Job Discussion Forums

maggietulliver · Joined: 06 Oct 2011 Posts: 19

Hey All,

Just wondering if anyone has experience with JET (particularly the application process), and has any tips for me...

Do they generally choose young, fit go-getters? Or would they be willing to give a 33 year old AUstralian woman with an MA (TESOL) a look in??

It sounds like a very interesting program, and one that I am seriously considering...

Any info/advice would be great.

TWG · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 39

I've heard they've raised their age cut off a while back. But I'm willing to bet they still prefer young, dumb, and pretty.

maggietulliver · Joined: 06 Oct 2011 Posts: 19

That's what I was afraid of...ah well.

fluffyhamster · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 1:48 am Post subject:

The only way you'll know for sure is to apply. You'll at least be able to easily supply glowing referee letters, right? Wink

G Cthulhu · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 2:10 am Post subject:

G Cthulhu · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 2:13 am Post subject: Re: JET - Hmm...

TWG · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 39

G Cthulhu · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 2:20 pm Post subject:

TWG · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 39

It's a mix of yes and no for a number of reasons.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

How do you figure 23 is not young, especially when JET's upper age limit is around 40? Apply.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 11:54 pm Post subject:

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

You ought to apply. Selection depends on how many applicants are recieved by the consulate or embassy in region or country you apply to. The JET Program is a bit of a lottery. I met some older JET Program participants.

Maybe someone else can tell you about the average age of JET Program participants. I was in the same cohort as my former Director of Services at a Canadian ESL school. So, yeah, the JET Program does accept experienced and mature professional teachers.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

G Cthulhu · Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 3:47 pm Post subject:

marley'sghost · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 255

When I was a JET, we had all ages, 23- to pushing 40. And all kids, recent college grads to licensed experienced professional teachers. If you want to come to Japan and want to teach, it's a better deal than working for a chain-conversation school or a dispatch company. Give it a shot.