JET program and/or Job opportunities. - Page 4

JamboP26 · (#31 (**permalink**))

I read somewhere that the less Japanese you she more likely you are to get a place somewhere, as your more likely to engage the students in English

GoNative · (#32 (**permalink**))

Most of the people I know here in Hokkaido are lucky to earn up near Y300,000 per month. Most I know earn quite a bit less. It's damned cheap to live here though and a JET salary gets you a pretty comfortable lifestyle. All the JET'S I know up this way are having a great time. Living on inaka island does have it's benefits!

MMM · (#33 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toastyzeus

So let me get this straight, on a day to day basis people on the JET program assist teachers to teach the English language to the Japanese?
And we ourselves are not expected to speak Japanese ourselves? (Even though I would MUCH rather speak Japanese, lol)

Yes, you are assisting native Japanese teachers of English to native Japanese students.

You are not expected to speak Japanese yourself.

JamboP26 · (#34 (**permalink**))

I imagine it will be similar to the German person coming over to my school (when I was there). They helped with bits or the class, & the teacher organised activities for the person & the class to interact with each other.

Toastyzeus · (#35 (**permalink**))

Interesting, I will have to talk to my Japanese teacher some more, ask her about it too

steven · (#36 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toastyzeus

Interesting, I will have to talk to my Japanese teacher some more, ask her about it too

It's quite a ways down the road for you, but if you do continue to learn Japanese a letter of recommendation from your Japanese teacher (who is hopefully Japanese) should really help.

Regarding the whole "they prefer no knowlege of Japaense bit" I've heard that quite often but I'm not so certain. I can say that most of the JETs I know have studied Japanese for at least a year in college. Some people really do have no Japanese skills at all though. I get the impression that most people who "know Japanese" can't communicate in Japanese anyways when it gets down to business... so whether you've studied it or not wont take away from the fact that you will be a foreigner in a Japanese classroom, thus exposing the students (and teachers/staff) to your foreign ways. It's not just about teaching English, in my opinion. You're looking to exchange culture and junk like that too. I think if you ever do end up getting a JET position, you will discover that the English you speak and the English tehy are learning are two very different beasts. (No offense, but they seems mostly interested in American English, closelsy followed by English English... that's not to say that there aren't a ton of JETs from Australia or other countries though). Regardless, they teach a very bastardized version of American English, which focuses too much on the written part of it. Therefore, it is my humble opinion that while you are there to teach English, you will mostly spend time talking about your country and assisting the teachers with class activities and things like that. You might also get to work with the city to promote different events or participate in things with the community (or you may do that on your own accord as many JETs do).

The pay is great (by Japanese standards... especially considering the hours). The pay is also very good when compared with America (my home country). Unless you were born rich and are accustomed to really nice accomodations your whole life, the living conditions wont get to you much.

There are some things that are worse and some things that are better. If you focus on the crappy things, you'll have a crappy experience. If you focus on the good things, you'll have a good experience (albeit a little artificial). If you take it as it is, I'm sure you'll still have a good time. Such is life, when you really think about it.

Toastyzeus · (#37 (**permalink**))

Indeed, very insightful information.
Alas it is still many, many years down the track before I even consider career.

However, to apply for JET you need a bachelors degree, am I correct?

If so, what degree exactly are they looking for, or what qualifications?

GoNative · (#38 (**permalink**))

Any bachelor degree will do.

Toastyzeus · (#39 (**permalink**))

I see, so its more of a "Look, look, I'm dedicated and talented! Pick me!" thing than any specific qualification...?

MMM · (#40 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toastyzeus

I see, so its more of a "Look, look, I'm dedicated and talented! Pick me!" thing than any specific qualification...?

The interview process I went through was fairly intense. Half of the interview was in Japanese, which was pretty intimidating after studying Japanese for just four years. I had taken Japanese literature, and one of the questions I remember, asked to me in Japanese, was a comparison of the unique features of Japanese literature compared to American literature.

Ultimately, I think they are looking for people who are enthused, but are also flexible and resilient. I think they are less concerned with whether you can teach children (who knows? Chances are you have no experience) and want to know that you can live for at least one year on your own in Japan. Three+ years is even better.

I think it is also seeing if you can work in a system and be satisfied being the low-man on the totem pole.