FAQ for the JET Programme for Canadians

The JET Programme runs on a yearly cycle. Applications are generally accepted from mid-September to mid-November each year. Information on the availability of applications will be posted on the JET Canada website (www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/jetcanada.html). Please be sure to carefully read through the eligibity criteria (found on the Description page and in the application document) before applying.

You may indicate on the application form your preferred placement in Japan should you be accepted, along with your reasons for this choice. Please keep in mind, however, that the JET Programme places participants in towns and cities that have requested a JET . All efforts are made to place JETs in their preferred location but, with a large number of new arrivals being placed each year there can be no guarantees that your preference will be available. Most JETs wish to be placed in large urban centers such as Tokyo or Osaka . Consequently, if this is your preference you need to be aware that greater demand will reduce your chances of receiving such a placement. Furthermore priority is given to couples' placement requests. Please visit the interactive map of Japan found on the Description page to find out more about the country and it's regions before making your choices.

Many JETs apply as a couple. It should be noted, however, that each person’s application is dealt with individually. Co-application does not have any effect on the selection process. There is also no guarantee that couples will be placed in the same location although, as noted above, every effort is made to accommodate such relationships. JETs are welcome to bring their non- JET spouses and children to Japan with them, keeping in mind that all visa, living or work arrangements for the non-JETs are the responsibility of the individuals involved. Spouses and children (adopted or blood) can apply for a dependent’s visa based on the JET ’s status as an employee in Japan . The Japanese government does not recognize common-law partners, same-sex partners or fiancees as dependents. It is recommended that dependents not arrive in Japan at the same time as the JET but wait until the JET has settled into their new environment. The following websites provide useful information on bringing children to Japan:

Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

Procedures for Entering Japanese Schools (pdf-English and Japanese)

Abstract of Procedures for Entering Japanese Schools (pdf-English and Japanese)

http://www.gaijinpot.com/family.php

http://www.tokyowithkids.com/

There are two positions available to Canadian JETs, Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) and Coordinator for International Relations (CIR). Of these two, only the CIR needs to have the ability to function in Japanese (sufficient to perform duties such as translating and interacting fluently with local staff). ALTs would certainly find their daily lives easier for being able to communicate in Japanese but it is by no means a requirement. In fact the majority of JETs go to Japan with little or no Japanese language skills. There is some linguistic training provided prior to departure and, of course, living and working in Japan is a fantastic way to become a Japanese speaker!

A JET is employed by an individual Contracting Organization such as a school, a school board or a municipal office. The job duties will be decided by the employer and will also depend on whether you are an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) or a CIR (Coordinator for International Relations). In general, a JET is involved with either assisting Japanese teachers with the English language programme or with promoting intercultural exchange at the local level. The specific duties and expectations will be determined by the Contracting Organization and will vary depending on local requirements. Likewise the nature of the work environment can differ significantly.

Q: I have a pet that I would like to bring with me to Japan if I am accepted. Can I do this?

Japan is an island nation and consequently has very strict quarantine laws. Some types of animals may be banned altogether. In all cases an animal entering Japan as a pet will be required to submit to 6 month’s quarantine (at the owner’s expense).

Q: I will be graduating from university in April following the application period. Can I still apply?

A JET candidate must submit a valid university degree prior to their departure. It is only necessary to submit the degree as part of the application process if you have finished your studies. Applicants in their last year of studies will need to provide a letter from the registrar attesting to their enrolment and indicating their graduation date as well as a letter of reference from an individual associated with the university. Should you apply and be accepted but will be graduating the following April you will have to supply a copy of your degree as soon as you receive it prior to the departure date for Japan. In other words, if you are in the final year of studies for your degree you are able to apply for JET. Please see the application document for more information on this issue.

Sexual orientation is not taken into consideration during the application or selection process. There have been many gay JETs on the programme over the years. There is even a gay JET support network. In Japan the issue of sexual orientation is, as in Canada , a private matter. How the gay JET chooses to approach his/her colleagues and community will vary depending on the personality and circumstances of that individual.

JET contracts always include a certain number of paid vacation days. The way these days are used will depend on the Contracting Organization. Generally speaking JETs are able to take vacation whenever they do not have specific assigned duties. This time may be used to travel either in Japan or to nearby countries, or even to return home for a visit. In general JETs will also have Japanese national holidays off as well.

Q: I’m in a wheelchair / have a mobility impairment. How does this affect my chances of participating in the programme?

There are no such restrictions placed on applying to the JET programme. It should be noted, however, that Japan is not as fully accommodating of mobility impairment as Canada. Furthermore, the job frequently requires the JET to move rapidly between different areas and floors of a school or to take public transportation on a regular basis. It may, therefore, be difficult to find a Contracting Organization willing to employ a JET who requires special arrangements to meet these job expectations.

Yes. This programme was conceived by the Japanese Government as a youth exchange initiative. Like employment and exchange programmes run by the Canadian government for youth it has a firm age limit for eligibility. It is recognized, however, that otherwise qualified potential applicants may have turned 40 recently. Consequently, it is still possible to submit an application for consideration if you are in your early forties. The selection committee will carefully consider the credentials and experience of applicants who recently turned 40 and will accept or reject the application based on this information.

Q: I think I have pretty good English, but English is not my first language. Can I apply?

In order to be effective in their positions, ALTs must have excellent English pronunciation, rhythm, intonation, and voice projection skills in addition to other standard language skills. They must also have good writing skills and understand English grammar usage, including being able to explain parts of speech when called upon to do so. If English is not your first language, and you’re uncertain if your English ability is strong enough to participate on the JET Programme, it is a good idea to discuss your concerns with the JET Coordinator in your area.

Q : I have an Applied Bachelor’s Degree/College Diploma. Am I eligible for the JET Programme?

In order to be eligible for the JET Programme it is necessary to have a Bachelor's degree. There is no specific subject requirement. Applied Bachelors degrees are acceptable as long as they are recognized by a degree granting authority such as a provincial ministry of education. College diplomas do not meet these eligibility specifications and, as such, do not confer eligibility.

Teaching certification or teaching experience is not required in order to apply for the JET Programme. Such qualifications or experience can, however, be indicated on the application form.

TESL/TEFL qualifications are not a requirement for application. A few contracting organizations participating in the JET Programme do, however, request JET participants with this type of certification. Furthermore the knowledge and skills acquired through such training can be valuable resources for working with students in Japan .

Yes, but you must renounce your Japanese citizenship before submitting your Reply Form in April (if accepted to the Programme). Please contact the JET Desk at the Embassy of Japan or one of the Japanese consulates for further information.

Q: I’ve suffered from depression in the past and am concerned about how to answer Question 4 on the Self-Assessment medical form. If I answer ‘Yes’, will it affect my JET candidacy?

Candidates who are receiving treatment for depression or other mental health issues should be aware that counselling or assistance in English may not be easily accessible in Japan, and that medications available in Canada to treat depression may not be available in Japan or be able to be imported.

Handle experiences that may bring loneliness, homesickness, uneasiness or frustration without becoming easily depressed.
Cope well with potential feelings of social isolation or loneliness during a full year away from their own culture, friends and family.
Find appropriate solutions to differences in values, understanding and priority with maturity and diplomacy.
Have an interest in a wide range of new experiences and challenges including the possibility of being located in small, remote villages or on isolated islands.

Indicating on the application form that you are suffering or have suffered from some form of mental health issue allows the assessors to get a clearer picture of you as a potential candidate. Assessors will always take into account the details of your situation, including information provided by your doctor. Candidates with such issues have previously been selected and have participated successfully on JET . Please keep in mind that if you answer “no” on the form and it becomes subsequently apparent, through the medical report filled out by a qualified physician that this is untrue, you risk immediate disqualification.

Former JETs can reapply if they have not participated in the program since 2007 and have not participated for more than 5 years in total.

Yes, as long as you have not lived in Japan for a total of six or more years since 2000 (up to and including November 27, 2009).

Q: Can I use a previous year's application form to apply this year? If I submitted an application in the past do I still need to submit one this year as well?

No. You must use the application document specified for the given JET application period. Previous year's files will not be accessed for application purposes. Slight changes to the application are made every year. Furthermore, you may have additional or changed information which you would like to have taken into account. To apply for the 2010 JET Programme you will need to submit the 2010 JET Programme application.

Yes, you may fill in the application by hand as long as you write neatly. If your application is not legible, you may lose credit for experience or other qualifications that we cannot read. Due to the high volume of applications received each year, we do not have time to call individual applicants for clarification. A neat and well-prepared application also indicates the applicant's professionalism and serious desire to become a JET Programme participant. If using the online PDF version of the application and your software enables you to write directly on the document you may fill it out in this manner prior to printing and submitting it.

No, you cannot. You may apply for only one of these positions during any given application year.

No. There are no application fees. There may, however, be costs associated with accessing the necessary documents (transcripts, police checks etc) which are the applicants responsibility.

To be reviewed, applications must be submitted to the Embassy of Japan by the deadline (November 27, 2009 for the 2010 JET Programme). During December and January, applications are processed and reviewed. Applicants are notified by late January/early February whether or not they have been selected for interviews. Interviews are generally held in mid to late February.

After interviews, the results of the application review and interviews are sent to Tokyo where the final decisions are made. Applicants will be notified of these final decisions sometime in early April. Selected participants are notified of their placement on either the “Short List” (definite placement) or the “Alternate List” (waiting to replace a participant who declines their short list position). Alternates may be promoted as late as the end of the year but most promotions happen between April and August.

Once the lists are confirmed the Tokyo authorities begin matching successful applicants with Contracting Organizations in Japan . Short List candidates leave for Japan at the end of July or the beginning of August depending on their departure city.

Applicants should be motivated to teach English, work with kids, and participate in international exchange activities. They should also be flexible and adaptable to new cultures, as well as have a knowledgeable understanding of their own country and culture and be willing to share this knowledge in Japan . CIR candidates must also have a functional command of Japanese. Finally, applicants should be open-minded and interested in learning about Japanese language and culture. Please see the "Ideal JET" section on the Programme Description page for more information.

Q: If I am chosen as an alternate, what are the chances that I will be upgraded to a participant and offered a position on JET?

An alternate is offered a position when a participant withdraws from the program. The JET Programme cannot foresee when candidates will withdraw and so cannot guarantee that an alternate will be upgraded.

A criminal record will not necessarily disqualify you. However, the seriousness of the crime will be taken into account and a final decision will be made in Tokyo regarding whether or not to offer the applicant a position with the programme.

Q: What if I am granted a placement on the Short List and then decide that I would prefer not to go?

JETs are free to decline a placement but if this is done after having initially accepted the position, there will be a one-year moratorium on re-application. In other words, if you decline after placement you will not be able to re-apply the following year.

Q: If I am offered a position on the JET Program, may I defer my acceptance until the following year?

No. If you are accepted as a participant you may not defer participation to the following year. If you are accepted as a candidate and you are unable to participate for any reason, you will have to re-apply if you wish to join the programme in the future.

Q: Can I change the date/location of my interview? Is it possible to interview at a Japanese embassy in a country other than Canada?

Given the number of candidates and the complexity of coordinating the varied schedules of our interview panelists, the dates and locations are not flexible. Interviews must also be conducted in Canada . Please be aware that, as interviews are scheduled in February they may very well coincide with university reading weeks. If you are applying for the programme it is advisable to avoid making travel plans during "Spring Break" as you may find yourself scheduled to interview during this period. Missed interviews will not be re-scheduled. If you miss the interview you will forfeit your chance to participate on JET for that year.

Q: If I am given a position on the programme and I don't like my placement is it possible to change it?

Under no circumstances can participants change their placements. Should you be disatisfied with your placement your only option is to resign your position and thus incur a one-year moratorium on reapplying.

All visa procedures are carried out by the embassy and consulates responsible. About one month prior to your departure you will be asked to submit your passport and a visa application form for processing. Your passport will be returned to you prior to departure with a Japanese working visa valid for 3 years. Please note that this visa is issued based on your participation in the JET Programme. If you do not renew your JET contract following your first or second year on the programme but want to remain in Japan and continue working your " JET " visa would no longer be valid. It would be necessary to apply for a new visa based on your new working circumstances.