Job Discussion Forums

HeatherG · Joined: 25 Mar 2013 Posts: 15

I know JET is highly competitive, so I was wondering what the best option is for applicants who are turned down? I was unable to finish an application in the past because I could not get a doctor's appointment for the medical forms in time, but that will not be a problem this year (assuming they don't automatically disqualify anyone who has medical issues).

I know that plenty of qualified applicants, even those who are TEFL-certified are turned down, so I'd like to have a backup plan. I looked into Interac, but I don't think they pay for airfare, and they prefer candidates who are willing to drive. What other options are there? I did see on a recent thread that JET wants to increase the number of teachers over the next few years. Do they prefer ALTs who just graduated? I have been out of college for a few years, so I'm concerned that I may be too old (or will be within the next few years).

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

You won't find any plan B's that pay airfare, non of the dispatch (companies like Interac, Altia Central, etc.) will. So, you'll have to factor that in.
Aside from dispatch companies, another plan B is eikaiwa. Those are private English conversation classrooms where you teach small groups of people, all ages and abilities. There are some big chains (Aeon, ECC) that recruit from overseas. You would not be in a school, but you'd be in Japan and teaching. (Though some might argue that eikaiwa is not "teaching".) Not sure what your goals and background is, so I don't know if that's an option.

I came over to Japan as a JET and work for Interac now. Sure, they prefer folks willing/able to drive, but it's not a deal breaker.

When I was a JET, most of the folks were recent graduates, but I think that was just a reflection of the demographics of the applicants, not a preference. There were quite a few of us (me included) who had been out of uni for a few years.

Aside from here at Daves, take a look at Ohayou sensei. You may find a plan B or two there. http://www.ohayosensei.com/

kah5217 · Joined: 29 Sep 2012 Posts: 270 Location: Ibaraki

I was a little annoyed that Interac gave me a driving position, but it's not as bad as you might think. They don't stick you in a crazy "no parking" city if you have to drive, they do the legwork getting you the car, and some branches even give you a English copy of the Japan driver's manual. My biggest hurdle was getting used to driving on the other side, with the ultra-narrow roads being a second (though they give you an ultra-narrow kei car so it's not that scary).

Though you will have to get a Japanese driver's license if you plan to drive in your second year. You can't renew international driving permits.

HeatherG · Joined: 25 Mar 2013 Posts: 15

Kah5217, to answer your question about my background and goals, I have a BA in English with a Japanese minor and will be getting TEFL certified sometime in the near future. I have classroom experience as a substitute teacher. My goal is to teach overseas for maybe a few years then get a Master's in education. I won't be able to do any of that for awhile since I need to save up enough money for a plane ticket. Even the programs that pay for the plane ticket only reimburse rather than buy from what I understand.

I don't currently have a driver's license. It's a long story, but I've had problems with the DMV and medical forms that should have been over a long time ago. It's still possible for me to straighten the issue out and get my license, but I'm still not really confident in my ability to drive in another country, especially if I had to get a Japanese license. I've read that it's more difficult than in the US to obtain a driver's license in Japan. Will Interac let you request a position that doesn't require driving?

teacher4life · Joined: 22 Apr 2012 Posts: 121

With your situation, JET is the best by far. At the very least apply for it and try your damndest to get it.

At the interview just tell them that you once read a haiku poem by a guy named Basho, and when you read that the frog went -plop- into the pond, you knew your life's goal was to live and work in Japan.

HeatherG · Joined: 25 Mar 2013 Posts: 15

I'm trying to figure out how to answer the question about how I became interested in Japanese culture without looking like an otaku or otherwise unprofessional. While I've always had an interest in other language and cultures, the reason I ended up studying Japanese really was an interest in pop culture. Maybe I could mention that I recently took up aikido (which is true and unrelated to the job hunt).

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

HeatherG · Joined: 25 Mar 2013 Posts: 15

I would actually get annoyed if somebody called me otaku because I know that in Japan, it has negative connotations. I rarely even watch anime any more.

ssjup81 · Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 1:55 pm Post subject:

HeatherG · Joined: 25 Mar 2013 Posts: 15

I'm pretty sure anyone who expects real-life Japan to be like anime is either going to be disappointed or very confused. I'm guessing Inuyasha and Kagome would probably be in big trouble in real life. Did Inuyasha even attend school? I never actually watched the series/read the manga, but you'd think a half-youkai from the feudal era would have other things on his mind besides high school.

I think my first exposure to Japanese culture may have been a book called "Noriko: Girl of Japan" (not sure of the exact title) that I read as a child. The reason I started learning the language was due to wanting to watch movies/TV, play video games, and read manga in Japanese, but I think by the time I had two years of college Japanese and declared a minor in the subject that I was beyond the average obnoxious otaku level. Lately I read the occasional manga and play video games, but that's pretty much it.