Yeah, the JET Programme has a famous slogan “Every Situation is Different” (ESiD) and although they use it as a “get out of jail free” card, I must admit that I was surprised at how different everyone gets it.

Some people are utilised fully, others are treated merely as human cassette players and some aren’t even used at all and have to try to entertain themselves at a desk with no Internet access.

I think I’ve been incredibly lucky with my placement. My co-workers are awesome and will bend over backwards to help me out. Having a large number of schools ensures that my days are varied and that if I ever do have an issue, I won’t need to worry about it for a few weeks. The downside to this though, is that it is very difficult to make a rapport with the students because you are more like a special guest who shows up every now and then.

There are 4 JETs on this island and even we all have very different experiences and perks.

As for applying to the JET Programme, it depends what you’re looking to get out of it. You will more than likely make zero difference to the English ability over here. That’s because the English education system as a whole is completely flawed. They updated the classes to teach conversation English, yet the exam relies on quirky textbook English. So what you end up with is a mess of bad English which you have to teach at times because it’s on the exam… O.o

That being said, it’s one of the better ways of getting into Japan. There are of course other companies which focus on business English such as Interac and AEON; however, you’ll work harder for less money and have an inconsistent timetable which usually means working weekends too. On top of that, these jobs are usually in big cities and so rent will be significantly higher.

If you want to experience the “real” culture of Japan, I’d recommend the JET Programme because you’re usually placed out in the sticks.

If you’re on an island like me you also miss other things such as a cinema, arcade (other than pachinko), shopping centres, western fast food (not that I actually miss it), the ability to travel to other places easily and cheaply.

Some of my happiest days have been spent teaching in nursery (kindergarten) and primary (elementary) schools over here. The kids are adorable, incredibly friendly and are not afraid to talk to you. Secondary school (junior high school) kids on the other hand, are shy, “sleepy” and try to act more grown up than they actually are (I think this is a worldwide phenomenon which is really sad when you think about it). It’s much more difficult to get them to engage in activities because they fear making a mistake will destroy their “all so important” social status.

If you have any questions regarding the JET Programme though, feel free to ask away and I’d be more than happy to help where I can. :)

The application process is probably the longest in the world…