2024 JET PROGRAMME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | BE PROPERLY GUIDED

2024 JET PROGRAMME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In anticipation of the 2024 JET Programme, aspiring participants and curious minds alike have been buzzing with questions about this renowned Japanese exchange initiative. 

To ease the path for eager applicants, here's a concise overview of frequently asked questions. 

From eligibility criteria to the application process, placements, and cultural immersion opportunities, this comprehensive guide aims to provide clarity and empower individuals seeking to embark on this transformative journey. 

ÚAs Japan continues to enchant with its rich culture and dynamic society, the 2024 JET Programme promises exciting prospects for personal and professional growth. 

Discover the answers to your inquiries and prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun.

1 ELIGIBILITY

 (1) What are the eligibility criteria for joining the JET Programme?

Applicants for the JET Programme in the Philippines must:

 -Be a Filipino citizen.

 -Have a Bachelor's degree or higher, or obtain such qualifications by the designated arrival date (August 2024).

-Have excellent English language skills

- Have excellent Japanese language skills (for CIRs)

Please refer to the Eligibility page to see a full description of the criteria.   http://jetprogramme.org/en/eligibility/

(2) Do I need a Bachelor’s Degree in English or Education to apply for the JET Programme?

No, a Bachelor’s Degree in any field of study is sufficient.

(3) Do I need a teaching experience to apply for the JET Programme?

Teaching experience is not a requirement, but such experience will be a great advantage during the selection process.

(4) I do not speak Nihongo/Japanese language. Can I apply for the JET Programme?

Applicants for ALT positions are not required to have any previous knowledge of the Japanese language. However, if accepted, you are expected to learn and improve your Japanese language skills to better communicate with the people around you.

Applicants for CIR positions are required to have Japanese proficiency. Having JLPT N1 or its equivalent is desirable.

(5) I have a dual nationality with Japan and the Philippines. Can I still apply for JET?

Yes, but if your application is successful and you agree to participate on the JET Programme, you must renounce your Japanese citizenship. (Note: You do not need to renounce your Japanese citizenship until you have accepted an offer to participate in the JET Programme.)

(6) Is there an age limit for applying to the JET Programme?

As long as applicants meet the eligibility requirements, applicants of any age may apply.

(7) I applied to the JET Programme before. Can I apply again?

Yes, you are more than welcome to apply again if you:

 -Have not been disqualified or declined the offer of a position in the programme after being allocated a placement within the last year

 -Have not participated in the JET Programme in the last three years.

 -Have not participated in the JET Programme for 6 years or more.

Please note that you will have to complete and submit the entire application again with new copies of all necessary supporting documents.

(8) I was diagnosed with a medical condition. Will this affect my application to the JET Programme?

People with a wide variety of medical conditions have been accepted for JET. Applications are judged on their individual merit. It is important that you disclose all relevant information on the Self-Assessment Medical Report and provide a Statement of Physician if necessary. The Statement of Physician (which needs to be filled up by a Physician) must provide information that you are fit to live and work in Japan and your medical condition will not prevent you from participating.

(9) Do I need a teaching diploma or TESOL/TEFL/IELTS certification to apply?

A teaching certificate, diploma, or TESOL/TEFL/IELTS certification is not a requirement for participation, but such certifications will be an advantage during the selection process.

2 APPLICATION PROCESS

(1)What can I do to prepare for my application to the JET Programme?

Please read through the guidelines carefully to confirm your eligibility and to familiarize yourself with the application process. Applicants should consider contacting their referees/recommenders and start preparing their supporting documents as these processes can take time.

(2) How do I apply for the JET Programme?

For Filipino applicants, applications are submitted through post or courier during the submission period. Applications are then assessed, and successful applicants are invited for an interview. Successful candidates are then notified, asked to submit some final documents (if applicable), and participate in pre-departure orientation. We do not accept applications submitted online.

(3) May I apply for both the ALT and CIR position?

You may only apply for one position. Thus, please choose wisely.

However, CIR applicants may be considered for the ALT position if they are deemed suitable for it and provide consent.

(4) Where can I obtain an application form?

The application form and the list of other requirements may be obtained at the JET Programme page of the Embassy of Japan website.

https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000147.html

(5) What should I write about in my Statement of Purpose (Essay)?

The Statement of Purpose must be a maximum of 2 pages. In your Statement, the selection committee would want to know why you want to participate on the Programme; why you are interested to be an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) or Coordinator for International Relations (CIR); what you can contribute; and how your attributes, skills, knowledge, experience, and qualifications will ensure success in the role. You may include what outcomes you expect to obtain by participating in the JET Programme, and how you can contribute to the relationship of Japan and the Philippines in the local government level.

Please check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. To keep the integrity of applications, essays will be checked for plagiarism and AI-generated content.

(6) I am a Filipino citizen but residing outside the Philippines. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can apply while living outside of the Philippines. However, you must send all your documents to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. You will also have to return to the Philippines for the interview (if the situation allows) if one is granted to you. Should you be selected as one of the final candidates for the program, you will once again have to return to the Philippines to depart for Japan.

(7) I am a Filipino citizen currently residing in Japan. Can I apply for the JET Programme from here?

Yes, you can apply from Japan. However, you must apply through the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. You will also have to return to the Philippines for the interview (if the situation allows) if one is granted to you.

Please check the following details in the Application Guidelines:

3 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, item no. 9

11 TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM JAPAN, item no 2. CANDIDATES WHO ALREADY RESIDE IN JAPAN.

(8) Why is the application process so long?

Please note that JET is an international programme with over 40 participating countries. Each year, Japanese embassies and consulates around the world must process thousands of applications before selecting a limited number of participants for the final shortlist. We request prospective applicants to consider if they can commit to the long process before submitting their application.

(9) How do I compile my application?

Applicants MUST compile their application documents in three (3) complete, separate sets and send to the Embassy of Japan in one (1) envelope. It must arrive at the Embassy no later than 5PM Friday, 17 November 2023.

Use a paper clip or binder clip for each set. DO NOT use staple wires or fasteners.

For the Transcript of Records and Certificate of Graduation or Diploma, certified true copies are also accepted in lieu of originals.

3 INTERVIEWS & NOTIFICATIONS

(1) When will I be notified if I have been successful or not?

After the paper or document screening, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to proceed to the next screening process which is the interview. The applicants will be contacted through the email address provided in the application form. For good measure, please indicate your mobile number as well.

(2) Can I reschedule my interview?

Interviews will only be held during the scheduled interview period (around late January, or early February). Due to the large number of interviews conducted, request for re-scheduling cannot be accommodated.

(3) Where are JET Programme interviews held?

In principle, interviews are held at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. However, interviews may be held online in certain circumstances (e.g. prevalence of a pandemic or other unavoidable circumstances).

(4)What are the things to prepare for the interview?

For those applying for the ALT position, applicants are requested to submit a lesson plan on any topic in English (grammar, word usage, etc.) and prepare a 10-minute teaching demonstration based on their prepared lesson plan.

For those applying for the CIR position, please prepare for the interview to be conducted in Japanese.

Source: https://jetprogramme.org/en/faq01/