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 s