. Holding a driving licence is extremely useful and we encourage participants to have one since it can be a factor in your placement. If you request a rural area, it is more likely you will need one; however this shouldn't discourage applicants who don't hold a licence.
8. How do JETs learn Japanese? How long does it take?
During orientation language materials and classes are provided. Once in Japan JETs are encouraged to take up Japanese study using whatever method they see fit. The time required to be proficient depends very much on individual motivation and aptitude. Most JETs return with a sufficient command of Japanese to function in everyday life in Japan.
9. How do you get involved in your local community?
There are many ways to get involved in your local community while in Japan. In addition to extra-curricular activities in school we encourage you to actively find out about cultural activities in your areas, specifically those that you are interested in and take part.
10. How many teaching hours will I have?
Most ALTs teach 3-4 periods a day, they are normally 50 minutes each. However you will typically be expected to be at school from 8am - 4pm, be present at assemblies and staff meetings. In your free periods you can work on lesson planning, updating English materials, English boards, and extra-curricular activities. You will have time to study Japanese, get to know other subject teachers in the staff room, attend their classes and help out with school festivals etc.
11. What age ranges will I be teaching as an ALT?
ALTs will usually teach in Junior-High and Senior-High Schools. Elementary placements, or visits are becoming more widespread and some ALTs may even find themselves with Kindergarten visits.
Elementary School students are 6 - 11 years old.
Junior-High School students are 12 - 15 years old.
Senior-High School students are 16 - 18 years old.
12. What kind of things do you teach in the lessons?
This very much varies depending on the class you are teaching. During orientation you are given an introduction into types of activities for team-teaching and it is the ALTs role to work with the Japanese teacher of English to construct an appropriate lesson plan.
13. To what extent would I be responsible for discipline?
You are an assistant in the classroom. The Japanese teacher of English will maintain discipline. You may find yourself helping out by keeping the class focused and quiet. If you find yourself in a situation you feel uncomfortable with, depending on the openness of your teacher, you may wish to address this issue outside of the classroom privately.
14. How will Japanese students react to ALTs from ethnic minority groups?
The JET Programme encourages applications from all ethnic minority groups. Japan does in general have a homogenous population, however the JET Programme aims to promote cultural exchange and increase understanding of Britain as a multi-cultural country. Japanese students will be especially interested in you and this will increase their awareness and understanding of different countries.
15. What holiday am I entitled to?
This ranges from 12-20 days per year, depending on your school. This is a luxury as many Japanese teachers have less or at least take less. You are entitled to use all your holiday allowance, many participants travel Japan or abroad or take holidays when friends and family come to visit. In addition to this there are 15 national holidays a year.
You must consult with your school before you book your holiday and inform them of your contact details while you are away, especially when abroad.
16. Is it easy to travel in Japan?
Yes, public transport in Japan is some of the best in the world and the country is safe and convenient to travel through.
17. I hear that JETs can stay for up to 3 years on the Programme, how many participants renew?
As long as your contracting organisation is happy with your performance over the last year JETs have the option of renewing their contract for up to 3 years. About 70% of UK participants renew for a second year, fewer participants stay on for a third year.
18. What if I donft like my location or fancy a change, can I move in my 2nd or 3rd year?
It is very rare that there are opportunities to do so; however in exceptional circumstances it is possible. Every situation is different; nevertheless JET participants should assume that if re-contracting for another year, it will be with the same contracting organisation.
19. Ifd like to be an ALT first and then become a CIR. Is this possible?
It depends on the policy of the prefecture. If a position becomes available in your area, there may be an interview procedure. You should go out thinking you will be an ALT for the duration of your contract to avoid disappointment but you could air your interest later on and see if it could be a possibility. However, this may mean moving location.
20. What if I cannot fulfil my one year contract?
It is rare for participants to leave the JET Programme, however if they do, it is often because of family issues, bereavement etc. In these cases your Board of Education can assist you in returning to your home country.
Obviously no one is going to force you to stay if you are unhappy. You would probably be unable to perform your job or fulfil your responsibilities if you are in a negative frame of mind. However, in cases such as these you would be expected to pay your airfare if you break your contract.
Please be aware that after accepting a position, if you withdraw from the JET Programme once your placement notification has been received, even if you are still in the UK, you may find yourself liable to pay for your wasted airfare to Japan.
