Internships and work opportunity
(Part 1: JET)
Sophie Hsu Dec, 2024
Want to explore your options and opportunities for productive ways of travel and broadening your horizons around the world outside of studying abroad?
Let’s say that you missed your opportunity to study abroad either through the university, or random outside programs you find online that may end up costing you a fortune. These study abroad programs offer amazing opportunities to learn more about culture, tradition, lifestyle, etc. However, they tend to run generally expensive with a limited selection of scholarship offers.
But do not worry! Your options are not limited to studying abroad or solo travel in the future. Many are interested in living and working in a different country. Yes, it may be scary especially if you are moving somewhere where your knowledge of that country’s language is limited. But here I will be sharing two amazing programs that may be just the perfect fit for your situation!
The Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) program is a teaching program managed by the Japanese government. It provides an exclusive opportunity for cultural exchange with people from up to 80 countries around the world, to live and work in Japan. JET recruits recent college graduates to work as; assistant language teachers (ALTs), Sports Education Advisors (SEAs) or even as Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) in local governments and boards of education. All these positions will allow accepted applicants to be located in amazing areas all throughout Japan from rural to suburban, with no guarantee of the applicants top selection and position availability.
The application process for the JET Program is a bit tedious and intimidating as the positions you would be applying for relatively require more certification as it is a full time program that consists of a one year contract that may be renewed up to five times.
The requirements the the JET program application consist of:
- Bachelor’s degree: By the specified arrival date, you must possess a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- Medical report: Fill out a form with your self-reported health issues.
- Transcripts: Present official transcripts from your institution or university.
- Letters of recommendation: Obtain letters of recommendation from professional or academic references.
- Proof of citizenship: Present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.
- Language proficiency: Although not necessarily required, knowing a little bit of Japanese can be helpful.
Whether this is the first or hundredth time you’ve read about the JET, the program is highly competitive and would require you to stand out. Want to enhance your resume when applying to JET? GHJ International, located in Munakata city, Fukuoka, is teaching practicum program internship that offers the perfect opportunity to those who are interested in working in Japan, applying for JET, teaching, or becoming an ALT. Though the internship is unpaid, GHJ will cover living costs at Global Arena, transportation to and from the schools, and 3 meals a day. (Flight expenses are not covered). Accepted participants will be working in smaller groups with other interns to create lesson plans and brainstorm ideas for when we teach in the physical classroom setting with real students. This internship is open to all as it offers a diverse and creative environment where I was fortunately able to work with others from places like; Latvia, Philippines, China, etc. Additionally, the ages of the interns ranged from 18-41, which surprisingly helps us to have an even greater connection with each other as we got to share different levels of ideas along with insightful feedback from those who may have more experience.