Job Discussion Forums

[JRJohn]

I am asking this because I read a website today that seemed to be saying that the age 35 limit for JET applicants has now gone. I was surprised. Looking at the JET website, I couldn't see the age limit among the entry requirements. But is this really the case? Please clarify. Also, I am an experienced teacher with references, but I know JET interviews can be a hit or a miss and for surprising reasons.
The JET scheme has the advantage of paying more than Interac or most eikaiwas, and it has a better reputation and is likely a better employer.
Are start up costs the same as with Interac?
One more thing. I am actually tempted to apply. While I have reference letters and completed contracts from Korea, my past in Japan was shadier. Basically I didn't quite complete my contract with Shane English School. I don't feel I can leave that experience off my C.V. because I was with them nearly a year. Immigration would pick it up. I was desperately short of money and left under slightly acrimonious circumstances. I suspect JET would seize the Japanese experience and try to get a reference from Shane a
bad reference. On the other hand I had a lot of fun. I loved learning Japanese, meeting people, speaking basic Japanese, going to shrines, eating sushi and natto, a I had a number of memorable-even amazing-classes! But it was the case that I had a very demanding employer, who liked to micromanage, even when children were happy.

[rtm]

[TokyoLiz]

The JET Program application requires two referees, and you beg two former employers or academics from your uni for these. Don't include any other references.

[Lamarr]

I know a guy who worked at Shane for nearly 7 years. He didn't give the two calendar months notice they ask for for quitting your contract. His particular DoS refused to give him a reference because of that, though he managed to get a decent reference off a previous DoS instead.

If you needed to provide a reference from Shane (and they do give you one), they might say in it that you didn't fulfil your contract, so you'd need to be prepared to explain in an interview why that was. I would imagine people at JET would know about Shane's reputation, and might give you the benefit of the doubt on any "acrimonious circumstances".

[G Cthulhu]

Yes, I know it's late to the party, but the answers might be useful for those searching the forums later.