[AlwaysPEPSI]

I've been thinking about my options a lot. It seems that in any case, my best plan would be to stay in Japan for a year or two after I finish college as a teacher so that I have time to become fluent in Japanese.

At that point I will try and find U.S. government jobs that are stationed/located in Japan, like perhaps at the U.S. Embassy in Japan. Or perhaps as a Foreign Service Officer/FBI/etc... I don't think working in Japanese law enforcement, per se, is a realistic goal. As I will have to have lived there for 5 years and then apply to be a citizen and then start at the very beginning...

I emailed my nearby Japanese Consulate to ask them questions regarding the JET program and applying while I am in Japan. I've also been browsing many websites that show jobs in Japan and there are a few teaching jobs that aren't through JET but are similar. Some of them require being in Japan when applying (which I would be) so I may also try and pursue some of those options.

Does anyone have experience getting year-round English teaching jobs in Japan that will get you a working visa and that aren't through the JET program?

The most important thing is gaining fluency in Japanese as that will open up many more doors for me.