Yes, JET participants take part in both obligatory and voluntary training seminars and conferences. To learn more about some of these, visit the Conferences section. Also, JET participants are able to take Japanese language correspondence courses provided by CLAIR.

Participants are encouraged to enroll in correspondence courses that are provided by CLAIR to JET participants free of charge as long as they keep up with course work. Also, JET participants who spend more than one year on the Programme will be eligible to apply for a one of two special courses focusing on Translating/Interpreting or Linguistics/Pedagogy.

No, housing is not necessarily provided by JET. Most JET participants, however, do receive some form of housing assistance from their Contracting Organisations. Many JET participants receive partial rent subsidies, while others pay smaller deposits or live in government employee housing. All JET participants should expect to pay rent while in Japan. (see General Information Handbook, p.167)

It depends on the Contracting Organisation. In many cases, housing will have already been decided prior to your arrival and you will move in to housing that was occupied by a previous JET participant. In others, the Contracting Organisation may have two or three choices pending your consideration. Even if nothing is prepared before you arrive, the Contracting Organisation will assist you in finding your accommodation. You can choose your own accommodation if you pay ALL costs yourself.

Deposits, usually anywhere from 1-5 months rent, are generally refunded upon leaving, minus deductions for any unpaid rent and/or expenses for cleaning or repairs. If the deposit is 1 month's rent, it is usually used for cleaning or repairs. Key money, usually 1-2 months rent, is a non-refundable gift given to the landlord. There may be cases where the real estate agent requires the equivalent of an additional 1 month's rent as their commission. Further, 1 month's rent may need to be paid in advance. Depending on the Contracting Organisation, some JET participants receive subsidies or loans to cover these costs. However, please note that new JET participants should be prepared to cover the initial costs by themselves before receiving their first paycheck..

Medical care in Japan is thorough, but please be aware that medical care providers in many locations in Japan do not offer English language assistance.

Bringing prescription medications into Japan can be a difficult process. Generally speaking, you will be allowed to carry a one-month prescription with you. Each additional one-month supply will have be sent to you bearing all the necessary customs documentation. (see General Information Handbook, p.43)

There are many medications that can be purchased without a prescription in Japan, however, medication readily available over the counter in your home country may be illegal in Japan, and therefore you will not be able to bring those medications with you or purchase them while you are here. (see General Information Handbook, p.43)

Yes, it will be possible. However, please understand than many Japanese have a lack of awareness about what dietary restrictions are, and that if you do not speak Japanese it may sometimes be difficult to explain your restrictions. There is much support provided at orientations and through special interest groups from other JET participants who are in similar circumstances..

Although most JET participants do not need to drive, in some situations JET participants will be asked to drive to and from schools and education offices. Some JET participants may have to purchase or lease an automobile, while some will be granted limited use of one provided by the Contracting Organisation.

If you have a licence in your home country and your country is part of the Geneva Road Convention, then you can drive in Japan for one year on an International Driving Permit, which should be obtained from the national automobile association in your home country prior to departure. You can only use an International Driving Permit in Japan for a maximum period of one year from the initial date of entry (arrival in Japan), or until the expiration date on the permit, whichever comes first. (see General Information Handbook, p.181)

Regardless of where you are placed, JET participants form a community to support one another. Local and national AJET (Association of JETs) also plan events for JET participants to come together and get involved in their local communities.

Japan is a very technologically-advanced country, and although rates of use may be different from those in your home country, you will have access to reliable services. Please be aware that it may take some time to set these services up after your arrival.

JET Programme participants will have holidays on the nationally recognised Japanese holidays. Although, it may be possible to arrange to take off your personal religious holidays, usually participants will use their yearly paid leave to observe these holidays.

No, it will not be possible to move to a different location in subsequent years during your time on the Programme. You will be expected to stay with the same Contracting Organisation in the same village/town/city during your entire stay. In rare situations a transfer might be granted.