Pre-Departure FAQs
1. Ifve got problems with getting my medical certificates. What should I do?
Firstly when dealing with your Certificate of Health the best thing to do is take it to your doctor immediately. In most cases medical examinations such as x-rays and blood tests are NOT necessary and the doctor can complete the form quickly. However if it does require an appointment it is the particpant's responsibility to make sure that the appointment is early enough so that the certificate of Health arrives by the deadline . The participant is responsible for any charges their doctor may choose to bill them.
If you have any problems with getting your Certificate of Health please inform the JET Office as soon as possible. It is your responsibility to inform the JET Office of your circumstances and to keep updating your information with us.
2. Can I make my own way to Japan in July/August?
Unfortunately not. Participants must fly to Japan on the group flight arranged and sponsored by the Embassy of Japan. You will be informed of the exact flight date and time nearer the time of your departure.
3. Can I take my partner who is not applying for the programme?
It is best to act with discretion. Whilst officially it is not a problem, you should be aware that this issue may be discussed as it is a situation that your contracting organisation may find awkward. In an effort to maintain good working relations with your colleagues, think carefully about how you would handle the situation.
It would be best to have your partner join you at a later date once you have settled in. There are bound to be a lot of welcome parties for you when you first arrive. As the focus will be on you to meet your colleagues, this may leave your partner out.
Once you have established good relations with your school and Board of Education, it may be best to forewarn them that your partner will join you at a later date. This will give you more time to read the situation and decide what would be the most appropriate action.
Please note that only married couples are eligible for the spouse visa. Only part-time work is possible for your spouse on this visa. Engaged couples are not eligible for the dependantsf visa and in order to accompany you to Japan they will need to have secured work in Japan independently and therefore an employer willing to sponsor them for a visa. Without a visa they will not be able to work in Japan and can only stay on a tourist visa for no longer than 90 days.
4. Do you get TEFL training before you leave?
ALTs will have training in team-teaching during orientation which will be specific to the role of the ALT in Japanese schools.
5. Can I miss the pre-departure orientation at the beginning of July?
No, it is an obligation of JET participants to attend the pre-departure orientation. You must have a valid passport present at the time.
6. Can I go abroad between the pre-departure orientation and going to Japan?
No, we will be collecting all participantsf passports at the pre-departure orientation in order to issue your working visa for the JET Programme. The visa takes between 4 and 5 weeks to issue and therefore we shall return your passports to you on your day of departure at the airport.
7. Do I need special vaccinations before leaving for Japan?
No, unless you have a specific condition that you are aware of. You may want to consider being vaccinated against diseases prevalent in any countries you are considering visiting during your time on JET. Seek professional medical advice for country-specific information.
