The Pros And Cons Of The JET Programme: Is It Worth It?

1. Gold-star reputation with government support

JET isn’t some shady fly-by-night gig—it’s funded by the Japanese government. That means legit contracts, consistent pay, and a stamp of credibility that looks great on your resume. Whether you’re eyeing a career in education, international relations, or just want an unforgettable year abroad, JET opens doors.

2. No teaching experience? No problem

Don’t have a teaching degree? No stress. JET only requires a Bachelor’s degree (any major!). So if you’re fresh out of uni or craving a career pivot, this could be your shot.

Read more: Gap Year Jobs Abroad

3. Solid salary + juicy benefits

Let’s talk money. First-year JETs earn around ¥3.36 million (about $24,000 USD), and that increases with each contract renewal. Health insurance, pension, and often subsidised housing? Yes please. Oh—and a good chunk of paid holidays to boot.

4. Job stability for up to 5 years

JET contracts last one year, but you can renew for up to five (sometimes even six!). In a world where job security feels rare, this is a big win, especially when living abroad.

5. Travel and cultural immersion galore

Temples, karaoke, bullet trains, cherry blossoms—Japan is a blend of old-world wonder and futuristic flair. With school breaks, national holidays, and personal leave, you’ll have plenty of chances to explore.

6. Learn Japanese naturally

JET doesn’t require Japanese, but daily immersion is a fast track to fluency. Many JETs leave with strong conversational skills—or even pass the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test).

7. Manageable workload

As an ALT, you’re supporting, not solo-teaching. The pace is usually steady, giving you downtime for lesson planning, creative projects, or personal hobbies. (Yes, really!)

8. Respectful students

Japanese classrooms are often calm, focused, and respectful. TTA alum Abigail says:

“What stands out most to me is their seriousness and respect for the learning process. They come prepared to engage fully.”

9. Potential to save big (especially rurally)

In rural placements, your cost of living is low and distractions are fewer, which means serious savings. Many JETs pay off loans or fund future adventures this way.

10. Generous paid leave

You’ll likely get 10–20 paid vacation days, plus national holidays and school breaks. Hello, Southeast Asia getaway!

11. Personal and professional growth

Want to lead English clubs? Organise cross-cultural events? Support other JETs? There’s plenty of space to grow beyond the classroom.

1. It’s competitive – and slow

Applications take months to process, and spots are limited. You’ll need patience and a backup plan while you wait.

2. Placement is a mystery box

You can request locations, but there’s no guarantee. One person gets Kyoto. Another gets a snowy mountain village with one convenience store. (Surprise!)

3. Big cities = big expenses

Tokyo placements sound glam, but rent is high. Your salary is the same whether you’re in the countryside or the capital, so savings vary.

4. Language barriers are real

Daily life—mail, doctors, even setting up Wi-Fi—can be tricky without Japanese. Urban areas offer more English help, but rural areas? Less so.

5. Experience varies wildly

Some ALTs co-teach actively and feel valued. Others get stuck reading from a script. Your school, co-workers, and Board of Education make a big difference.

6. Curriculum frustrations

Japan’s English education system leans heavily on grammar and memorisation. Innovation and conversation? Often limited.

7. Creative constraints

Got exciting ideas for games or group work? Be prepared to stick to the script. Some schools resist change—even when it’s fun and effective.

8. Cultural adjustment takes time

From workplace hierarchy to indirect communication, Japanese office culture can be a culture shock. Flexibility and respect go a long way.

9. You’ll need to be self-sufficient

Whether it’s setting up a futon or navigating train timetables, you’ll need to figure a lot out on your own. Challenging? Yes. Empowering? Also yes.

10. Limited long-term growth

JET isn’t a lifelong career. There’s no “Head ALT” role or major raises. Most participants move on after a few years to new paths.

Yes – if you’re up for the ride.

JET is one of the most rewarding and reliable ways to live in Japan. It gives you a front-row seat to a beautiful, complex, unforgettable country—with a steady paycheck, a built-in support system, and plenty of room to grow.

TTA alum Matthew sums it up beautifully:

“Whether you’re drawn by Japan’s history, cuisine, language, or landscapes, working as a TEFL teacher offers a front-row seat to it all.”

But—it’s not for everyone. If you need control over your location, thrive on career ladders, or get easily flustered by ambiguity, you might want to explore other teaching options.

Bottom line: If you show up with curiosity, resilience, and a genuine interest in Japan, you’ll walk away with more than just teaching experience—you’ll gain memories, skills, and connections that last a lifetime.

Ready to take your first step toward Japan? Start by earning your  TEFL qualification and building your teaching toolkit. We’ve got your back every step of the way.