The Application Process
The Application
To get things rolling, you will need an application. All you need to do is dial 1-800-CALL-JET and leave your name and address on the answering machine. An application will be sent out to you as soon as applications are available.
The application is made up of some essay questions that probe your knowledge of Japan and why you want to participate on JET. It goes without saying, be sure to avoid all mention of the money (I know it's hard, but please try).
You will also need to have a physical exam and submit three letters of recommendation. If you have studied Japanese language or culture, a reference from at least one of your teachers would be a plus.
The Interview
Upon submitting your application, you will be contacted for an interview at the embassy of your choice. A quick word to the wise: keep in mind that you will be required to depart for Japan from the major airport nearest to the embassy you select. This comes into play for college students in particular, for those who are tempted to interview at an embassy near their school and not their home. This may affect your departure plans, so you should consult your local embassy as for where you should interview.
As for the interview itself, their primary concern is weeding out individuals that they feel will be culturally insensitive. There is not a major focus on teaching ability, but people with teaching experience or credentials should certainly incorporate that information into your interview. Just keep in mind that they would much rather have someone who is culturally sensitive with no teaching experience than an insensitive teacher.
Here's a question that was posed to me in my interview:
"You are team-teaching a class and your Japanese partner makes a spelling error on the blackboard. What do you do?"
There is no right or wrong answer, but they want to check on your awareness of the issues involved. To correct the error during class in front of all the students could threaten the trust that the students have placed in the Japanese teacher and it could harm your teaching relationship. Of course over time, you may establish an environment with many teachers that allows for less concern, but there will always be teachers with a severe complex about their English ability.
JET is pretty good about keeping to the timeline that they spell out in the application. Once the interview is done, all you can do is wait for their response. Hopefully, you will be accepted and be boarding a flight to Tokyo in late July!