I grew up in South Burlington, Vermont. I began my study of Japanese my senior year at South Burlington HS, then continued to UVM where I majored in Japanese with a minor in Asian Studies. I also completed a year of study abroad in Japan, and obtained a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate during my time at UVM.
I worked as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher ) through the JET program. I first heard about the program from an older cousin who worked as an ALT in Shiga for a few years. As my interest in living in Japan grew, I began to seriously consider the JET program. I visited a career fair at UVM and researched interviews with former JETs to learn more about the program and the application process.
The interviews were held in Boston, so I drove down the night before and stayed in an Air BnB. Traffic in Boston can be very difficult so I recommend staying near the city if you can. I left for the interview a little early- tardiness is very frowned on in Japanese culture so it’s best to be a few minutes early. The program coordinator gives exact directions on how to go through security in the lobby and find the interview room- these may change from year to year but be sure to read your email carefully.
In the interview room, there were 3 panelists interviewing me. Most of the questions were standard for a job interview. I don’t remember them off the top of my head, but you can find lists of past interview questions online. The panel is trying to get a general idea of your background, your strengths and weakness, and if you’d be a good fit for the program. Don’t lie, but try to think of how you can frame your answers to make yourself seem like a more appealing candidate. I recommend doing a practice interview with a relative or mentor so you’ll have a general idea of how you’d like to answer, but also be prepared to answer follow-up questions. It’s also good to research the aims of JET and what they look for in a candidate.
We found out our placements a month or so before our departure date. For most JETs, unless you’re early departure, this will be in August or July. I was placed in Ojiya city, Niigata prefecture. One of the benefits of the JET program is that they cover airfare and other transportation costs from your departure city to your placement. However, you are responsible for getting to the departure city on your own.
Your Japanese CO (contracting Organization) will also arrange housing for you, but it may or may not be furnished. In my case, my predecessor left behind quite a lot of furniture and other items. However, you might arrive with only a fridge and a microwave, so make sure to budget in case you have to purchase large items such as a futon before you get your first paycheck.
The JET program does its best to take into account language ability when placing ALTs, but one of the main aims is to integrate with the community so I recommend trying to communicate in Japanese as much as possible. It’s a cultural practice in Japan to give out little souvenirs when you start a new job, and it can be a great way to meet staff as they’ll be sure to stop by your desk to thank you. Try and practice a short self-introduction in Japanese as well.
Japanese schools can be fairly strict, even for the staff. A lot of things Americans consider personal expression, such as dyed hair, and body modifications can be taboo to varying degrees. Some schools or areas might be more comfortable with things like piercings or exposed tattoos but it’s best to check with your CO or senior ALTs in your area first. Clothing is fairly conservative as well- you won’t be required to wear a suit, but you probably can’t wear denim jeans.
ALTs work about 7 and a half hours a day (although this may not take into account your lunch break and commute time) from Monday to Friday. Unlike JTEs you will usually not have any after school or weekend duties. In the rare event there is an event on the weekend, such as a Sports Day, you will often be given the following Monday off.
The main job of ALTs is to assist JTEs (Japanese Teachers of English) and to serve as “cultural ambassadors”. At most of my schools, I would get a weekly schedule of which classes I was assigned. Then either the JTE for those classes would reach out to me or I’d find them and we’d talk about what my role would be for their classes that week. Some example of tasks JTEs often gave me:
- create a 5 minute game around the current grammar point, then observe and help students with activities for the rest of class
- help students practice pronunciation with the vocabulary list then observe for the rest of the class
- create a lesson plan based on the current chapter with a warm up and 1 to 2 activities, then lead the lesson (with support from the JTE)
- make worksheets for an activity using the current vocabulary
I also participated in school life in other ways, such as joining the students for clean-up time. Remember that you’re there to experience the culture, so it’s best to participate in any way that you can.
Japanese workplaces tend to be more formal than American ones, but it varied a lot by school. At some of my schools teachers would chat about their weekend, but at other schools there wasn’t much small talk. If you really want to get to know the school staff, it’s best to attend staff events like Bonenkai (an end of year party). I was only able to attend one such event before they were halted due to the pandemic, but it was a great chance to get to know everyone in a more relaxed, off-campus environment. Although there was drinking going on, don’t worry if you don’t drink- there were also soft drinks available and it’s unlikely you’ll be pressured at all.
I recommend getting involved in Japanese affiliations as early as possible, whether that’s through study abroad or volunteering. I volunteered with JASV (Japan America Society of Vermont), and through that I gained experience in event planning that I was able to refer to in my JET interview. Employers also like to see official certification so I’d recommend taking the JLPT if you’re studying Japanese, and looking for things like Japanese speech contests.
The JET program is a wonderful opportunity for people who are flexible, open-minded, enjoy experiencing new cultures and don’t mind sometimes not understanding the cultural context or dealing with culture shock. If that sounds like you, I wholeheartedly encourage you to apply. Although JET is limited to 5 years, there is a robust alumni network and JET alums have gone on to a wide range of careers.
Update (2023): Zoe-san is now working at the Consulate General of Japan in Boston! Congratulations!