FAQ

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. 

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!

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.

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.

Candidates who are receiving treatment for depression or other mental health issues should be aware that counseling 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. JET Candidates should be able to handle experiences that may bring loneliness, homesickness, uneasiness or frustration without becoming easily depressed during a full year away from their own culture, friends and family. They should also 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.

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.