JET Blogs The Application Process Uncategorized

2025 JET Program Application Advice Blog

It’s happening again! The JET application will be reopening as usual, and it will be your chance to apply or reapply. No matter what your situation is, don’t take the application lightly if you wan to become a JET. The year-long application isn’t for everyone; however, I want to offer some advice to survive and overcome the obstacles.

Where to start?

First off, consider if being a JET ALT or CIR is for you. If not, you might want to skip JET and look into private teaching Eikaiwa or “conversation school”. JET isn’t for everyone. The application is a long process and a great application doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get an interview.

Most college graduates who want to teach in Japan will consider the Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) role or the Center for International Relations (CIR) role if their Japanese is good enough and want to participate in tourism activities. Likely you are hear because you want to become an ALT.

The JET Program has a lot of Pros and Cons. It may or may not live up to your intended expectations! You may discover that living in Japan is a gamble and you can’t handle culture shock. And, with the current economic state of the YEN, it might not be viable if you are paying over student debt.

Japan isn’t a life of anime, sushi, and manga; it’s something that is far more culturally diversified and mentally demanding – Grassroots internationalizations . Japanese business culture might not be for you. Yes, as a teacher, it’s the office environment is quite different from your home country!

So let’s get started!

The terminator saying "JET PROGRAM GUIDE WITH ALL THE RESOURCES." A girl under a table crying and saying "ME NOT KNOWING WHERE TO START."

First, if you are serious about JET and want the most help possible, I offer

  1. Check your eligibility and if your country participates in the program
  2. Learn about the JET Program
  3. Start gathering documents
  4. Understand what “grassroots internationalization” is
  5. Start your Statement of Purpose
  6. Have fun – be yourself!
  7. Additional materials I offer – ALT USER GUIDE ebook! My 65+ page book will save you time and give you the resources to write your SOP, prepare for your interview, and more. It has everything all in one place and can be downloaded anytime after purchase with revisions.
  8. Furthermore there is the SOP WRITING GUIDE. My 25+ page ebook only covers writing the JET Statement of Purpose. This guide offers activities, examples, and guidance on outlining and writing the perfect SOP.

When applying to the JET Program, no matter where you are from, you should be yourself! The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program is about grassroots internationalization. It’s about making a difference abroad and taking that experience back with you to share with everyone else!

Teaching isn’t everything. It’s about diversity, growth, and passion for Japanese culture and your own. They are mutual. Many applicants/applications are rejected because they don’t understand this!

Sam

Over 7 years of living in Japan, it was my second home. It's a fantastic and magical place with a unique culture that is different from anything else.