[Wasabista]

I knew (past tense: it was a while ago) lots of people who joined the JET program and every one of them enjoyed the experience thoroughly. Of course the flip side of having the support of fellow JET-setters is that you spend too much time in the gaijin ghetto.

My experience was the opposite. I joined a school that sent me to the boonies where there were no other gaijin. I had to learn the language to survive and have any kind of a social life. The result was that I made Japanese friends that are as close to me as my brothers and sisters. And I made more money than the JET people, lots more -- but that was back in the bubble days.

I think I had a point but now I've forgotten what it was. Anyway good luck with your endeavors and keep us posted!