the JET programme

[ichigo partygirl]

'the weekend to Korea' trap? Forgive me for being stupid, but Im taking that is when you cant get the visa so just go there and keep renewing your tourist visa by taking a short trip out of the country? (correct me if Im being stupid) I dont understand that though. As with a tourist visa, you are not allowed to work, so... what would be the point anyway? Unless you are ultra-rich or can get enough private students to teach in order to live.

Ichigo partygirl, as you have a degree in Japanese, cant you use that to get yourself employed somewhere on a work visa? I dont know what kind of job you can get with this degree, but I guess you know. (?!)

One question please - JET: How long is it for min/max? Also, ichigo, any news on the 'I WANT TO WORK IN YOKOHAMA OR ELSE!!" JET approach?

thanks

It takes time to get a Visa (in alot of causes it takes all the time in the world) so often your tourist visa will run out before your working visa comes through. Or you're working under the table...or you're working for an asshole who says that he has applied but it hasnt come through yet......

Meh degree in Japanese doesnt mean shit - there are a million gaijin who can speak better Japanese im sure. Yeah maybe i could get a job but to tell you the truth i havent really tried yet-->stress overload to finish thesis at the mo

If i dont get in/near Yokohama i probably wouldnt go - that will piss them off but hey im not getting stuck in some backwater as the towns 'token gaijin' -been there done that before.

Min/max?? you mean time working?? Min contract is 1 year and you can apply to extend it up to two more times.

[dimwit]

I dont understand that though. As with a tourist visa, you are not allowed to work, so... what would be the point anyway? Unless you are ultra-rich or can get enough private students to teach in order to live.

A not unsignificant number of foreigners do teach on tourist visas. Some schools will hire tourist visas under the table, especially if they are desperate (previous teachers doing a bunk for example).

[GomiGirl]

Have you checked the on-line job boards for possible alternatives? careercross.com is one that comes to mind as well as for women the Broad Minded Business at Being-a-Broad? You could market yourself as a Japanese speaking but native English speaking PA. Lots of those around. Or how about some sort of admin job? Skills required are usually personable, good organisational skills, good communication skills and computer skills. Everything else you learn on the job.

I am currently looking for junior mobile phone testers.. no experience required other than being able to use a mobile phone.

[akatsuka]

I am currently looking for junior mobile phone testers.. no experience required other than being able to use a mobile phone.

...I take the job!

Can you give me a working visa too?!

[GomiGirl]

...I take the job!

Can you give me a working visa too?!

native Japanese speaker? no visa sorry.. slave wages.

[Greji]

native Japanese speaker? no visa sorry.. slave wages.

I'll work for tips and beer!

[Kanchou]

Hmm, do any of you guys know what are the chances of someone in the JET program getting their desired location IF they ask for something specific, but not particularly glarmous?

I was thinking once I graduate, I might like to go for a medium-sized city within an hour or two of Tokyo, with a view of mountains (like Takasaki for example, or maybe in Kanagawa).

Or would that backfire and end up getting someone stuck on some tiny island in Kyushuu or something?

Also, it seems like most ALTs get stuck working in elementary or middle schools? How often do they get to actually work in senior high schools?

(I just realized the last post in the thread was a month ago by the way)

[kamome]

Hmm, do any of you guys know what are the chances of someone in the JET program getting their desired location IF they ask for something specific, but not particularly glarmous?

I was thinking once I graduate, I might like to go for a medium-sized city within an hour or two of Tokyo, with a view of mountains (like Takasaki for example, or maybe in Kanagawa).

Or would that backfire and end up getting someone stuck on some tiny island in Kyushuu or something?

Also, it seems like most ALTs get stuck working in elementary or middle schools? How often do they get to actually work in senior high schools?

(I just realized the last post in the thread was a month ago by the way)

My understanding is that the more obscure your desired location, the more likely it will be granted. I remember one guy asking to be put on an island and he was assigned to an island way off the coast of Tokyo.

[Kanchou]

I'm also curious as to what sort of career would being a CIR give you related experience in?

If any?

[ichigo partygirl]

I'm also curious as to what sort of career would being a CIR give you related experience in?

If any?

Well you have experience working for local governemnt, translation/interuptation experience. So i guess it could help if you were looking for a job using Japanese language which wanted some experience

[Samurai_Jerk]

IPG,

What is your goal in coming back to Japan. Do you just want to spend one more year partying in Yokohama or are you looking to establish yourself in Japan and stay longterm? If it's the latter you're much better off being a CIR like FGL recommended and taking a position anywhere they put you. I'm a former JET (three years in Saitama) and have to say that the people I know who were CIRs made a much smoother transition in to real jobs than the ALTs. If you do get a CIR position your language skills will really improve and you can actually put some things on your resume that sound interesting.

[ichigo partygirl]

IPG,

What is your goal in coming back to Japan. Do you just want to spend one more year partying in Yokohama or are you looking to establish yourself in Japan and stay longterm? If it's the latter you're much better off being a CIR like FGL recommended and taking a position anywhere they put you. I'm a former JET (three years in Saitama) and have to say that the people I know who were CIRs made a much smoother transition in to real jobs than the ALTs. If you do get a CIR position your language skills will really improve and you can actually put some things on your resume that sound interesting.

Yeah im not sure. Im kinda keen to do a year as an ALT and then move into a CIR position -i heard that its possible to do that.
Im pretty keen to establish myself in Japan longterm but im just not sure my language skills are up to the CIR position at the moment. It would be much more preferable to try and find a job in Japan myself, but again the language skills..
Might end up doing masters or applying for monbusho scholarship yet.
Anyway the ultimate goal is to be established in Japan, i just havent quite figured out how yet.
Thanks for the advice

[kamome]

IPG,

What is your goal in coming back to Japan. Do you just want to spend one more year partying in Yokohama or are you looking to establish yourself in Japan and stay longterm? If it's the latter you're much better off being a CIR like FGL recommended and taking a position anywhere they put you. I'm a former JET (three years in Saitama) and have to say that the people I know who were CIRs made a much smoother transition in to real jobs than the ALTs. If you do get a CIR position your language skills will really improve and you can actually put some things on your resume that sound interesting.

This is what I suggested, but IPG apparently doesn't want to work harder for the same amount of salary.

[KanpaiQuigley]

Hello everyone.

I traveled all over Nippon in May through a travel study. I am a Japanese minor, and the JET program was something that was introduced to us as early as Elementary I level. While over there, my class visited numerous schools, and I encountered many JETs. They all seemed to be very happy, except for one I met on Shodoshima Island (which is understandable because it's rather isolated). The happiest JETs I met were in Kobe at Fukiai International High. My homestay was with the principal, who was an awesome guy. I had to explain all of my prescription mediciations for the trip, and i have one pill for allergies. I had to specify my exact allergies, which are dust and mold, and it turned out that none of the student's families thought they had clean enough houses! It was quite an... interesting... experience. He brought me out for Kobe beef, so it was all good. Anyway, he said that if I applied through JET, he would put in a good word as far as getting me to Fukiai. I recently met up with Fukiai kids doing home stays in Philadelphia, and met another professor who said he'd vouch for me. It's wishful thinking, but I hope that this will mean something come the right time. Connections help out in many aspects of life...

My travel study professor taught at the Marist Brother's International school in Kobe, I believe, and this was NOT through JET. Apparently, the guy made a killing, and had accomodations and a company car. Something like 50 grand a year after the bonus for being a sports coach. We visited his old school while we were over there, and I've never seen someone so excited to catch up with his old buddies in my life. I was lucky enough to chat with the principal, and he said he'd be waiting for my resume in two years.

I'm a journalism major... so I hope to freelance on the side for an English language journal/newspaper. My dream job would be to work for one of them full time, or become a Japanese or Asian correspondent for a wire service. I want to stay in Japan for the long term, not just a couple of years...

Also, if I end up at Sophia in May, can I still become a JET from within Japan?

Am I on the right track at all?

[kamome]

I believe the JET PRogram homepage (do a google search) will answer questions about applying to JET from within Japan.

You won't make as much money on the JET Program as your professor did. He had a private arrangement with them that was for a good salary, but I suspect he was able to negotiate for that because they wanted someone who had earned a higher degree. Maybe you could parlay your connection at the school in Kobe into a private contractual position with them after you complete your stint on the JET Programme.

[KanpaiQuigley]

What about becoming a JET if I'm already living in Tokyo? Don't you have to interview in your home country? I'm not gonna fly all the way back to the U.S. for the friggin interview...

[kamome]

What about becoming a JET if I'm already living in Tokyo? Don't you have to interview in your home country? I'm not gonna fly all the way back to the U.S. for the friggin interview...

As I said, do a google search for the JET Program homepage. Your answers should be there.