Jolly Julie in Japan

🇯🇵 How to Apply for the JET Programme (3 Steps)

Step 1️⃣
Visit the website of the Embassy of Japan in your country. JET Programme recruitment and applications are handled through Japanese embassies and consulates.

Step 2️⃣
Use the website's search bar and type "JET Programme".

Step 3️⃣
Carefully read the application guidelines, requirements, deadlines, and submission procedures. Requirements and application processes may vary by country, so always follow the instructions provided by your local Embassy of Japan.

✅ Check your eligibility
✅ Prepare all required documents
✅ Submit your application before the deadline

Don't wait until the last minute—start preparing your application documents early! Good luck, future JETs! 🇯🇵✨

My English Club students told me that since I am from the Philippines, they wanted to run with the Philippine flag during the Sports Day.

I was deeply touched by their thoughtfulness.

Their gesture showed not only their support for me as their ALT but also their openness to learning about and celebrating different cultures.

It was a wonderful example of respect and international understanding, and it made this year's Sports Day truly unforgettable for me and the club.

Happy Independence Day, Pilipinas! Mabuhay!

🇯🇵 Want to boost your chances of becoming a JET ALT?

These aren't required, but they definitely help:

✅ Education or English degree
✅ PRC Teaching License
✅ Teaching experience
✅ Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
✅ TESOL/ TEFL
✅ International travel or experience

The more boxes you can tick, the stronger your application becomes.

How many do you have? 👀 Tag someone who might be interested!

We are Undokai ready!

One of the most exciting events in Japanese high schools is Undokai (Sports Day).

In the Philippines, Sports Day often features competitive sports such as basketball, volleyball, softball, and track-and-field events and usually takes a few days. In Japan, Undokai - a one day event- focuses more on traditional team activities like tamaire (ball toss), mukade kyōsō (centipede race), ninin sankyaku (three-legged race), kawakudari (river boat race), and many other team
competitions.

Both events promote teamwork and school spirit.

The energy, enthusiasm, and sense of community make it a memorable highlight of the school year for students and stakeholders.

Still carrying the weight of WWII?

Sports Day (Undokai) is just few days away, so afternoon classes are canceled while everyone prepares. Like many ALTs, I found myself "desk warming" when a part-time teacher approached me.

"Hisashiburi desu, Juliet-sensei!" ("Long time no see!")

Despite my limited Japanese, we managed to have a wonderful conversation. Somehow, the topic shifted to World War II.

And when I mentioned that my grandfather had served in the military and was stationed in Okinawa, she quietly said, "Gomennasai," and bowed.

Then she said it again.

And again.

I lost count of how many times she apologized.

I shared some of the painful stories my grandfather had told me about the war and the brutal things he had witnessed. Each story made her bow much deeper and apologize once more.

She eventually said, "We should also apologize to South Korea."

It struck me because this was not a politician or a history teacher—just an ordinary Japanese teacher having a sincere conversation with a foreign colleague.

This reminded me that history can leave scars across generations, but sometimes, simple human conversations can also show empathy, reflection, and a desire not to repeat the past.

🚨 Do you really need a teaching license to become an ALT in Japan?

No. You don't need one.

One of the biggest myths about becoming an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) is that you have to be a licensed teacher. In reality, several ALTs working in Japanese public schools don't have a teaching license at all.

What you actually need is:
✅ A bachelor's degree (in any field)
✅ Strong English communication skills

Of course, a teaching license and/or classroom experience can make your application stronger.

So if you've been putting off applying because you thought you weren't "qualified enough," this might be the sign you've been waiting for.

What’s stopping you from applying as an ALT in Japan?
👇 Drop your biggest concerns in the comments.

Japanese Respect Is on Another Level

Yesterday at my visit school, a student came to the teachers' room to submit her workbook.

She carefully placed it on her teacher's desk—my JTE's desk, which is right beside mine. After neatly setting it down, she softly said, "Onegaishimasu," and bowed.

The interesting part?

The teacher wasn't even there. She had already gone home because she works part-time.

The student still showed the same level of respect as if her teacher were there right in front of her.

Then, today at my base school, we had a Sports Day rehearsal and the teachers' morning meeting was held on the school grounds.

As I headed toward the meeting area, several groups of students, one after another, took off their caps, greeted me with a cheerful "Good morning," and bowed.

Of course, our students greet us every day but seeing them set aside their caps before bowing added an extra layer of respect.

Neither of these moments was extraordinary on its own. But together, they highlight something I've come to appreciate about Japan: respect isn't reserved for special occasions—it's practiced in the small, everyday interactions.

5 Ways to Become an ALT in Japan

Many aspiring teachers believe that the JET Programme is the only way to work as an ALT in Japan. The truth is that there are several pathways, each with its own advantages and challenges. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide which route might be right for you.

1️⃣ JET Programme

Pros:
✅ Higher salary and more benefits
✅ Strong support network and orientation

Cons:
❌ Highly competitive
❌ Applications are only accepted once a year

2️⃣ Dispatch Companies

Pros:
✅ Easier to get hired than JET
✅ More job openings throughout the year

Cons:
❌ Lower salary compared to JET
❌ Benefits and support vary by company

3️⃣ Direct Hire ALT

Pros:
✅ Often offers better pay than dispatch companies
✅ Direct relationship with the Board of Education

Cons:
❌ Positions are limited
❌ Usually requires prior experience in Japan

4️⃣ Eikaiwa (English Conversation Schools)

Pros:
✅ Many hiring opportunities year-round
✅ Great way to gain teaching experience

Cons:
❌ Evening and weekend work is common
❌ Less vacation time than public school jobs

5️⃣ Private or International Schools

Pros:
✅ Potentially higher salaries
✅ More teaching responsibility and career growth

Cons:
❌ Often requires teaching qualifications and/or experience
❌ More demanding workload

✨ There is no perfect pathway. Some people start with JET, while others begin with a dispatch company or eikaiwa and later move into direct hire or international school positions. The best route is the one that matches your goals, qualifications, and timeline.

👇 Which pathway would you choose to start your teaching journey in Japan? 🇯🇵🍎

Sino ba si Sharmaine? Kaloka!

I visit one of my schools twice a week, so my Mondays are often full of surprises. Today was no exception.

Surprise #1: I had a class during the third period, which is usually my break time.

Surprise #2: Representatives from the Prefectural Board of Education were coming to observe classes.

Surprise #3: My JTE told me about the class observation on the spot.

Before I knew it, around ten people were standing at the back of the classroom, including three BOE staff members, the principal, vice principal, and several head teachers.

Fortunately, they stayed for less than ten minutes, but it certainly made the lesson more memorable.

Nothing beats walking into a classroom fully prepared, whether there are observers or not.

The lesson focused on asking for and giving directions. I created an imaginary town complete with a map, shops, intersections and other landmarks. After some scaffolding, students raced to complete a role-play activity three times, each with a different destination. One of the highlights was introducing Janken in English, which most students thoroughly enjoyed since it was their first time playing it that way.

Of course, a few students tried to outsmart the activity by doing only the Janken and skipping the role-play. Nice attempt, but sorry, I was ready for it.

Moral of the story:
You never know when an ordinary day will turn into an observation day. Being consistently prepared is far more effective than trying to impress people at the last minute. When you focus on delivering engaging lessons, surprise observers become just another part of the audience.