A thorough walkthrough guide of the 2023 JET Program USA online application. Follow along as I go through all 20 steps for submitting the JET application.
Go to the JET Program Application Portal (Americans only). Check your consulate’s site for instructions! Make sure to read the JET Program Guidelines (American guidelines), Check your consulate’s site for your country’s guidelines as they vary. Lastly, the JET Program Eligibility Criteria (Americans only) to make sure you are eligible! You wouldn’t want to get deep into the process and find out you are disqualified.
After you have created a login, you’ll be guided to the Welcome page. Everything is laid out from start to finish! Yes, we will go through all 20 steps!
Application Guidelines
Start by reading all the guidelines, it’s about 17 pages. Not everything is super important like the early departure dates, but read through everything once and even take notes of information that may be useful to you.
For example, ALT Duties will give you a great explanation of the job. It will also give you some ideas about what to write in your Statement of Purpose.
If you can’t find your answer, contact your embassy or consulate, which is in charge of the application process. The coordinator will be able to answer your questions or direct you to the right person. I would not rely on Reddit, forums, or the JET Program Guide to give you the exact information you might need depending on your circumstance. For example, if you have some underlying health condition(s), it’s best to consult with the program about your options and needs.
Application Status Page
This page is just a quick outline of all the necessary documents and information required by you, by the deadline. This is like a mini checklist for yourself and provides you with the deadline for submission of your application. You are also provided with the Email for contact for additional questions which might not be answered in the FAQ section.
FAQ for Applicants
Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants is an answer for every question of the application. Mind you it might not have very specific questions, which you should then reach out to your local coordinator listed on the Application Statue page.
JET Inbox
“The JET Inbox is a secure way to send messages to the JET Program Office or JET Technical support team.” Be sure to read through the FAQs before contacting them. You can also email them as well. The JET Inbox seems to have the same function as contacting them by email request but is more personal and designed for the application. I would refrain from spamming them with simple messages!
Step 1 of 20 – Position Type
Select your character! Decide which position you are qualified for and reread the job duties. Most applicants will select ALT. CIR requires a high level of Japanese. “SEA” JETs are recruited differently from the standard application.
Additional Information for CIRs and the possibility to change from CIR to ALT, which does occur, occasionally. Please read everything carefully.
Step 2 of 20 – Interview Location
Can I interview online or in person? Clearly, it will be held in person again; however, I suspect if the Coronavirus gets out of control, it could be moved online. That’s my opinion. Always select the nearest location or place best for you!
“JET Program applicants are free to choose any of the designated U.S. locations for their interview. All participants must appear in person, without exception, at the time of the interview. There is no option for phone interviews, video-call interviews, or interviews at other locations. We do not conduct U.S. JET Program interviews in Japan or at Embassies of Japan outside the United States.”
Step 3 of 20 – Contact Information
List everything how it is on your Passport or if you don’t have one, birth certificate, or driver’s license. There is additional content for Sex and Name change.
If have a Japanese passport/dual nationality, you have to give it up. You cannot be a dual nationality with Japan. Remember it can take up to 3 months to renounce it.
*I don’t believe it is worth becoming a JET and renouncing your nationality if you want to be a long-term resident in Japan.*
If you’ve lived in Japan before, for any period of time like studying abroad or teaching, be sure to list it. I believe it is advantageous to you.
Step 4 of 20 – Criminal Record
Read the fine print. Some applicants will probably have minor offenses like speeding or parking tickets which have no effect on your application and can be omitted. The FBI check will show if you are lying. Always be honest with the program.
If you have a DUI, I would forget about applying to the program or entering Japan. Japan is extremely strict on DUI charges. I am not a lawyer or knowledgeable of all international laws, please investigate and ask the JET program.
Step 5 of 20 – Education
List all your graduation information and degree studies. I wouldn’t worry if you aren’t 100% sure about your high school graduation date.
Start with your most recent university or college work. Consult with JET if you are unsure how the order your work history, in descending chronological or not. I believe I listed my most recent uni experience first (obliviously to show off my best work, descending chronological).
There is plenty of blank spaces to list your institutions. If you studied abroad at a university in Japan, you should list that as well; however, you might not have had an individual GPA for that. Again, consult with JET on how to input that information correctly.
Step 6 of 20 – Work Experience
List out employment duties just like you would for matching a job application. Tailor your recent employment to fit the role of ALT or CIR. See what skills or qualifications you have that align with the position. This is like any job application resume.
Start off with any full-time employment work. List your most relevant work experience first. I would ask if part-time, relevant employment is OK to list as well. For example, I was a tutor at a college and worked at two English language conversation schools in Japan.
Step 7 of 20 – Teaching Experience
List all relevant teaching experience Make sure it was with a registered school, college, or university. Do not list teaching experience that has not happened yet. Please read the fine details or ask.
If you were a previous JET, be sure to list the schools you taught at as you will have a lot of experience to contribute to this section.
This is an excellent opportunity for those without professional experience to list their teaching and training history. Make a list of all the times you’ve taught or coached and list them chronologically. For example, I used to volunteer as a graduate student to teach English to kids in after-school activities in Japan.
List any certifications you may have like TEFL, TESL, or TESOL. These aren’t required by JET, but they might help your application stand out more.
How is JET a stepping stone for your future career path? Information here will probably be in your Statement of Purpose as well. There is some connection here.
Step 8 of 20 – Japan Related Studies and Language Ability
List all your past studies in the Japanese language or related studies. For example, I took Japanese history, culture, and social studies classes in college. Additionally, I took 5-6 Japanese language courses and studied in Japan. Furthermore, I had classes from graduate school… List what you can!
List the highest Japanese classes you took. I.e. Japanese 6, 5, 4, 3, 2…since space is limited. Have your best courses first in descending order. It’s best to review all your old college transcripts for this anyways. It will make the process go by faster.
Start/End Dates aren’t ever exact – make an educated guess based on the information in your transcripts and on your university’s calendar.
Judge this section based on your own experience. If you don’t feel comfortable in a category, just choose a lower level of Japanese.
I believe, even if you are new to Japanese, that you could pick Introductory and master that level before the interview. The very basic greetings and hiragana/katana are very easy to learn within a month. Be honest whether or not you can commit to such a task.
Step 9 of 20 – International / Intercultural Experience
Any international cultural exchanges that you have participated in or volunteered in. This is part of grassroots internationalization. Brainstorm past things you’ve done that were part of cultural exchange in the local community. For example, volunteered at an orphanage in Japanese during the holidays at a Christmas party for kids.
Step 10 of 20 – Achievements
Anything you have, show it off! Refrain from listing awards from high school. Anything from your university time and beyond is cool. If there is no date for the reward, please set it to _____ as shown
For example, when I was a graduate student, I received 100% MEXT tuition, a prefectural scholarship, a UNWTO certificate, and a thesis merit award. Since I can only list three, I would omit one of my scholarships as it might sound redundant. Furthermore, I received some achievements from my previous JET experience, so I would also take those into consideration and list one.
Extra-curricular activities might be overlooked by applicants. I mean some applicants will forget what they did in the past or not have something related to Japan. If you were in a Japanese club at university or participated in some local Japanese events, it might be good to list those first!
Step 11 of 20 – JET Program
If you are applying to other programs, you can mention it to them. It won’t affect your chances. I believe I was applying for Full Bright and mentioned it. It was never brought up in an interview.
If you were a JET before, undoubtedly, you should mention it! Previously participants get a shoe in the door compared to new applicants. This is true because the JET Program knows the person will not unexpectedly quit, can adjust to the environment quickly, and doesn’t need much help in the long run from their BOE, school, or CLAIR. All the second time JETs that I met got in with no problem.
Step 12 of 20 – Accompanied JETs
If you are married, this is the part you need to say, “yes,” so JET can provide a spousal VISA.
Note: The JET Program can only provide visa assistance for dependents legally recognized under Japanese law, primarily children and spouses.
Unfortunately, this means that a same-sex couple (LGBTQ) marriage may not be recognized by the Japanese government, which is still governed by old bureaucrats… Certain districts and prefectures do recognize same-sex couples; however, it is still controversial and does not override state laws. Always investigate and ask your consulate for the best course of action.
If you and your spouse both apply to be JETs, you’ll both have a good chance of being together as long as you are legally married. Engagements are iffy and may not constitute enough reason to put you next to your partner.
Step 13 of 20 – Placement Request
Every applicant enjoys this part! You can dream, but don’t count on receiving your first preference or even your third. Returning JETs have a better chance in my opinion of returning to where they taught before because of their experiences. I know many second-time JETs who received their placement of choice.
Pick what looks good to you. Research where you would like to live! You may be asked during your interview and it’s good to have some background knowledge. Or, you can be very open and have no preference – it doesn’t increase your chances of becoming a JET.
Please complete accordingly to your medical or family history. If you need dialysis, for example, maybe a larger city only offers that accommodation.
Step 14 of 20 – Advertising / Emergency Contacts
This has no effect on your application. It’s basically a survey that helps them (the JET Program) learn how to reach out more to people interested in working abroad in Japan.
Any emergency contact you trust for JET to be able to reach out to in case anything bad happens. I believe you can change this information in the future if need be.
Step 15 of 20 – Self-Report of Medical Condition(s)
Don’t lie about health conditions that affect you daily. For example, I have asthma and allergies; it never prevented me from becoming a JET. Japan has a great healthcare system and can accommodate almost any medical issue.
Remember, the ALT/CIR role isn’t about being physically fit or a professional athlete; it’s a desk job and sometimes all about desk warming.
This is a self-report. It will not prevent you from being chosen as a JET.
This is a great question for the medical history form which I never saw before in my past applications. Japanese schools really don’t have elevators, very new schools and high schools will. 90% of the time, elementary and junior high schools do NOT have elevators. Japan is still living in the Edo period. If you have a condition that makes walking up stairs difficult, explain! Honestly, I don’t know why Japan isn’t more friendly to those with physical disabilities, especially its own citizens.
Japanese people aren’t immune to food allergies and neither are you. If you can’t eat something, do not be afraid to list it. One of my Japanese friends cannot eat shellfish because they are allergic. Japanese food tends to mix a lot of these ingredients together; however, you can be accommodated. Most food items in Japan list allergy information. Schools will also accommodate most basic needs or you can bring your own lunch.
Step 16 of 20 – Statement of Purpose / Essay
The Statement of Purpose (SoP) is the most important part of your application! This is your first “interview” and will determine if you make it back for an “in-person” interview.
Please write no more than 2 pages in Times New Roman 12 pt. font double-spaced for your essay/personal statement. Anything beyond 2 pages double-spaced will not be read.
Below is one of my old essays for JET, it completely meets the 2-page limit. Exclude spaces between paragraphs and indent! It looks jumbled but is fine in the essay preview.
Here is my paper in the Statement of Purpose preview. As you can see, it looks like it does in Microsoft Word.
This is what happens when you separate your paragraphs with spaces. Please check as it will make your SoP longer than 2 pages!
Here is the SoP in essay preview mode. It’s beyond 2 pages now (Page 1/3 )! However, it is fixable after removing the extra spaces between paragraphs. If you use “return” or “enter” you will have unusually spaces between your paragraphs in the editor and go beyond 2 pages.
Remove unnecessary spaces but please indent your paper. Indentions will show in the preview.
Step 17 of 20 – Review & Submit Application
This is a great page because it will show what is incomplete or needs to be fixed. Since I didn’t really complete anything, except for the essay, you can see all the areas that I would need to fix.
More reviews of missing documents. You can also preview everything as if were going to be submitted in print. Carefully go through everything!
Step 18 of 20 – Upload Documents
Read all the information carefully. Make sure all your documents are in PDF format.
There are some free programs online that can convert scans to PDFs. You can also use MS Word to convert images or text to PDFs. I use Scanner Pro to convert documents to PDFs. I would use it at your discretion if you do not have a good phone.
Always use a proper scanner for documents that are not flat, like a passport or transcripts that have a watermark for authenticity.
Almost all documents are required on the list except the FBI check, which is due for early departure, only after the interview results. You are not required to submit certifications if you don’t have them or a statement of physician unless required.
Double-check and triple-check if you are unsure what is required! Always consult with JET and the FAQs for questions.
Step 19 of 20 – Reference Letters
Seek out as many professional or academic references as possible who can attest to your demeanor and history. You only need two letters; however, beware that someone could back out! It is always good to have some backups. Remember, you can only submit two.
A lot of instructions to follow carefully. Make sure that it does not go to the spam or junk mail folder for your reference! Advise them about the “no-reply@jetapplication.com” and the header “JET Program Evaluation Request” so they avoid it being lost.
Create New Reference
Below is everything that is required of you for your reference. It is probably best to reach out to your references beforehand to double-check this information.
Read the fine print about Japanese reference letters. Remember to only use romaji, the alphabet, and not Japanese for their name and organization.
Step 20 of 20 – Demographic Information
The final step is voluntary information about your race/ethnicity. Again, it is statistical data the JET Program collects. You can opt out with “Prefer not to say.” This will not affect your chances and neither will the health report. What’s important is that you’ve completed steps 1-20 to the best of your knowledge and provided an excellent SoP for the program!
Application Submission
After you have triple-checked everything, it is time to submit the application and play the waiting game! It doesn’t get much better than this, aside from an interview offer.
If you are still stressing out after submitting the application, look into ALTIA Central or Interac as a JET Program alternative. I was on the Alternate list and decide to gamble on a private ALT teaching job, which added to my experience to help me become a JET.