Thank you for your question! As of 2017, the JET Program no longer has any age restrictions on who can apply. Though we have had restrictions in the past, at the current time we welcome applicants of any age to apply. Be aware that this policy may change in the future, so be sure to check the requirements when applying.
Thank you for your question! If you apply as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR), you have the option to be considered for an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) position should you not be offered a position as a CIR. Unfortunately if you initially apply for the ALT position, there is no option to be considered as a CIR candidate. We hope that helps! -San Francisco JET Program Coordinator
Thank you for your question! You can certainly apply if you already have your degree! Regarding degrees, our requirements are that you have a bachelor's degree by the set date in July prior to departure. So for anyone who has already graduated, you can just provide proof of that in the initial application. Anyone still in senior year of university will need to provide proof of expected graduation...
Thank you for your question! Housing is generally arranged between the Contracting Organizations (COs) and the individual JET participants. This means that there is a huge variety in housing situations. Most of the time, your CO will arrange an apartment for you prior to your arrival, and oftentimes JETs simply take over their predecessor's housing. Actual rent costs also vary quite a lot, but...
Neither TEFL nor an education degree is required. In terms of education, a bachelor's degree is sufficient. An education degree, TEFL, and prior teaching experience are all helpful, but not required.
Thank you the question Raylan! While many JET participants do bring their children or spouses with them, they must first acquire a dependent visa for each family member accompanying them. Since yours is a unique situation, I cannot say for sure whether you would be able to get a dependent visa for your cousin in this case. I would suggest contacting your local Japanese Consulate's visa section...
Thank you for your question! All children in Japan are able to enroll in public schools, starting from elementary school at age 6. Registering for a public school is a simple process that you would be able to do at your local public office. For children younger than 6, Japan has both kindergartens and pre-schools, but those options will vary widely by placement. If you are selected and placed on...
Thank you for your question! Whether your partner can accompany you or not will depend on a few factors. First, if you are married by the time you apply and are accepted, your partner would be able to acquire a Japanese Spousal visa and come to live with you in Japan without issue. If you are not married however, it does become more difficult. Your partner may be able to accompany you, but would...
Applicants may select up to three placement preferences when applying, as well as whether they would prefer to live in a rural or urban setting. However, as the number of spots for any prefecture or city are limited, we cannot guarantee that applicants will be placed in one of their preferred locations. A huge amount of work goes into placing applicants, and while your placement preferences are a...
Thank you for your question! Teaching experience is not required to apply to the JET Program, though it can certainly help make an application stronger. Since many participants do come with little to no teaching experience, we try to prepare them with a variety of materials, orientations, and workshops to get them ready for teaching.
Thank you for your question! As of 2017, the JET Program no longer has any age restrictions on who can apply. Though we have had restrictions in the past, at the current time we welcome applicants of any age to apply. Be aware that this policy may change in the future, so be sure to check the requirements when applying.