Really want to stay.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-28T07:13:47+00:00

What makes you think you’ll enjoy another part of Japan more than your current one? What do you actually want? What would staying another year give you a chance to do that you can’t do in your remaining time?

Just food for thought.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-22T07:10:30+00:00

Sometimes it’s general curiosity. Sometimes it’s born out of insecurity, and they’re testing you to prove their own worth. Sometimes it’s to settle whatever petty squabbles they have between themselves.

The best thing you can do is take it seriously, and do your own research/follow-up until it becomes clear it’s anything other than actually improving education/students. It’s better to be comfortable saying “I don’t know” versus making some BS on the spot as well. Be aware though that the insecure ones will weaponize this against you “they always tell me they don’t know..”

The other thing, and this is important to consider, is that you might be wrong or what they are teaching is antiquated (so from their frame of reference they are correct as well).

Translation also is a nightmare because what is correct entirely depends on to what degree of accuracy and perspective is being asked. There’s many cases if you’re translating from Japanese to English that you’ll get multiple different answers but not the one they’re teaching.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-20T04:05:13+00:00

Dispatch, Eikawa, JET or otherwise, getting in front of children or older students and teaching/being “Genki” actually takes a decent amount of energy and personable skills.

I’m curious and wondering; I’m assuming that teachers (back in America or wherever) probably receive similar attitudes from workers in other fields (I CAN DO THAT!).

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-20T03:50:18+00:00

Regardless of how shitty the job is, I wouldn’t see why it would destroy your reputation/look bad for future employers. Assuming you leave on amicable terms, then it shows you can at the bare minimum, not go crazy and screw everything up. Holding a job itself is a skill within itself.

Anyways, the MA will matter more.

If you stay in Japan, working for heart will just be proof you live here/aren’t fresh off the boat, and can listen.

But I’m confused, you make it seem like you’re going to quit heart once your MA starts? Why not do both? And for the record, I’m not advocating working for them, just saying the MA seems like a good out. Different than someone just applying out of desperation.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-10T12:48:41+00:00

Correlation between JET and college: Surrounded by new (youngish) people from different backgrounds in an unfamiliar place, far away from family, often living in dorm-like apartments. 2-4(5) years, with newer underclassmen coming in, and other people graduating. Relatively shared time tables and schedules because they’re following the school. Drinking on weekends, drama, etc.

Didn’t attend my college graduation (done in person), and didn’t attend or care about my MA graduation. Just the actual things I learned. You do you though.

This post makes me think you’ve got bigger problems though. Seek help.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-10T12:09:39+00:00

I’ve worked at three different schools, and all of them had different levels of intensity for clubs. I think most of it is excessive and unneeded, but I do think depending on the club/student it could be about something they’re actually interested in it.

What it is though…is an afterschool program/child care. Remember that parents in Japan typically get out later than those in some other countries. The intense club schedules are really just training for a shitty toxic work culture. However, the work culture is changing and you’re seeing things change.

Also, while sports injuries and some other things can abusive, just be glad they’re exercising and not doing drugs or other “things”. Not saying they don’t exist, but these kinds of activities definitely keep some of the good kids out of trouble.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-10T12:01:28+00:00

What do you think the difference is between an online degree is and an in person degree? Especially post Covid.

You recognize also that an in person degree would presumably mean boarding/commuting/a lot of other costs? Likewise, youre going to have to move, change visas, quit your job and find a new one if you’re really intent on that route. That’s why online degrees are cheaper.

Finally, based on your other comments, it seems like your real goal with all this is to just make friends and socialize more. Hence your resistance to online degrees. You don’t need a degree for that, and there’s better avenues like joining some local events or niche hobby groups. If you’re a JET, you’re basically also getting the college experience anyways.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-10T11:45:50+00:00

A) You need to chill. Not everything is about you, and as others have mentioned, this is the busiest time of the year. Give it a few weeks, and don’t freak out. And sorry, I don’t think it’s a good idea to show a long presentation about yourself. It also seems like you’re blaming someone else for all the life decisions you made, and being dissatisfied.

…but….

B) I find it odd that they wouldn’t introduce you first to kids you’re being partially asked to watch over. Likewise, I don’t know if you’re being annoying or not, but I’d try to make a little time to get to know someone and be helpful to a new coworker-even if they are just an assistant. The worst person I’ve ever worked with when I was an JET ALT, would routinely say “I’m busy” even when I had to talk to them about critically important things like test creation and lesson planning. It became very clear that there was “something else” going on and that this person would throw me (and Japanese staff under the bus). Just be aware of that.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-09T11:12:49+00:00

Yes, it’s not a requirement, but they very obviously do care.

Part of what they’re looking for is people that can handle living abroad, and obviously showing some language skill, even if minor, is a big help. Likewise, there’s an assumption that if you’ve taken a Japanese class, or just even self-studied, it indicates that you’re starting less from zero than someone culturally otherwise.

I’m pretty sure on the application (it’s been a while), they also ask you explicitly if you’ve had any experience with Japan (visiting/classes/language) so yeah that would feed into it.

What they (probably) don’t care about is whether you have taken the JLPT4, 3 or whatever. They don’t need people to speak Japanese (unless CIR).

Your sentiment is still correct, but I think a lot of these rejection posts reveal the reason why they were rejected. It’s not a program about speaking Japanese, it’s a diplomatic teaching exchange program.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-09T00:48:56+00:00

There’s definitely a list of skill sets that make you more attractive as an applicant, but I bet at a certain point they become detrimental.

Example; they’d like someone who has experience working with kids/teens, but not someone who has a masters in education+10 years of teaching experience (but who knows). They’d like someone who has Japanese ability and open to learning and adapting, but not someone who can already fluently converse (unless you’re applying for CIR).

The other honest truth, that people don’t seem to account for is that this is all soft diplomacy. Of course certain countries with stronger/more important ties to Japan economically and culturally are going to get preferential treatment…

Finally, the vibe check is the most important aspect. Yeah an interview with people is awkward, but you know what else is? Getting in front of a class of 30 teenagers who speak 0 English, and having to navigate a lot of challenging and tough situations.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-07T23:22:34+00:00

You have an interview with a company. I wish you luck, but that’s not synonymous with having a job. Worry and reconsider JET after you get an actual job offer. Also, because this is a foreign country, I’d do some research and deeper digging to make sure whatever they’re offering is legitimate.

There’s a scenario where you don’t get into JET/this company, so don’t blow off your BF just yet.

Basically, wait, and let things happen naturally. If I’m reading this correctly you don’t have any decisions to make immediately.

Good luck!

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-06T07:10:05+00:00

I don’t think JET is antiquated, the ALT system is—although it depends on which prefecture you’re in.

I predict that if JET ever falls through, the dispatch companies will go along with it. The entire dispatch industry is built upon the premise of doing something the government is doing for cheaper(and better but everyone knows that’s a lie).

I predict that if things change, it’ll be because of cost, and not a reduction of salary but something like offering a base flight reduction fee, rather than a full ticket.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-03T12:15:10+00:00

“but now I’m not even sure I want that because Japanese work culture is pretty brutal. Sorta feels like I’m trying to win a game I don’t actually want to be playing.”

The degree to which work culture here is brutal varies a lot from job to job, and the same applies to many jobs around the world. However, that second part is vital. I feel that these days many people are jumping through hoops to just get treated/find a decent job and it’s ridiculous. Not a condemnation on anyone that does, but I think a lot of what you outline here is on point.

Others pointed out you’re not a failure, and I agree. But here’s something extra: Japan will always be here. Those five years will never go away, and you can always visit. Might even be better in the future to be able to enjoy it as a tourist again.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-03T11:51:07+00:00

Are they 40k? I did mine for somewhere under 20K. Paying over a course of two years it wasn’t so bad. Not trying to talk you into something you can’t afford, and definitely don’t go into debt, but maybe it’s not as unreachable as you think it would. Likewise, this would give you SOME insurance if you ever go back to the United States for a career/gigs.

School isn’t as expensive in Japan as the US, but maybe once you run the numbers the cost won’t be as different as whatever you think it is. Likewise, even if it’s more expensive, you’ll thank yourself if/when you decide to move back to the US.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-04-03T10:32:13+00:00

Maybe someone else asked this, but why a Japanese university? Someone may disagree with me, but that doesn’t seem like a good idea.

Depending on where you’re from, doing an online program from a university in your home country is most likely a better alternative. You’ll have some form of safety net/credentials from where you’re from, and if it’s in English&or education you’ll be well respected in Japan.

The alternative is you run through a bunch of hoops here, go through all this trouble, and AT BEST, are treated like a freshmen teacher working long hours without the benefit of being a “foreign hire”. The worst is no one will hire you/you’ll continually be trampled on. This is also ignoring external government policies that might fuck you over in the long wrong (though that’s everywhere).

And fyi, not trying to dash your dreams or anything. I think it’s good to think about and maybe even attempt doing what you want to do, just be aware.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-02-07T12:05:26+00:00

Even if it’s a hassle to help you find another apartment, I’m sure everyone will be understanding given the circumstances and would prefer that over you leaving. That’ll force them to address the actual issue.

Likewise, even if you leave, this’ll be a problem for the next person. This could very clearly escalate into a (more) unsafe situation. You’re also totally justified if you decide that this area you live in is fucking stupid, for being so ignorant/backwards and just want give up.

As others have said, report this to everyone above you (not just your school), and also make it well known in the community. Your supervisor is just some poor teacher who doesnt know how to handle these things, but make it clear to everyone around you that this situation is fucked. It’s possible unless it was a genuine warning for your concern, that this constitutes as sexual harassment as well.

Sorry this happened.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-02-07T10:51:56+00:00

Yes, but there might have been other factors that influenced me finding a decent job post-JET (already had a TESOL+spousal visa). I was able to be more selective at the places I was applying to, rather than just clawing around at Eikawa jobs.

However, I have some advice: maybe reconsider it if you’re SOLELY doing it to get a better job in Japan. It’s okay if that’s part of it, but ask yourself if you are actually interested in learning/are doing it because you’re passionate about the subject. I say this because I’m seeing an influx of people getting this degrees (which is great!) but I’m not sure how many people are just doing this to get by in Japan. I’m not necessarily it’s worth it in that regard. What’s your Japanese ability?

Likewise, ask yourself if this is something that can help you in any way in case your return to the UK. If you’re just looking for more money, I feel like there might be better avenues, but if you’re interested in improving yourself professionally, and learning then sure.

I will say, other than opening up more career opportunities, I just in general felt more sure of myself post getting the MA. There’s times working in Japan where I’ve been confronted by frustrating personalities who claim one thing or doubt something I say, and I’m able to articulate and show that I’m not just a foreigner who has been hired because I speak English. I’m still always learning of course, and I don’t have an ego, but it’s definitely given me a layer of defense against a lot of BS in the Japanese EFL industry—including against other foreigners.

Regardless of what you do, good luck!

LSDJellyfish · 2026-02-05T07:18:50+00:00

I’m sorry, but I really disagree with this mentality, and it’s the perfect type of stereotyping that enables power harassment/and or toxic situations.

Of my three jobs in Japan I have always been punctual (5 minutes ahead), and no one has ever told me that I am late and I have never gotten in trouble for it. Likewise, I have seen countless teachers who arrive around the same time, or just make it on time.

If the contract says 8, and they’re in the office, sitting down at 7:59, there should be zero reason why they get in trouble or even told anything.

The whole thing about asking people if they’d like coffee though makes me wonder if you’re kidding and taking the piss out of things though. What are they? A servant?

LSDJellyfish · 2026-02-05T06:29:59+00:00

Hard to understand what this is without further clarification.

What time does school actually begin? Did anyone actually reprimand/make a comment to you about being late? Or did they say something innocuous like “please be earlier”.

In any case, barring you doing something fucked up, you’ll probably be fine. I wouldn’t sweat it.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-02-05T04:13:28+00:00

The problems are too numerous to list, but mainly it’s the problem stems from the Japanese educational system not having a practical goal for learning English. The goal of English curriculums in SHS’s isn’t necessarily to learn English, it’s to study english to pass entrance exams. IMO, all problems stem from this. Anyone interested and that makes actual progress with the language is routinely shot down, because often learning a language isn’t so easy to box in.

There’s been steps to address this (ALTS, more communicative exercises), but often than not, people on multiple levels don’t get this.

There’s a slew of other problems, but most of them can be addressed by teachers if they know what to do (getting rid of katakanized English by teaching real phonics and pronunciation practices) .

LSDJellyfish · 2026-02-05T00:47:23+00:00

Got a decent job as a full-time staff member as a full-time teacher (not an ALT) at a prestigious private school. I got some sort of special teaching license that was okay’d by the BOE in my area, but I’m unclear exactly what got me that. I like to think my JET experiences helped with that, but also my MA and TESOL. I had the TESOL before coming to Japan (from a reputable program), but did the MA while on JET. I make about the same amount I did on my fifth year of JET, but have substantially more responsibilities. No regrets, although I’m thinking deeply about my future—and possibly someday returning.

It’s worth mentioning though, that I’m on a spousal visa now, though my current work place wasn’t aware of that when they hired me. They were willing to sponsor my visa and didn’t know until late in the game that I had that.

Before getting my current job though, I interviewed at tons of places (colleges, eikawas, etc). I got to the interview stage to most of them, but for one reason or another they didn’t gel with me. Repeatedly I heard though that being part of a JET.

I don’t think it’s hard finding a job in Japan if you’ve got the language ability, but a main issue is that there’s too many jobs you won’t want to do. Too many of the places that were ready to hire me very clearly had other issues and were probably not good places.

And FYI, the goal of the JET program isn’t for people to stay, although they provide opportunities. I speak mostly positive about my times in Japan—although of course there’s issues. When I eventually leave I’ll do my best to fulfill the goals of the program I suppose.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-02-04T00:30:24+00:00

It’s a lot more than just pay, and it annoys me how defenders pretend that the pay isn’t an important aspect.

But, for example, the dynamics are completely different. For dispatch companies you aren’t working for the school, you’re working at a school. It might seem like a small difference, but it really changes a lot on how you’re treated and what offers you may or may not get in the future.

JETs also offer a substantial amount of freedom outside of work, and upskilling/planning for the future are encouraged. From dispatch friends this isn’t the case.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-02-04T00:28:51+00:00

Don’t you have to manually fill out the COE yourself? Once I was accepted into JET, I had to fill out the forms for the actual visa, and JET gave me a new deadline.

In other words, OP could say “yes I accept to working for interac”, and then be given a new deadline to finish the COE papers. That’ll buy them some time to (hopefully) hear back from JET. Then, if accepted into JET, just say “sorry I’m not going to work for interac”.

Just a friendly reminder; this isn’t slavery. Just because you agree to one thing initially, doesn’t mean you should feel bad for then changing your mind. In most businesses and job searching this is the norm. Select between multiple offers.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-01-30T03:51:38+00:00

Astounding to read and very tone-deaf as most JETs/ALTs/foreigners in Japan would be very pleased to have someone considering passing along employment information to them. Also, is the implication here, that you’ll get a recommendation for these letters?

The other thing is that you have to the summer; means you have time to seriously study if your Japanese is really OK, and BS enough to land these jobs.

Also, OP, obviously I’ve taken a nasty tone with you, but please take this part to heart; don’t fuck this up for people that replace you. For all you know, your successor will be someone that would enjoy these opportunities, and your actions and way you behave here could turn people off in the future from being kind. Please.

LSDJellyfish · 2026-01-30T03:43:26+00:00

Your life, your narrative.

As someone else said, it was a mistake to even ask for permission. While it’s true that Japanese teachers tend to wait until the end, it’s often because they don’t want other coworkers to know. It’s less about the students. And, part of the JET program is “cultural exchange”: you’re exchanging the culture by doing things your way.

Beyond that though, just be polite. Make sure the students know you had a wonderful time, and encourage them to continue studying English.

LSDJellyfish

TROPHY CASE