Before I say anything else, I want to make it clear that I am incredibly grateful to have been accepted into the JET Programme. It has been a dream of mine for years, and I genuinely can't wait to begin this new chapter in Japan. I know how competitive the program is, and I don't take this opportunity for granted.
That being said, I wanted to be transparent about something I don't see discussed very often, not to discourage anyone from applying, but because I think it's helpful for future applicants to know what the process can actually look like.
One thing that surprised me was how expensive the journey can be before you even get to Japan.
Even the application process itself can come with unexpected costs. Depending on your situation, you may have to pay for things like fingerprinting (mine was around $50), obtaining official documents, passport photos, mailing your passport and paperwork to your consulate, traveling to appointments, and other miscellaneous expenses. None of these costs is huge on its own, but together they can add up.
Then, after you're accepted, there are the pre-departure expenses. Depending on your placement, you may need to budget for apartment move-in costs, furniture, household essentials, temporary accommodation if your apartment isn't available right away, transportation, food, phone setup, and having enough savings to get you through your first few weeks before payday.
I think the financial side of JET is something that deserves more attention because everyone's circumstances are different. Some people have significant upfront housing costs, while others don't. Some have to relocate across the country before flying to Japan. It's not impossible, but it definitely requires planning.
What surprised me even more, though, was the emotional side of the process.
There is so much waiting.
Waiting for placement.
Waiting to hear from your contracting organization.
Waiting for apartment information.
Waiting for visa updates.
Waiting for travel details.
Waiting for emails.
It feels like you're constantly waiting for the next piece of the puzzle. Sometimes weeks go by with very little information, and it's easy to start wondering if you've missed something or comparing your timeline to everyone else's in Facebook groups and on Reddit.
On top of that, you're preparing to move to another country. You're saying goodbye to family and friends, leaving jobs, organizing finances, packing your life into a few suitcases, and trying to prepare for a move where not everything is within your control. It's incredibly exciting, but it can also be mentally exhausting.
I wanted to share this because I don't see many people talking about these parts of the journey. Most posts (understandably) focus on the excitement of getting accepted or arriving in Japan, and there is so much to be excited about. I just think it's also okay to acknowledge that getting there can be stressful, expensive, and emotionally demanding.
None of this changes how thankful I am to have this opportunity. If anything, it makes me appreciate it even more. I just hope this helps future applicants set realistic expectations and know that if they're feeling overwhelmed during the process, they're not alone.
For current and former JETs, did you feel this way too? Is there anything you wish someone had told you before departure?
Edit: I was placed in Tokyo and live in the US if that matters
Also, for the bitter redditors, be considerate of the fact that others may not have had the privilege of going abroad and this may be their first time. So, if you have genuine advice please leave it below, Thanks <3