JET Program - Experience Japan and Earn an Income

The JET Program is an ideal way for young people to get to know Japan, whilst earning an income at the same time. But, what exactly is JET, how does it differ from other English-teaching jobs in Japan, who can apply, and what qualifications do you need?

What is JET?

The Program was first introduced in 1987, and is run by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Public Management and Education.

Under it, each year, between 2,500 and 3,000 people are employed from a variety of different countries to assist and teach in junior and senior high schools throughout Japan's 47 prefectures. The aim is not purely for the students to learn English though. An equally important emphasis is placed on promoting cultural exchange and internationalization.

Although three positions are available under the Program, only two can actually be applied for. These posts are Assistant Language Teacher or ALT, which is fairly self-explanatory; and, Coordinator for International Relations (CIR), which involves organizing cultural activities.

Although you won't necessarily need a knowledge of Japanese for the post of ALT, it is useful for the job of CIR. Also, you can't apply for more than one position.

Requirements.

First of all, you should be young! Applications are accepted from people between the ages of 20 to 40, but it's a well-known fact that recent university graduates are favored.

You'll also need to be enthusiastic and motivated, with a keen interest in Japan, and a desire to work with young people.

As far as academic qualifications go, you should have a university degree, preferably being qualified to teach in primary/elementary schools.

How To Apply.

You should apply between September and January. Interviews will take place at your country's embassy or consulate around March/April. Then, if you're successful, you'll be notified from May onwards, actually leaving for Japan in July/August.

Conditions.

Unfortunately, you have to go to the area of Japan the Program picks for you, so conditions vary tremendously. You could be placed in a large city... or in a small, country village.

Pay is better than many English-teaching jobs in Japan, with a salary of 300,000 yen a month. For this, you'll be expected to work 35 hours a week.

The initial contract is for one year, though this can sometimes be renewed. As long as you complete your 12-month contract, your flights will be paid there and back. However, health insurance is not included, and you'll be expected to pay 40,000 yen a month for this.

It's undeniable that competition is extremely fierce for acceptance but, if you're lucky enough to be one of the successful candidates, the JET Program can be a truly rewarding way of getting to know Japan.

Kevin Burns is creator of how-to-teach-english-in-japan.com where you'll discover interesting information about the popular JET Program.

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Traveling in Japan - A Rewarding Experience For Those Who Love Culture

Despite being a well-known and respected country all around the world, unfortunately few Western tourists visit Japan. Perhaps that is due to the misconception that Japan is an extremely expensive country, an idea that stems from the bubble era in Japan when things were expensive relative to Western countries. But nowadays prices in Japan are on par with those of North America and Western Europe. Another reason few tourists come to Japan is that there is no standout tourist attraction. China has the Great Wall, Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Italy has the Coliseum, but what does Japan have? The truth is that Japan has a lot of value to offer the visitor, but that value is not to be found in any single site. It is to be found in the overall experience and cultural richness of Japan.

Kyoto is Japan's cultural capital, and former imperial capital, and contains UNESCO declared the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto" as a World Heritage site. That is not a single site, but rather 17 sites within the Kyoto area.  Perhaps the most well-known around the world is Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavillion, but really the cultural value of Kyoto is to be found across a range of sites. None of these sites individually will blow you away, but you will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of cultural and historical sites, temples, shrines, and gardens. Kyoto as a whole is Japan's cultural treasure, and one of the world's treasures.

Approximately an hour away from Kyoto lies Nara, another of Japan's ancient capital cities. Like Kyoto, Nara is saturated with cultural sites, especially the Nara Park area. It is a lovely green city in which you can calmly stroll and encounter deer while heading towards the next cultural site. The most exciting site for tourists is probably

Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world. Inside lies the Great Buddha statue, a towering and impressive figure suitable for such as impressively mammoth building. There are many other temples and museums in Nara, and it is well worth spending a day in Nara when you are in the Kansai region. Nara is more relaxed and more walkable than Kyoto, which is a fairly large city.

In the Kanto region near Tokyo you can find two more splendid historical cities full of cultural and religious relics. They are Nikko and Kamakura. Kamakura features many well-known Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. One of the most famous is Kotoku-in temple. Like Nara's Todaiji temple it features a giant Buddha statue, which was once located inside the temple hall. But in the 15th century a powerful typhoon destroyed the temple hall, leaving the statue in tact but outdoors.

Nikko lies in the beautiful mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, a couple of hours north of Tokyo. The natural surroundings of Nikko and its wildlife are beautiful enough to warrant an excursion, but its cultural sites combine with the stunning scenery to create something wholly impressive. Among its temples and shrines is Rinnoji temple, established in the year 766. It is a lovely and tasteful temple to visit. Much more flamboyant and colorful is Tosho-gu shrine, home of the Three Wise Monkeys. This shrine contains the tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. There are other beautiful and historically important sites in Nikko, and you can explore amidst the gorgeous natural surroundings and roaming monkeys.

Even though it is simply a city, Tokyo is a city like no other and is a must see, at least for a couple of days to get a feel for this massive metropolis. The sheer size and scale of Tokyo are mind-boggling. From the free observation deck of the Tokyo municipal building in Shinjuku, you can look out over the city and literally see no end to the sprawl of buildings. Every street and every corner is full of something new to see, and while there are few famous tourist sites, Tokyo is full of interesting neighbourhoods with different flavors, full of great restaurants of all varieties, and full of overwhelming sites, sounds, and smells that assault you from every angle. For those seeking some culture and a relaxing escape from the urban insanity, the Imperial Palace and the large park surrounding it offer a glimpse into the life of the Japanese royal family. If you visit on New Year's Day (January 1st) or the Emperor's birthday (December 23rd) you can join a crowd of gatherers to see the royal family, who come out of their palace to greet the crowd with waves and a short speech from the emperor. This is open to the public, but be prepared for tight security.

Japan is a rewarding place to visit for people with a little more cultural curiosity than the average tourist. If you just want a big and flashy tourist site that you've seen on tv a million times, then you may not be impressed. But those with a taste for culture, religious heritage, and history will be impressed and moved by the wonders of Japan.

Paul Jorgensen is an avid traveler and citizen of the world. He's a geography nerd and can study maps for hours on end. His blog Free Printable Maps features maps and travel destination profiles such as an ancient map of Japan.

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Live and Teach in Japan - The Experience of a Lifetime

You may not have considered it, but many people both young and old are heading off to teach English in Japan every day. It can be a life changing and very rewarding experience. Making the big move to Japan whether it be for a short working holiday, or if you plan to live in Japan for a longer duration, can sound daunting but you will get plenty of assistance from your school and employer-to-be.

There are a large number of conversational English schools in Japan and among the bigger and best known ones are Geos, ECC, Berlitz and Nova. Most people that go to teach in Japan start off by attending a local information session. After going through with the interview process your suitability for the role will be assessed. A sense of adventure and an enthusiastic spirit is as must. Actually, you don't even need any teaching experience and being too good at the Japanese language could also be to your detriment!

Those that teach English in Japan will soon pick up the Japanese language as they go along. If you are really keen to learn Japanese first you could try checking out the Pimsleur series of audio lessons which I thoroughly recommend. Learning to speak Japanese can seem an intimidating experience in the beginning, but if you study gradually you'll soon figure out the essentials needed to get by in daily life. By actually being in Japan, the Japanese immersion experience ensures that you are going to learn a great deal faster, rather than pounding away at the books trying to remember all the kanji symbols and theory before you have anyone to practice speaking with.

Your school will arrange your airfare to Japan and when you arrive at the other end you will usually be greeted at the airport by an experienced staff member. After you go through a few weeks of training and staying in a hotel or share house, you will then be assigned to your school. But that could be anywhere from the middle of Tokyo to way out in the countryside. It's important not to get too fond of the idea of living in a big city because it's very likely you could be posted to a distant and small country town. But that's all part of the adventure!

As part of your posting you will most likely receive your own desk in a shared office. Japan is well known for maximising it usage of small spaces and you will find that your teachers' office is no exception! Here you will be required to prepare for your ESL (English as a Second Language) lessons and do any other paperwork that may be required such as evaluating students and marking tests. At the end of a hard day's teaching, it's traditional to go out eating and drinking with your new found Japan friends. Typically this is to a Japanese tavern called an izakaya and you may even get your own private room complete with those delightful wooden and paper shoji screens.

Your school's staff and other experienced teachers will explain all the necessary information to survive, including helping you get your own Japanese cell phone (keitai), arranging your accommodation, sorting out your bills and showing you the best places to eat and go grocery shopping in Japan. If you have any problems you can always call on them to help you out.

Should your country have good diplomatic relations with Japan, working holiday visas are easier to get and let you live in Japan for up to 18 months depending upon the arrangement. For a full work visa you will need a proper diploma or degree, however it can be in any discipline and does not have to be related to teaching. For more advice regarding visas I recommend you contact your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. Also the school you decide to go with will be able to help you with more specific information.

The experience of going to teach English in Japan is an absolutely amazing one that you will never forget. If you have been putting it off I recommend you just jump right into it and see where life takes you!

Hige Sori specializes in Japanese culture and his website has many ideas for Kanji Tattoos.

His collection of Free Kanji Symbols is an excellent Japanese writing resource.

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