There are a lot of interesting things out there to do with your life. You don't have to get caught up in the rat race of the business world, or stay at home and do the same thing that all your friends are doing! The JET program is an exciting option, and may be what you are looking for. I want to tell you what you can expect, and about our situation, so you can decide if it's right for you.

THE BASICS

Basically, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program is a structured program that pays very well. It is divided into two branches:

1. AET/ Assistant English Teacher: for those who want to teach English. You don't have to speak Japanese.

2. CIR/ Coordinator for International Relations: for those who want to work in the local city government offices, international associations, and universities. You must speak Japanese for this branch.

We are both AET's, so our information pertains to that branch of the JET program. You can live in Japan and teach English 5 days a week for about 10 months a year. You have 20 days of official vacation, and may end up with a bit more for various reasons. If you are wanting to travel around the world for a year, this program is a very different experience. I think it's a good adventure, and may be a job to let you save up before a long round the world trip. It can also be a good foot in the door for folks looking to work in Japan for the long term. The JET program is a minimum one-year commitment, and you can renew your contract for a maximum of three years. I think about two-thirds of the participants stay at least two years. Some people find they have a lot of free time once they get over here, but it's possible to be get really involved within the community, taking lessons in taiko (Japanese drums), martial arts, green tea ceremony, cooking, calligraphy, and a variety of others.

ABOUT US

Alison and I are both graduates from the University of Texas in Austin, and love life in Austin. I am a Mechanical Engineer, and after graduating worked for Tokyo Electron-- a Japanese Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturer. After training in Kumamoto, Japan for 10 months, I returned to Austin for a year and a half before heading back to Japan on the JET program. Alison is an Elementary teacher, and after college worked for a local Austin school as a tutor. In mid 1998, Alison and I were just settling into married life, and realized that we had no kids and no responsibilities to keep us tied down. We began looking around for and adventure to last a couple years. There is a lot out there for young folks, and one very good option is the JET program. We looked into it very carefully, and were impressed at the way the program is organized and how the participants are supported. It seemed like something we would enjoy, so we sent in for the application.

Originally we considered traveling the US, traveling the world, working overseas or a combination. We ended up at the JET program because it was exciting and fun, but would allow us to add to our savings instead of blowing it all on travel. This decision may not be for you though; there is a lot to be gained by traveling the globe for a year, so don't sell yourself short. Of course, as I mentioned earlier, you can teach here for a year or two, save up some dough, then blast off for the rest of the world. This is a very popular option among JET's.

ABOUT OUR LIFE IN SUWA

With the JET program, each participant's experience is different. The salary is the same, and some of the support associations are the same, but when it comes to daily life and the stuff that really hits home, it's different from school to school and city to city. For example, we get 20 vacation days a year, but that's set by the school, so other Jet's may get a different number. We pay around US$100 rent a month for our house (which is owned by the school), others pay nothing, others pay US$500. We have no car, some schools provide a car (not many, don't get your hopes up) More important to you than stuff about the JET program itself is actually your caretaker--a Japanese teacher who helps you settle into life here. They can do a lot for you, and make life great, or make life tough. Alison and I both have really super caretakers, and are thankful. They set up our bank accounts and utilities, and arrange for kerosene to be delivered to our house. The JET program guarantees a TV, heated coffee table and maybe something else, but our schools have hooked us up with a clothes washer, heaters, bedding and other stuff. This is very nice! Mind you, clothes washers here are very hard on clothes, so don't bring your favorites. We also bought all the "stuff" from our predecessor, like rice cooker, pots and pans, VCR, stereo etc. This is a great way to go, and is usually a good deal, but if you're the first JET in the position, you may be on your own. The JET program has leveled out, so it's less common to be the first JET in your position.

BEING MARRIED ON THE JET PROGRAM

The JET program can work for married couples, I believe they try to give you schools close to each other and to make it work, but it is not guaranteed. For us, we heard of other couples placed hours from each other, and living apart. We were not interested in this, but in the end we have a great setup, one house, and very close schools! You will find out that you are not told WHERE you are placed till a month before you leave, although for married couples that is very important. You'll have to deal with this somehow, I don't think it can be changed, but I do think the organization tries to accommodate. In Nagano Prefecture, there are at least 2 other married couples, which is impressive. Our situation is great for us, but each situation is different, and being married makes it a bit more exciting, but it's certainly possible for it to work out without a glitch!

MORE ABOUT THE JET PROGRAM

The Japanese government supports the JET program through another organization called CLAIR. The goal is to have about 5500 college graduates in Japan, assigned to middle or high schools, working as assistant language teachers. The majority of these teachers are from English speaking countries, and are assistant English teachers (AET's). The program pays your way over here, gives you a 3 day training/ adjustment period in Tokyo, then sends you to your assigned area. Your school or office usually provides very reasonable housing and helps you get a bank account and set up all the utilities. You have a caretaker at your school or office who will help with any trouble you may have, and this comes in handy! The school or office also pays your salary, which is paid in yen. We have found the whole program very organized; of course, there are things that could be improved, but overall, the teachers are very well taken care of.

CONCLUSION

For folks looking for an exciting year or two or three, please consider the JET program. Look around our site and see what our life is like. Remember that each situation is somewhat different, as you might suspect. Life in a small town like Suwa is very different from life in Nagano city or Osaka. Below we have a list of other sites that you may find interesting. Of course, please feel free to drop us a line and ask us any questions you may have about the program. Also, check out our FAQ page. We are enjoying the JET program and life in Japan very much, and think it's a great option for many people.