Hey there, I have some questions about the JET programme and Japan in general. I am in the middle of my application just need my health check and personal statement then I can send it away. Question 1: How is the format of the interviews? any advice you would give to be prepped? Question 2: My preferred prefectures I chose as Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido in that order. What is the chance of actually getting placement there? Question 3: How much money would you recommend taking when starting the JET programme? My goal was to have at least £2000, on top of what ever I can earn over the summer before leaving. I know some of the accommodations may not have everything but is everything fairly cheap or decently priced? Question 4: Internet, I've heard internet isn't great and most people use mobile broadband, is that true? Question 5: How is it working in the schools? Do they demand a-lot from you, or are you really there as more of an assistant to the teacher if they need anything? Alos does a lack of Japanese hurt in the classroom setting? Lastly, I am part of the joint honours education society at my university and have alot of people asking me about opportunities involving japan like the JET programme. As I am only new to the application, is there any advice you would give to students just starting out? Sorry for the essay, but I am taking advantage wherever I can at the moment haha.} Keep up the great work, and much love from Scotland!
1. How is the format for the interviews? Any advice you would give to be prepped? I think it would differ depending on what country you come from. I was asked questions about myself, why the JET Programme, why Japan, what do you see yourself doing after JET, I was asked what kind of lesson I would do about New Zealand, I said perhaps all the birds we have or the flag; and then I was asked to give a spontaneous lesson about the New Zealand flag. I think these are the questions they are most likely to ask, but to prepare I googled what kind of questions they would ask and found a PDF file with 100+ possible questions; I went through every question writing an answer. Some questions were even about Japan-US relations or what you would do if asked for opinions on WWII - as a Kiwi I didn’t think I’d get asked these questions, probably from American JETs, but it was interesting to go through and consider every alternative. 2. What is the chance of getting placements in your three chose prefectures? I’m not the people who assign placements and I don’t know any ALTs in the rest of Japan so I don’t know the exact likelihood - All I know is I requested Osaka and got Osaka! Lucky! 3. How much money would you recommend taking when starting? Is everything fairly cheap and decently priced? I brought $2000NZD on a travel card where I got a low fee to use Japanese ATMs, $2000 is like HALF 2000 British pounds; the Queen’s one true currency!! And despite that I think I only used about $700 before my Japanese bank account was set up and I started getting paid from my job. Your own money was basically just for food and any furnishings you wanted to buy immediately. If your short on money you could come with practically nothing and be okay I’m sure. 4. How’s the internet? Do most people use mobile broadband? The internet at my apartment is godly. I can play a broadband-taxing game and stream it at the same time with no issues. I suppose it depends on where you are. Osaka is the second largest city and I live in quite a nice area. If you were quite rural it could be backwards technology, but again, I don’t know any ALTs outside of Minoh and Osaka. 5. How is it working in schools, is a lot demanded of you or are you just an assistant? Does lack of speaking Japanese hurt in the class? It varies from school to school, I know some ALTs in my town are the ‘tape-recorder ALT’ where they sample language and have short conversations in the regular English classes, but a lot of ALTs are the main teacher of the class and the JTE assists and translates. For me I teach all three grades of middle school ‘English Communications’ - I see every class in the school once a week (15 classes a week) and I make all of the powerpoints and resources and chat with my JTEs about what they want and they try to make something that fits that. Usually I’ll start with the final test or grade and work backwards with what they need to know in order to achieve that end goal. I knew ZERO Japanese when I arrived, didn’t even know hiragana, but knowing it wouldn’t hurt so you can use an odd word here and there to clarify what you mean or want from the students, or to help translate Japanese words to English for writing; at the end of the day JTEs usually want you to speak entirely in English (in Middle school at least, not the case in Elementary) 6. Is there any advice you’d give to students just starting out? I’m confused by this question, do you mean current University students with their eyes set on the JET Programme when they graduate? If you’re certain I’d recommend learning Japanese early, even just a tiny amount of words and reading hiragana it will go a long way - I wish I had some basic knowledge before I came. A clear purpose of why you want to do the JET Programme and what you’ll get out of it would be greatly beneficial too. I understand lots of people apply just because they want to be in Japan, but if you hate children and have no aspiration to be a teacher then I would hate for an applicant like you to get in over someone who could better interact with the children and leave a lasting impression on the students. At the end of the day you’re a representative of the wider world and your home country, so share all of that with the students whenever you can even if being front and centre as the teacher isn’t your forte! I always see you in the comments, Tariq!~ :P Let me know if you have any more questions and I’ll do my best to get back to you quicker next time
I’m applying to JET for the 2022 session, this is great insight into apartment living as an ALT!! Thanks for the tour! I’m hoping to get placement in central or northern Japan if I get accepted, so it will probably be a little different, but definitely looks nicer than most apartments in similar sized cities in the US :’)
Thank you!! 😁 I was thinking of making an updated tour video recently, but not much as changed! Yes, I'm still here!! I hope you'll support me and subscribe!
Moving men are very skilled at carrying up stairs and into right spaces - but alone? I have no idea. I'm lucky I live on the first floor and have never had to move in anything too hefty.
You've got a new sub here! I love all your Kimetsu no Yaiba things, I'm so jealous! 😭💕 I went to Japan in 2017, wish I was there now for all that kimetsu things hehe ☺ keep the great work!
hello! i have a couple questions about JET... 1. did you have any prior knowledge about teaching before joining the JET program? Is it mandatory to have that past experience/prior knowledge? 2. What's the hardest/most fun part about being an assistant English teacher in Japan? 3. Do you stay at one school the whole time or are you moved around? 4. Do they supply you with the apartment? What else do/don't they supply you with? i hope you see this comment bc even though I may participate in the JET program many years in the future I like to be prepared, sometimes very far in advance lol... thank you so much!
Hello xBloo! Thank you for watching my video and being curious about the JET Programme! I am happy to answer your questions, but please know that answer #1 to any question is “everyone’s situation is different!” 😅 But I will tell you about my situation if it helps! 1. Did you have any prior knowledge to teaching? I actually did have prior knowledge, but most JETs do not. In New Zealand I did a one year diploma to become a secondary (high school) teacher of English and Media Studies. I was also a relief teacher (substitute) for about six months where I taught a bunch of subjects I knew nothing about (maths, woodwork, science) and basically just managed behavior while students did the work their teacher wanted of them. But enough about me, It’s not required to have prior experience but during your interview you will most likely be asked to teach a spontaneous lesson on a random topic with no preparation; a clear indication of teaching or managing in some capacity might help your application. I think Japanese language and teaching are two things that will give you a boost when applying (I had zero Japanese ability but perhaps my teaching background got me in, many JETs seem to have at least a little Japanese language ability or can speak it well.) 2. What’s the hardest / most fun part? I am fortunate and happy in my job that I feel I don’t experience any difficulties or problems, but I guess the hardest thing is seeing whether students truly understand what I am saying. My lessons are taught completely in English and I have a Japanese Teacher of English (JTE) with me in the class who translates more difficult questions or tasks. Students are generally very polite and shy so they won’t ask for help or admit they don’t understand. If I knew Japanese I could use a little bit of this ‘in an emergency’ and nowadays I do sometimes, like when asking for students to pass their papers from the back of the class to the front I will add in ‘ushiro, mae, kami’ which is ‘back, front, paper.’ The most fun part is the opposite of this, when everything clicks, and students fully engage with an activity I have made, I see a positive reaction like laughing ‘Ooooooo’ or ‘Aaaaaaa’ or students openly sharing what they have written or made. Sometimes the students are so hilarious and goofy; When making an English movie flyer a student drew me into their movie, or students took something I said one time and basically made it into a meme (One time I highlighted how Japanese people say Firsto, secando, saahdo for 1st, 2nd, 3rd to make it funny and show students what not to do and now a boy says all three whenever he sees me. It’s funny! But he’s also learnt a lesson through humor. 3. Do you stay at one school or are you moved around? I stay at one school, but ALTs can easily be moved around. There were 3 ALTs at my school, one retired and one was asked to move. Because I fit well into more of the classes I stayed, but many of my friends have been moved around before. Usually after your 3rd year you will have to move regardless, and this may mean moving out of your town or city to somewhere else in Japan. (With the Corona situation and a shortage of ALTs, this is not happening.) 4. Do they supply you with apartment? What else do they supply? (and don’t supply?) Yes, my city council appointed me an apartment and Wi-fi plan and guided me through setting up a bank account and phone number. When I first moved here they let me buy or rent a bed, washing machine and microwave. I rented all three and then bought my own bed and appliances. People in my town can consult the council to opt out of some things and maybe find their own apartment, but that could be a lot of work, and without Japanese language a very difficult process. Thanks again for watching my video! Please support me and subscribe! Let me know if you have any more questions 😉
@@Kiwi_In_Japan WOW!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! This information really helped me feel more comfortable about joining the JET Program one day and I will definitely let you know if I have anymore questions, and no problem! It was a great vid!
Hello! Cute apartment :-) Would you know if Japan stopped the ALT program for 2022? Here in my country, I think batch 2020 and 2021 has not left yet and are still waiting for further info when they can leave. Thanks!
Hello Jackie! I have no idea but I know that 2020 and 2021 applicants are accepted but suspended. It's up to the incoming JETs to decide if they want to be on this perpetual waitlist. I know incoming JETs to my town who have now been working backup "while I wait" jobs for a full year now. 2022 will probably be a go to compensate for 2020/2021 JETs who couldn't wait anymore and withdrew their acceptance; so a 2022 JET could be a replacement and also wait. It depends what country you're from too. New Zealand JETs like me are basically coming whenever and positioned at more dire locations with no ALT presence.
Hi again! Have you ever been to Yuzawa city in Akita prefecture? That’s where I will be moving to in January for my JET placement and I would love to know more about it.
Hello Anna! Congratulations on being accepted! Wow, Akita huh? I have never been so far north so I don't know anything sorry. Keep looking around online I'm sure there's something somewhere!
Hello again Tanaka! I will start my third year in August. The maximum you can do is 5 years before you must finish the programme. After three years you usually move to a new city or place, but with the Corona situation ALTs in my town beginning their fourth year didn't have to move. My current plan is to stay with JET as long as I can and continue to teach English and live and work in Japan with a new company. 🤞✨
Thanks Nobutter! 😊 JETs are teaching in schools as normal! And students are coming in too. Everyone wears masks and washes hands regularly. There was a long period where no students came into school but teachers still went in at the start of the year, and also a period where we had telework from home! But it's been as if normal for a while now
Hi, can anyone explain how the housing subsidization with JET works?? Does anyone know? lol. I've just gotten my address/housing/rent info and the rent is TOO DAMN HIGH. No one has mentioned that it will be subsidized in any way, even tho I work for the city. Do only cities where the BoE owns property get rent subsidies? I can't seem to find the rhyme or reason between who gets it and who doesn't from all the random housing info out there. (Spare me noob deets plz, this is my 3rd time moving to Japan.)
Third time MOVING to Japan!? Whoa! It could all be situational and circumstantial. My local council owns some houses in my area or we pay the council to then pay our rent - so it's lowered. A more rural area might so it so you pay for everything - and perhaps you have a full house and not just an apartment! Hope you can get some answers from your area soon
Hello! ANY Bachelor's qualification is fine to apply! I have one close friend here from New Zealand who studied History! One from America who did business!
Do you think placement for Osaka will be open next year? I want to live in rural Osaka. I applied for JET for 2019 and 2020. Made it to the interview round twice but wasn't selected.
Hello Jaejoong! Yes it probably will! "JET 2020" has been pushed to a January 2021 arrival, but "JET 2021" will probably come in the usual August! You can put a preference of your three ideal places to get placed and you could probably specify 'Osaka' and maybe a suburb of Osaka!
Hey do you mind doing a video on salary with the jet program? I would love to go to Japan. However I'm kind of worried about the salary I'm not the best budgeter lol and I know programs like EPIK for example pay for there teachers apartments. Is it okay to ask for more money ? Or is that disrespectful to ask the school ? And can you go through a recruiter with the jet programme?
I don't believe the school pays you, CLAIR does (Council of Local Authorities and International Relations) the JET Programme is just on their website but you have to fill in all of the applications and get all the right papers signed with your country's embassy on your own. I'm not comfortable saying the exact annual salary here, but you can Google it quite easily - It's a very comfortable amount, even once you subtract all of your bills and additional spending!
It starts at about 28k USD...no way to get more other than being there longer. You cant make side money from any taxable japanese business income....BUT you can di youtube/resell JDM car parts/subtitle things(there are websites thar pay by the minute for transcripting subs) that need translating and more as a side hustle
Hello! I don’t know if you made a video about this yet but if you don’t mind me asking, is it possible if you could make a video on how you got accepted into JET I’m only 15 but I want to be prepared
Hi Melaine! I made a big Q&A video but it's about an hour long so you'd have to look for specific mentions, I think I time-stamped the questions I answered in the comments though! You are very young and still have your life ahead! Maybe you'll change what you want to do later, but I'd recommend starting to learn Japanese now at the very least! I didn't know any Japanese but I always wish I did to make a lot of opportunities here more easier - mind you it's not required at all!
Dont go cuz you love anime, gaming, sushi, and manga... thats a big thing. If youre going at all for that it may not be for you. If its a lucky secondary part of the culture that you also would like to have as a teacher...then go for it,!
Is there an elevator in the apartment building, or is it all stairs? Also, if you don't mind me asking on public comments, how much per month does the apartment cost? ^_^
Hello again Noelle! There is no elevator in this building or at any ALT apartments in Minoh. There is four floors (in most of them, I think one may be five, one is just two) and you can only take the stairs. My friend broke her ankle for a few months and had difficulty with crutches getting down the stairs from the third floor for a long while 😭 The rent is automatically taken from my account so I'm not so sure, I think it's between 40k-50k 円 per month. Some ALTs in another building about twenty minutes from mine have a slightly bigger apartment with two seperate rooms for kitchen space and bedroom/living room and seperate "toilet room" and "shower room" - they pay 10k more per month, definitely worth it, but the location is not as good in my opinion
I would like to ask about dates. Which is the correct way of writing the dates about work experience? for example i have an experience in work Lets say from June 2, 2018 to March 31, 2020. On the application form, shoul I write like this? From 2020.06.02 To 2020.03.31 or From June 02, 2018 To March 31, 2020 Thank you.
Go wild! A tiny thing to be hung up on my friend! I'm sure if someone can tell the month and date apart then it's fine. There is a British and American way of dating; UE is month/day/year, whereas UK is day/month/year
Hello! Go to the JET Programme website and see how the application process works in your country. Start writing a statement of purpose too - Why the JET Programme? Why Japan? Why teaching English? What is your history to lead you to this decision? What is your plan for the future and beyond the JET Programme? I don't remember the application process very well but if anything the Statement of purpose is the best place to start. I hope you will support me and subscribe! 🤩👍
Hey fellow kiwi here! I'm aiming to go on the JET program once I've finished my degree, the big thing weighing on my mind though is that I have tattoos. There seems to be mixed reaction among people on reddit saying either "it's fine just cover them" vs "it's hopeless you won't get the job". What do you think? Have you ever met any ALTs with tattoos? Thanks! Love this vid
Hello Kenzie thanks for watching and the question! Two of my best friends here have tattoos, one has snowflakes and musical notes on her ankle and the other has something on her wrist area. As long as they're all covered it's totally fine, the wrist-tattoo friend dislikes wearing long sleeves all the time, but that's the only way without a very obvious bandage or patch 😬 Another friend who has since left the programme had a huge Japanese female demon on her shoulder and that's actually the kind of tattoo Japanese people fear the most. She also just had to have it covered all the time and could never visit an Onsen. For the JET programme it should be totally fine - but a job in Japan after JET I'm not so sure about. Hope this have you something to think about Kiwi Kenzie! Please support me and subscribe! 🤩☝️✨
So you have to have an education higher then grade 12 to qualify for the programme? Just curiousity. Nice video btw I've been binge watching Japan apartments haha.
Hi Ladybug 😁 For the JET Programme the minimum acceptance is a University Bachelor's Degree (Any area of study!) Knowing Japanese language or having teaching experience will give you a leg up but not necessary for everyone. What is Grade 12? Is that the final academic year of American High School?
Hello Amy! Congratuatlatons on being accepted!! Are you an incoming Osaka or Minoh JET too!? JET House is the name of one of the accomodations in Minoh - It was the first official JET Accomodation and the Minoh City Council own that building. It's the most modern and has the biggest apartment rooms out of all the accomodations. The location is really great too next to the gigantic Q's Mall BUT it's the furthest from any major train station if you wanted to leave Minoh and go elsewhere in Osaka - That's probably the single downside of JET House.
@@Kiwi_In_Japan Yes, indeed I'm in the Minoh discord server with ya as well as the Line group. I re-shared your apartment tour video on the discord. :-D And thanks for the info! Much appreciated.
You are allowed to yes! It's not recommended, especially upon arrival.in Japan, I can't imagine setting up a tenancy and apartment from overseas 😱 Some JETs move out of the assigned apartments after their first year though and move to the surrounding cities then commute into work. The assigned apartments are very close to the workspace and subsidized (at least for me in Minoh, other JETs across the country may have different situations!)
I think this apartment is usually between 45k-55k but is subsidized by the city council! I might pay between 30k-40k including power and water! I'm not sure on the exact figure sorry as it's automatically deducted from my monthly pay 😅
Hello! Just stumbled across your channel since I'm having a bit of a crisis in regards to whether to move abroad. Can I ask what your motivations were for living and working in Japan, as opposed to staying in your home country and working there? I don't know what to do; living and working in a different country sounds like an amazing experience, but I'm not sure whether I'm just romanticising it when I might as well just have an 'ordinary life' like most people do. Great video by the way! ( ꈍᴗꈍ)
Of course, Hannah!! I had just finished a teaching diploma and became a qualified teacher of Media Studies and English in New Zealand, but I had been living in Auckland, the most populous city in New Zealand for almost 7 years and really disliked the city. Everything in Auckland is so spread out and there's not a lot to do unless you own a car or have a way to get around easily (public transport there sucks.) Also, most of my university friends had moved on to new jobs and were too busy to spend time with me anymore. I figured where I go to teach now may well be what I end up doing for a long period of time, so I thought of perhaps moving to Wellington (the second largest city and capital of New Zealand) or moving to the UK or Australia, but I felt even they were too similar to New Zealand. But I also figured this might be where I end up staying and starting my career, so I wanted to do one last big lifechanging thing which might be outside of my comfort zone. I felt like I had absolutely nothing keeping me tethered to New Zealand and took the leap for the JET Programme. And now nearly a year and a half later in the JET Programme; perhaps I'll stay here when my contract finishes and find a teaching job with another organisation..!! I'm not sure if that answers the question but that's why I did it! TL';DR - I got bored of New Zealand and felt this was my last chance as a young man to do something completely out of the ordinary and exciting.
@@Kiwi_In_Japan Thanks so much for the honest reply, it was really interesting to read about your thoughts and experiences leading up to your decision to teach in Japan! I'm in a similar situation as you were; I'm in my final year of university and on the brink of deciding what to do with my life, and the idea of staying in one single place with a single career makes me feel constricted. I've lived in the same area of London all of my life, and I feel like I will just get complacent with my ambitions if I decide to stay here. As you mentioned, I really like the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone, and being able to push myself to adjust into a completely different culture. If I could do that, then I might be encouraged to push myself further. I really hope that you're having a positive experience in Japan. Videos like yours are really useful for people like me who are stuck on deciding whether to take this massive step in their life. Thanks so much! c:
No I don't think so. I even believe if you're an exceptional enough candidate you can bring a spouse with you who is not on the JET Programme! But usually you're on your own, yes. There are many ALTs that live in my building tough - and my best friend lives right above me!
It's automatically taken from my paycheck but I think it's between 40k-50k 円 per month. Some ALTs in another building about twenty minutes from mine have a slightly bigger apartment with two seperate rooms for kitchen space and bedroom/living room and seperate "toilet room" and "shower room" - they pay 10k more per month, definitely worth it, but the location is not as good in my opinion
Hey there, I have some questions about the JET programme and Japan in general. I am in the middle of my application just need my health check and personal statement then I can send it away.
Question 1: How is the format of the interviews? any advice you would give to be prepped?
Question 2: My preferred prefectures I chose as Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido in that order. What is the chance of actually getting placement there?
Question 3: How much money would you recommend taking when starting the JET programme? My goal was to have at least £2000, on top of what ever I can earn over the summer before leaving. I know some of the accommodations may not have everything but is everything fairly cheap or decently priced?
Question 4: Internet, I've heard internet isn't great and most people use mobile broadband, is that true?
Question 5: How is it working in the schools? Do they demand a-lot from you, or are you really there as more of an assistant to the teacher if they need anything? Alos does a lack of Japanese hurt in the classroom setting?
Lastly, I am part of the joint honours education society at my university and have alot of people asking me about opportunities involving japan like the JET programme. As I am only new to the application, is there any advice you would give to students just starting out?
Sorry for the essay, but I am taking advantage wherever I can at the moment haha.}
Keep up the great work, and much love from Scotland!
1. How is the format for the interviews? Any advice you would give to be prepped?
I think it would differ depending on what country you come from. I was asked questions about myself, why the JET Programme, why Japan, what do you see yourself doing after JET, I was asked what kind of lesson I would do about New Zealand, I said perhaps all the birds we have or the flag; and then I was asked to give a spontaneous lesson about the New Zealand flag.
I think these are the questions they are most likely to ask, but to prepare I googled what kind of questions they would ask and found a PDF file with 100+ possible questions; I went through every question writing an answer. Some questions were even about Japan-US relations or what you would do if asked for opinions on WWII - as a Kiwi I didn’t think I’d get asked these questions, probably from American JETs, but it was interesting to go through and consider every alternative.
2. What is the chance of getting placements in your three chose prefectures?
I’m not the people who assign placements and I don’t know any ALTs in the rest of Japan so I don’t know the exact likelihood - All I know is I requested Osaka and got Osaka! Lucky!
3. How much money would you recommend taking when starting? Is everything fairly cheap and decently priced?
I brought $2000NZD on a travel card where I got a low fee to use Japanese ATMs, $2000 is like HALF 2000 British pounds; the Queen’s one true currency!! And despite that I think I only used about $700 before my Japanese bank account was set up and I started getting paid from my job. Your own money was basically just for food and any furnishings you wanted to buy immediately. If your short on money you could come with practically nothing and be okay I’m sure.
4. How’s the internet? Do most people use mobile broadband?
The internet at my apartment is godly. I can play a broadband-taxing game and stream it at the same time with no issues. I suppose it depends on where you are. Osaka is the second largest city and I live in quite a nice area. If you were quite rural it could be backwards technology, but again, I don’t know any ALTs outside of Minoh and Osaka.
5. How is it working in schools, is a lot demanded of you or are you just an assistant? Does lack of speaking Japanese hurt in the class?
It varies from school to school, I know some ALTs in my town are the ‘tape-recorder ALT’ where they sample language and have short conversations in the regular English classes, but a lot of ALTs are the main teacher of the class and the JTE assists and translates. For me I teach all three grades of middle school ‘English Communications’ - I see every class in the school once a week (15 classes a week) and I make all of the powerpoints and resources and chat with my JTEs about what they want and they try to make something that fits that. Usually I’ll start with the final test or grade and work backwards with what they need to know in order to achieve that end goal. I knew ZERO Japanese when I arrived, didn’t even know hiragana, but knowing it wouldn’t hurt so you can use an odd word here and there to clarify what you mean or want from the students, or to help translate Japanese words to English for writing; at the end of the day JTEs usually want you to speak entirely in English (in Middle school at least, not the case in Elementary)
6. Is there any advice you’d give to students just starting out?
I’m confused by this question, do you mean current University students with their eyes set on the JET Programme when they graduate? If you’re certain I’d recommend learning Japanese early, even just a tiny amount of words and reading hiragana it will go a long way - I wish I had some basic knowledge before I came. A clear purpose of why you want to do the JET Programme and what you’ll get out of it would be greatly beneficial too. I understand lots of people apply just because they want to be in Japan, but if you hate children and have no aspiration to be a teacher then I would hate for an applicant like you to get in over someone who could better interact with the children and leave a lasting impression on the students. At the end of the day you’re a representative of the wider world and your home country, so share all of that with the students whenever you can even if being front and centre as the teacher isn’t your forte!
I always see you in the comments, Tariq!~ :P Let me know if you have any more questions and I’ll do my best to get back to you quicker next time
I’m applying to JET for the 2022 session, this is great insight into apartment living as an ALT!! Thanks for the tour! I’m hoping to get placement in central or northern Japan if I get accepted, so it will probably be a little different, but definitely looks nicer than most apartments in similar sized cities in the US :’)
Hello Nikki! Thank you for checking out my video! Good luck with the application process I hope it goes well for you! 😊
What's the cost of living on a place like that? mothly rent, bills, and food budget?
Your apartment was so much neater than I expected since the tour was spontaneous 😂 nice vid and great personality!
Thank you!! 😁 I was thinking of making an updated tour video recently, but not much as changed! Yes, I'm still here!! I hope you'll support me and subscribe!
@@Kiwi_In_Japan subscribed! I’ll have to live out my Japan adventure through your videos until I get there 😂 I’m one of the delayed 2020 ALTs
Hello!! Incoming ALT placed in Minoh!! Can’t believe it’s finally happening and I’m so excited to start my journey in Japan 🤩
Woohoo! Welcome to Minoh! It's a really great town with lots of ALT support. See you very soon!
Some of us have indeed arrived!! I’m not far from you, and you’re correct we are all over the place. So many Tokyo JETS. Love seeing apartment tours
Fantastic! If you're in the Osaka area it's possible we will see each other at an Osaka JET Meeting!
You literally deserve more subs! Keep up the good work! :3
Whaaat!! No way! Thank you Tee! ✨😭✨ I'll keep putting out content if people like you keep watching! 😁
The little random spots of pop culture merch in each corner and area 😆 luv it
I am an incoming Minoh JET. Looking forward to seeing my new home. Thanks for sharing with us.
Wowww!! So exciting! Of course! I've been meaning to make this video for a very long time. Looking forward to meeting you in person!
Also how do you get heavy furniture into the house (ex. The washing matching onto the balcony)
Moving men are very skilled at carrying up stairs and into right spaces - but alone? I have no idea. I'm lucky I live on the first floor and have never had to move in anything too hefty.
You've got a new sub here! I love all your Kimetsu no Yaiba things, I'm so jealous! 😭💕 I went to Japan in 2017, wish I was there now for all that kimetsu things hehe ☺ keep the great work!
Thank you so much for your support Nayla! ✨😭✨
Yes! I'm so lucky to be living here at this time, it's everywhere
Really enjoyed that, mate. Very informative
Glad to hear it! Thank you! 🤩
hello! i have a couple questions about JET... 1. did you have any prior knowledge about teaching before joining the JET program? Is it mandatory to have that past experience/prior knowledge? 2. What's the hardest/most fun part about being an assistant English teacher in Japan? 3. Do you stay at one school the whole time or are you moved around? 4. Do they supply you with the apartment? What else do/don't they supply you with? i hope you see this comment bc even though I may participate in the JET program many years in the future I like to be prepared, sometimes very far in advance lol... thank you so much!
Hello xBloo! Thank you for watching my video and being curious about the JET
Programme! I am happy to answer your questions, but please know that answer
#1 to any question is “everyone’s situation is different!” 😅 But I will
tell you about my situation if it helps!
1. Did you have any prior knowledge to teaching?
I actually did have prior knowledge, but most JETs do not. In New Zealand I
did a one year diploma to become a secondary (high school) teacher of
English and Media Studies. I was also a relief teacher (substitute) for
about six months where I taught a bunch of subjects I knew nothing about
(maths, woodwork, science) and basically just managed behavior while
students did the work their teacher wanted of them.
But enough about me, It’s not required to have prior experience but during
your interview you will most likely be asked to teach a spontaneous lesson
on a random topic with no preparation; a clear indication of teaching or
managing in some capacity might help your application. I think Japanese
language and teaching are two things that will give you a boost when
applying (I had zero Japanese ability but perhaps my teaching background got
me in, many JETs seem to have at least a little Japanese language ability or
can speak it well.)
2. What’s the hardest / most fun part?
I am fortunate and happy in my job that I feel I don’t experience any
difficulties or problems, but I guess the hardest thing is seeing whether
students truly understand what I am saying. My lessons are taught completely
in English and I have a Japanese Teacher of English (JTE) with me in the
class who translates more difficult questions or tasks. Students are
generally very polite and shy so they won’t ask for help or admit they
don’t understand. If I knew Japanese I could use a little bit of this ‘in
an emergency’ and nowadays I do sometimes, like when asking for students to pass
their papers from the back of the class to the front I will add in ‘ushiro,
mae, kami’ which is ‘back, front, paper.’
The most fun part is the opposite of this, when everything clicks, and
students fully engage with an activity I have made, I see a positive
reaction like laughing ‘Ooooooo’ or ‘Aaaaaaa’ or students openly sharing
what they have written or made. Sometimes the students are so hilarious and
goofy; When making an English movie flyer a student drew me into their
movie, or students took something I said one time and basically made it into
a meme (One time I highlighted how Japanese people say Firsto, secando,
saahdo for 1st, 2nd, 3rd to make it funny and show students what not to do
and now a boy says all three whenever he sees me. It’s funny! But he’s
also learnt a lesson through humor.
3. Do you stay at one school or are you moved around?
I stay at one school, but ALTs can easily be moved around. There were 3 ALTs
at my school, one retired and one was asked to move. Because I fit well into
more of the classes I stayed, but many of my friends have been moved around
before. Usually after your 3rd year you will have to move regardless, and
this may mean moving out of your town or city to somewhere else in Japan.
(With the Corona situation and a shortage of ALTs, this is not happening.)
4. Do they supply you with apartment? What else do they supply? (and
don’t supply?)
Yes, my city council appointed me an apartment and Wi-fi plan and guided me
through setting up a bank account and phone number. When I first moved here
they let me buy or rent a bed, washing machine and microwave. I rented all
three and then bought my own bed and appliances. People in my town can
consult the council to opt out of some things and maybe find their own
apartment, but that could be a lot of work, and without Japanese language a
very difficult process.
Thanks again for watching my video! Please support me and subscribe! Let me
know if you have any more questions 😉
@@Kiwi_In_Japan WOW!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! This information really helped me feel more comfortable about joining the JET Program one day and I will definitely let you know if I have anymore questions, and no problem! It was a great vid!
Check under the bed for mold.
Hello! Cute apartment :-) Would you know if Japan stopped the ALT program for 2022? Here in my country, I think batch 2020 and 2021 has not left yet and are still waiting for further info when they can leave. Thanks!
Hello Jackie! I have no idea but I know that 2020 and 2021 applicants are accepted but suspended. It's up to the incoming JETs to decide if they want to be on this perpetual waitlist. I know incoming JETs to my town who have now been working backup "while I wait" jobs for a full year now. 2022 will probably be a go to compensate for 2020/2021 JETs who couldn't wait anymore and withdrew their acceptance; so a 2022 JET could be a replacement and also wait.
It depends what country you're from too. New Zealand JETs like me are basically coming whenever and positioned at more dire locations with no ALT presence.
Hi again! Have you ever been to Yuzawa city in Akita prefecture? That’s where I will be moving to in January for my JET placement and I would love to know more about it.
Hello Anna! Congratulations on being accepted!
Wow, Akita huh? I have never been so far north so I don't know anything sorry. Keep looking around online I'm sure there's something somewhere!
@@Kiwi_In_Japan Thanks! I will definitely be doing more research on the area.
Is there any place you would recommend to get home supplies Other than wheee you got yours
These are so exciting to watch 😫. Living independently 💁🏻♀️🤣✨
How long do you think you’ll be an ALT for?
Hello again Tanaka!
I will start my third year in August. The maximum you can do is 5 years before you must finish the programme. After three years you usually move to a new city or place, but with the Corona situation ALTs in my town beginning their fourth year didn't have to move. My current plan is to stay with JET as long as I can and continue to teach English and live and work in Japan with a new company. 🤞✨
Love you cozy room! Do JET work from home given the current situation? Hope everything's getting better there! Stay safe! (:
Thanks Nobutter! 😊 JETs are teaching in schools as normal! And students are coming in too. Everyone wears masks and washes hands regularly. There was a long period where no students came into school but teachers still went in at the start of the year, and also a period where we had telework from home! But it's been as if normal for a while now
Hello hello thanks for this video I’m so inspired to be part of 2021 program ❤️
You are amazing bro!
Thank you K Aus!! :D
I recognize that Maplestory music anywhere.
WOW! That's a good ear! 😉✨
Hi, can anyone explain how the housing subsidization with JET works?? Does anyone know? lol.
I've just gotten my address/housing/rent info and the rent is TOO DAMN HIGH. No one has mentioned that it will be subsidized in any way, even tho I work for the city. Do only cities where the BoE owns property get rent subsidies? I can't seem to find the rhyme or reason between who gets it and who doesn't from all the random housing info out there.
(Spare me noob deets plz, this is my 3rd time moving to Japan.)
Third time MOVING to Japan!? Whoa!
It could all be situational and circumstantial. My local council owns some houses in my area or we pay the council to then pay our rent - so it's lowered. A more rural area might so it so you pay for everything - and perhaps you have a full house and not just an apartment! Hope you can get some answers from your area soon
Hello, I loved your video. I was wondering if any bachelor's degree would work for the jet program even if it has nothing to do with teaching?
Hello! ANY Bachelor's qualification is fine to apply! I have one close friend here from New Zealand who studied History! One from America who did business!
I want to be an ALT in Osaka soon
Hope I get accepted this 2022🙏🏻
Good luck MC!
Fingers crossed for you! 🤞✨
Do you think placement for Osaka will be open next year? I want to live in rural Osaka. I applied for JET for 2019 and 2020. Made it to the interview round twice but wasn't selected.
Hello Jaejoong! Yes it probably will! "JET 2020" has been pushed to a January 2021 arrival, but "JET 2021" will probably come in the usual August! You can put a preference of your three ideal places to get placed and you could probably specify 'Osaka' and maybe a suburb of Osaka!
Hey do you mind doing a video on salary with the jet program? I would love to go to Japan. However I'm kind of worried about the salary I'm not the best budgeter lol and I know programs like EPIK for example pay for there teachers apartments. Is it okay to ask for more money ? Or is that disrespectful to ask the school ? And can you go through a recruiter with the jet programme?
I don't believe the school pays you, CLAIR does (Council of Local Authorities and International Relations) the JET Programme is just on their website but you have to fill in all of the applications and get all the right papers signed with your country's embassy on your own. I'm not comfortable saying the exact annual salary here, but you can Google it quite easily - It's a very comfortable amount, even once you subtract all of your bills and additional spending!
It starts at about 28k USD...no way to get more other than being there longer. You cant make side money from any taxable japanese business income....BUT you can di youtube/resell JDM car parts/subtitle things(there are websites thar pay by the minute for transcripting subs) that need translating and more as a side hustle
Hello! I don’t know if you made a video about this yet but if you don’t mind me asking, is it possible if you could make a video on how you got accepted into JET I’m only 15 but I want to be prepared
Hi Melaine! I made a big Q&A video but it's about an hour long so you'd have to look for specific mentions, I think I time-stamped the questions I answered in the comments though!
You are very young and still have your life ahead! Maybe you'll change what you want to do later, but I'd recommend starting to learn Japanese now at the very least! I didn't know any Japanese but I always wish I did to make a lot of opportunities here more easier - mind you it's not required at all!
@@Kiwi_In_Japan ahh ok thank you so much!
Dont go cuz you love anime, gaming, sushi, and manga... thats a big thing. If youre going at all for that it may not be for you. If its a lucky secondary part of the culture that you also would like to have as a teacher...then go for it,!
Is there an elevator in the apartment building, or is it all stairs? Also, if you don't mind me asking on public comments, how much per month does the apartment cost? ^_^
Hello again Noelle! There is no elevator in this building or at any ALT apartments in Minoh. There is four floors (in most of them, I think one may be five, one is just two) and you can only take the stairs. My friend broke her ankle for a few months and had difficulty with crutches getting down the stairs from the third floor for a long while 😭
The rent is automatically taken from my account so I'm not so sure, I think it's between 40k-50k 円 per month. Some ALTs in another building about twenty minutes from mine have a slightly bigger apartment with two seperate rooms for kitchen space and bedroom/living room and seperate "toilet room" and "shower room" - they pay 10k more per month, definitely worth it, but the location is not as good in my opinion
Thank you so much! Since mine is agricultural science I had no idea
@@michellemayer1171 Huh?! Have you replied to the wrong comment..?! I understand though Michelle hahaha! Good luck if you ever think about applying!
How much do you make with the jet program?
I won't talk details here but you can just google JET program salary to get a good estimate. 😁
@@Kiwi_In_Japan thank you
I'm a high school senior interested in participating in JET. I am currently learning Japanese. What else can I do to prepare?
I would like to ask about dates. Which is the correct way of writing the dates about work experience? for example i have an experience in work Lets say from June 2, 2018 to March 31, 2020.
On the application form, shoul I write like this?
From 2020.06.02
To 2020.03.31
or
From June 02, 2018
To March 31, 2020
Thank you.
Go wild! A tiny thing to be hung up on my friend! I'm sure if someone can tell the month and date apart then it's fine.
There is a British and American way of dating; UE is month/day/year, whereas UK is day/month/year
Thank you so much for your response. I truly appreciate it.
Hey.
Im really interested in Applying for the JET programme i dont know how to start😔.
Hello! Go to the JET Programme website and see how the application process works in your country. Start writing a statement of purpose too - Why the JET Programme? Why Japan? Why teaching English? What is your history to lead you to this decision? What is your plan for the future and beyond the JET Programme?
I don't remember the application process very well but if anything the Statement of purpose is the best place to start.
I hope you will support me and subscribe! 🤩👍
Hey fellow kiwi here! I'm aiming to go on the JET program once I've finished my degree, the big thing weighing on my mind though is that I have tattoos. There seems to be mixed reaction among people on reddit saying either "it's fine just cover them" vs "it's hopeless you won't get the job". What do you think? Have you ever met any ALTs with tattoos? Thanks! Love this vid
Hello Kenzie thanks for watching and the question!
Two of my best friends here have tattoos, one has snowflakes and musical notes on her ankle and the other has something on her wrist area.
As long as they're all covered it's totally fine, the wrist-tattoo friend dislikes wearing long sleeves all the time, but that's the only way without a very obvious bandage or patch 😬
Another friend who has since left the programme had a huge Japanese female demon on her shoulder and that's actually the kind of tattoo Japanese people fear the most. She also just had to have it covered all the time and could never visit an Onsen.
For the JET programme it should be totally fine - but a job in Japan after JET I'm not so sure about.
Hope this have you something to think about Kiwi Kenzie! Please support me and subscribe! 🤩☝️✨
So you have to have an education higher then grade 12 to qualify for the programme? Just curiousity. Nice video btw I've been binge watching Japan apartments haha.
Hi Ladybug 😁
For the JET Programme the minimum acceptance is a University Bachelor's Degree (Any area of study!)
Knowing Japanese language or having teaching experience will give you a leg up but not necessary for everyone.
What is Grade 12? Is that the final academic year of American High School?
2:34 wrong, Teriyaki Chicken flavor is the best-est flavor 😋🧆
Crazy that you replaced another Kiwi TH-camr in the same room 🤣
You sound like "aussieman reviews" when you talked about the shoe closet lol. *I know you're not an Aussie lol*
Did he do the video about the Australian that won the Olympic ice skating race? I love that! "Fair dinkum stroke of Aussie genius!!"
@@Kiwi_In_Japan yes! 😁
Cool
seems sus
Hello, 2020 jet here. What is "jet house"? I also look forward to meeting you in the future.
Hello Amy! Congratuatlatons on being accepted!!
Are you an incoming Osaka or Minoh JET too!?
JET House is the name of one of the accomodations in Minoh - It was the first official JET Accomodation and the Minoh City Council own that building. It's the most modern and has the biggest apartment rooms out of all the accomodations. The location is really great too next to the gigantic Q's Mall BUT it's the furthest from any major train station if you wanted to leave Minoh and go elsewhere in Osaka - That's probably the single downside of JET House.
@@Kiwi_In_Japan Yes, indeed I'm in the Minoh discord server with ya as well as the Line group. I re-shared your apartment tour video on the discord. :-D And thanks for the info! Much appreciated.
Are you cleanup your room just for video ?
M...Mayb- I mean- Noooo...
I came here because I’m searching of my 3 choices of prefecture🤔
Would it be allowed to find your own apartment?
You are allowed to yes! It's not recommended, especially upon arrival.in Japan, I can't imagine setting up a tenancy and apartment from overseas 😱 Some JETs move out of the assigned apartments after their first year though and move to the surrounding cities then commute into work. The assigned apartments are very close to the workspace and subsidized (at least for me in Minoh, other JETs across the country may have different situations!)
Owner get a kitty and call it Juan José
:0
would love to know the rent you pay for a city apartment in osaka
I think this apartment is usually between 45k-55k but is subsidized by the city council! I might pay between 30k-40k including power and water! I'm not sure on the exact figure sorry as it's automatically deducted from my monthly pay 😅
Hello! Just stumbled across your channel since I'm having a bit of a crisis in regards to whether to move abroad. Can I ask what your motivations were for living and working in Japan, as opposed to staying in your home country and working there?
I don't know what to do; living and working in a different country sounds like an amazing experience, but I'm not sure whether I'm just romanticising it when I might as well just have an 'ordinary life' like most people do.
Great video by the way! ( ꈍᴗꈍ)
Of course, Hannah!! I had just finished a teaching diploma and became a qualified teacher of Media Studies and English in New Zealand, but I had been living in Auckland, the most populous city in New Zealand for almost 7 years and really disliked the city. Everything in Auckland is so spread out and there's not a lot to do unless you own a car or have a way to get around easily (public transport there sucks.)
Also, most of my university friends had moved on to new jobs and were too busy to spend time with me anymore.
I figured where I go to teach now may well be what I end up doing for a long period of time, so I thought of perhaps moving to Wellington (the second largest city and capital of New Zealand) or moving to the UK or Australia, but I felt even they were too similar to New Zealand.
But I also figured this might be where I end up staying and starting my career, so I wanted to do one last big lifechanging thing which might be outside of my comfort zone. I felt like I had absolutely nothing keeping me tethered to New Zealand and took the leap for the JET Programme. And now nearly a year and a half later in the JET Programme; perhaps I'll stay here when my contract finishes and find a teaching job with another organisation..!!
I'm not sure if that answers the question but that's why I did it!
TL';DR - I got bored of New Zealand and felt this was my last chance as a young man to do something completely out of the ordinary and exciting.
@@Kiwi_In_Japan Thanks so much for the honest reply, it was really interesting to read about your thoughts and experiences leading up to your decision to teach in Japan! I'm in a similar situation as you were; I'm in my final year of university and on the brink of deciding what to do with my life, and the idea of staying in one single place with a single career makes me feel constricted.
I've lived in the same area of London all of my life, and I feel like I will just get complacent with my ambitions if I decide to stay here. As you mentioned, I really like the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone, and being able to push myself to adjust into a completely different culture. If I could do that, then I might be encouraged to push myself further.
I really hope that you're having a positive experience in Japan. Videos like yours are really useful for people like me who are stuck on deciding whether to take this massive step in their life. Thanks so much! c:
Is it required to live alone? Huhu
No I don't think so. I even believe if you're an exceptional enough candidate you can bring a spouse with you who is not on the JET Programme!
But usually you're on your own, yes. There are many ALTs that live in my building tough - and my best friend lives right above me!
I'm an incoming JET! How much does this apartment cost you? Idk if you mentioned this in the video
It's automatically taken from my paycheck but I think it's between 40k-50k 円 per month. Some ALTs in another building about twenty minutes from mine have a slightly bigger apartment with two seperate rooms for kitchen space and bedroom/living room and seperate "toilet room" and "shower room" - they pay 10k more per month, definitely worth it, but the location is not as good in my opinion
@@Kiwi_In_Japan do you have to take the housing they offer you or can you opt to pay more for something bigger?
Cute guy with a energetic personality. Look like Hugh Jackman. Nice vid, & place.👍🏾
WHAAA!!!!!! SO KIND!!! Thank you so much Sam!!
Yo dude, watch out as you've totally doxxed yourself! (I'm an incoming JET, I believe I'll be around in January)
Come and get me I'm on the ground floor 😳
Are you in your 30s you look it
EH??! OI! I'm a spritely young lad!!
@@Kiwi_In_Japan lol