What It’s Like Teaching with the JET Programme in Japan

Introduction

So you've heard about the JET Programme — the prestigious, government-backed opportunity to teach English in Japan. Maybe you've started your application, or maybe you're already daydreaming about cherry blossoms, ramen, and your first classroom.

But what is it actually like teaching on the JET Programme?

This guide will walk you through the real day-to-day experience of being an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) on JET — from classroom routines and working with Japanese teachers, to what life looks like outside of school. Whether you're placed in the heart of Tokyo or a mountain village hours from the nearest train station, JET offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, make a difference, and grow both personally and professionally.

If you're ready to step into a new culture with curiosity and flexibility — keep reading. This is what it's really like to teach in Japan with the JET Programme.

A Day in the Life of an ALT

No two JET placements are exactly alike — but most ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers) follow a fairly predictable rhythm during the school week. Your role is to support English education in Japanese public schools, and your day usually blends classroom time, lesson prep, and plenty of cultural exchange.

Here’s what a typical day might look like:

🕗 Morning Routine

• Arrive at school by 8:00–8:30 AM (depending on your placement)
• Greet staff in the teacher’s room with a cheerful “ohayou gozaimasu”
• Attend morning meeting (you may not be expected to participate, but showing up matters)
• Review or finalize lesson plans with your JTE (Japanese Teacher of English)

🧑‍🏫 Classes & Teaching

• Most ALTs teach 3 to 5 classes per day, often in 45–50 minute blocks

• Classes range from elementary to senior high school, depending on your assignment

• You may:

  • Lead a warm-up game or activity
  • Model pronunciation or grammar
  • Assist with group work or one-on-one speaking
  • Deliver entire lessons (with support)

• When not teaching, you’ll have free periods for planning, marking, or preparing materials

🍱 Lunch & Breaks

• Some schools have you eat lunch with students in the classroom — a great time to bond!
• Others allow you to eat in the teacher’s room
• You’ll often be invited to join students for school events, club activities, or cleaning time

🕓 End of the Day

• School ends around 3:30–4:00 PM, but teachers (including ALTs) often stay until 4:30 or 5:00 PM
• Use this time for planning, chatting with staff, or engaging with the school community
• On quieter days, you might get extra time to study Japanese, prep games, or brainstorm lesson ideas

💡 Every day is a little different. Some days are packed with classes and energy. Others are slow and open-ended. The key is staying flexible — and making the most of the unexpected moments.

The School Environment & Japanese Education Culture

Teaching in a Japanese school might feel very different from what you're used to — but that’s part of what makes the JET experience so rewarding. Understanding the school culture helps you better connect with your students and coworkers, and makes your time on JET smoother from day one.

🎒 Student Life & Classroom Etiquette

• Students wear uniforms and follow strict rules about appearance
• Classes start and end with formal greetings ("Stand. Bow. Sit.")
• Students often clean their own classrooms and hallways every day
• Behavior is generally respectful, though English class participation may be quiet at first

💡 Don't take silence as disinterest — many students are shy but curious.

🏫 School Culture & Hierarchy

• Japanese schools value formality, respect, and structure
• There’s a clear hierarchy among teachers (seniority matters)
• You’ll often be seated in the teacher’s room, not your own office
• Staff social events (enkai) may be optional but are great for bonding

🧹 Non-Teaching Duties

• You may participate in cleaning time, sports day, or school festivals
• You might be asked to help judge speech contests or attend community events
• Your visible presence in the school matters — even when you're not teaching

🧠 “Reading the Air” (空気を読む)

In Japan, people often value non-verbal cues and social harmony over direct communication. You’ll hear the phrase kuuki wo yomu — “read the air.”

• Pay attention to mood and body language
• When in doubt, observe how other teachers behave
• Asking politely (“Is it okay if I…?”) shows thoughtfulness

🌸 Embracing the school culture with respect and curiosity will help you earn trust — and make your teaching experience that much more meaningful.

Urban vs. Rural Placements: What Changes?

One of the biggest surprises for new JETs? You don’t choose your placement. While you can request up to three preferred locations, there’s no guarantee — and many participants are placed in small towns or countryside areas.

But whether you land in Tokyo or a tiny mountain village, your experience will be uniquely rewarding. Here’s how things tend to differ:

🏙️ Urban Placements (e.g., Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka)

Pros:

• Larger schools with more resources
• Easier access to trains, restaurants, nightlife
• More fellow JETs, expats, and English-speaking locals
• Opportunities to attend events and travel frequently

Challenges:

• Higher cost of living (especially rent)
• Students may be less excited about ALT classes due to big-city distractions
• Less opportunity for deep community integration

🏞️ Rural Placements (aka “Inaka”)

Pros:

• Tight-knit communities and warm hospitality
• Lower cost of living (rent can be incredibly cheap)
• Students are often more curious and excited to meet you
• Rich cultural immersion: festivals, nature, and traditional life

Challenges:

• Fewer social outlets, restaurants, or entertainment options
• May require a car to get around
• Isolation can be tough at first — but the community often makes up for it

🚆 Transportation Differences

• Cities: trains, buses, bike-friendly infrastructure
• Rural: public transport may be limited; many JETs drive or bike to school

✨ Whether you land in a major city or a sleepy countryside town, embrace the placement — some of the most memorable and meaningful JET experiences happen far from the beaten path.

Life Outside the Classroom

JET isn’t just a teaching job — it’s a chance to fully immerse yourself in Japanese life. While your weekdays revolve around school, your free time is what truly shapes your personal experience abroad.

Whether you're into hiking, studying Japanese, or exploring every noodle shop in your prefecture, you'll find plenty of ways to make life outside the classroom just as fulfilling.

🧘 Work-Life Balance

• Most JETs work Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Evenings and weekends are generally free
• You’ll have plenty of time to explore hobbies, travel, and connect with your community

🌏 Travel Opportunities

• With Japan’s efficient trains and buses, even rural JETs can travel easily
• Use long weekends or school breaks to visit:
  • Kyoto, Hiroshima, Tokyo, or Hokkaido
  • Neighboring countries like South Korea, Taiwan, or the Philippines
• Many JETs plan trips with fellow participants or attend regional events

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social Life

• Join local clubs, language exchanges, or sports teams
• Many prefectures have active JET alumni networks and events
• Nights out at izakayas (Japanese pubs) are a staple — even in small towns
• Expect a mix of friendships with locals, other JETs, and fellow expats

🎎 Cultural Involvement

• Participate in local festivals, mochi-making events, or tea ceremonies
• Volunteer or help run international exchange activities at your school
• Build real relationships with your neighbors, coworkers, and students

💡 Life outside the classroom is where JET becomes more than just a job — it’s where you create memories, grow as a person, and feel part of something much bigger.

Challenges & Surprises

As amazing as the JET Programme is, it’s not always easy — and that’s okay. Living and working abroad brings culture shock, miscommunications, and days where things just don’t go as planned. But facing those moments is part of what makes the experience so rewarding.

Here are some common challenges (and surprises) that many JETs encounter — along with tips for navigating them:

😅 Culture Shock & Communication Gaps

• Daily life and school culture may feel very different from home
• You might not always understand what’s expected of you
• Language barriers can make even simple errands feel intimidating at first

✅ Tip: Be patient with yourself. Learn a little Japanese each week, observe how others act, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

🏝️ Isolation (Especially in Rural Areas)

• Some placements have few (or no) other JETs nearby
• Making new friends takes time — especially if you’re shy or introverted
• Cultural norms may feel hard to adjust to at first

✅ Tip: Join local groups, attend JET events, and make the effort to reach out. The more involved you get, the more connected you'll feel.

📚 Lack of Structure at School

• Some schools provide detailed lesson plans — others give you total freedom
• You might be asked to “just talk about something” with little prep
• Your schedule may change last-minute without warning

✅ Tip: Prepare a toolkit of easy, adaptable activities. Flexibility is your superpower as an ALT.

🎯 Personal Growth Comes from Discomfort

• You’ll stretch your communication skills
• You’ll learn how to adapt to ambiguity
• And you’ll build resilience — the kind that lasts far beyond your time in Japan

🌟 The challenges are real — but so are the rewards. Every awkward moment, every small victory, every surprise becomes part of your story.

Support from the JET Programme

One of the biggest advantages of joining the JET Programme is that you’re not just dropped into a foreign country and left to figure things out. You’ll be supported by multiple layers of guidance and community — from day one to your final farewell.

🏙️ Tokyo Orientation

• Most JETs start their journey with a multi-day orientation in Tokyo
• You'll attend workshops on:
  • Team teaching and lesson planning
  • Japanese culture and workplace etiquette
  • Life skills like banking, transportation, and healthcare
• It’s also your first chance to meet other JETs from around the world

🏫 Contracting Organizations (Your School or Board of Education)

• Your CO (Contracting Organization) is your direct employer — and main point of contact
• They help with:
  • Housing setup
  • Visa documents
  • School introductions and expectations
• Some COs are super hands-on, others more relaxed — communication is key

🤝 CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations)

• CLAIR is the national organization that oversees the JET Programme
• They provide:
  • Online resources
  • Mental health support (including 24-hour counseling hotlines)
  • Access to the JET Programme Portal with updates and tools
  • Grants for Japanese language learning or cultural activities

🧑‍🏫 Prefectural Advisors & JET Community

• Every region has Prefectural Advisors (PAs) — experienced JETs trained to support you
• They host events, help with cultural issues, and offer a listening ear
• Your local JET community becomes a built-in support system — and many JETs make lifelong friends this way

💡 Even when things feel overwhelming, remember: you’re not alone. Support is never far away — you just have to reach out.

Is Teaching on JET Right for You?

The JET Programme isn’t just a teaching job — it’s a cross-cultural exchange, a chance to live abroad with purpose, and an opportunity to grow in ways you never expected.

But that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone.

Here’s who tends to thrive in the JET Programme — and who might want to explore other teaching paths in Japan.

✅ JET Might Be a Great Fit If You:

• Are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences
• Enjoy working with children or teenagers
• Want to immerse yourself in Japanese culture — not just observe it
• Are okay with not choosing your placement location
• Value community connection over rigid structure
• Want the stability and support of a government-backed program

⚠️ JET Might Not Be the Best Fit If You:

• Need full control over where you live or teach
• Prefer to work independently (JET is all about teamwork)
• Want to teach adults or in a corporate setting
• Struggle with uncertainty or last-minute changes
• Are looking for the highest possible salary or complete teaching autonomy

🧭 If you're flexible, curious, and eager to make a meaningful impact, teaching with JET can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make.

If not, there are plenty of great alternatives to JET that may align better with your goals — like teaching at private language schools, international schools, or through other ALT programs.