JET vs EPIK: Which Program Is Right for You?

If you're dreaming of teaching English abroad, Japan and South Korea are two of the most rewarding destinations you can choose—and both offer structured, government-backed programs to help you get there. The JET Programme in Japan and EPIK in South Korea have been placing native English speakers in classrooms for decades, creating cross-cultural exchange and providing a soft landing into teaching life overseas.

But while both programs share a similar mission, they differ in key ways—everything from how you apply to how much you earn, where you're placed, and how much classroom responsibility you'll take on. For first-time teachers, career changers, or travel lovers looking to live abroad with purpose, choosing between JET and EPIK can shape the kind of year (or years) you’ll have.

Whether you're drawn to Japan's rural charm and deep traditions or Korea’s modern cities and tech-savvy classrooms, it’s worth understanding how each program works before diving in.

Program Overview

🗾 What Is JET?

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme was launched in 1987 as a government initiative to promote international exchange and improve English language education across Japan. Today, it remains one of the most prestigious routes into teaching abroad in Asia.

Most participants are placed as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), working alongside Japanese teachers in public schools. There are also roles for Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs), who work in government offices, and Sports Exchange Advisors (SEAs), though these positions are limited and highly competitive.

One of JET’s standout features is its structure: placement is managed by local Boards of Education in collaboration with CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations), and participants receive ongoing support throughout their contract. It’s not just a job—it’s a cultural exchange mission.

🇰🇷 What Is EPIK?

EPIK (English Program in Korea) was launched in 1995 by South Korea’s Ministry of Education to bring foreign English teachers into public schools across the country. It’s one of the largest and most accessible teaching programs in Asia, welcoming hundreds of new teachers each semester.

Unlike JET, EPIK is managed in part through recruiters and regional education offices, giving applicants a bit more flexibility and support during the application and placement process. Some placements are managed under related sub-programs like SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education) and GOE (Gyeongnam Office of Education).

Most EPIK teachers work as co-teachers in elementary or middle schools, helping deliver the national English curriculum while bringing in authentic conversation practice and cultural exposure. The program offers a consistent salary, benefits, and housing allowance—making it popular for teachers looking for a smooth, financially viable move abroad.

Eligibility & Requirements

Before you start picturing cherry blossoms or Korean BBQ, it’s important to know if you’re eligible—and what kind of preparation each program expects from you. While both JET and EPIK are designed to be beginner-friendly, there are some key differences in who they accept and what’s required to get started.

🎓 Shared Basic Requirements

Both programs expect you to meet the following minimum criteria:

• Hold citizenship from a recognized English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa)
• Have a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited university
• Pass a criminal background check (no felonies; minor infractions may need explanation)
• Be in good physical and mental health
• Demonstrate cultural adaptability and interest in working with youth

These basic requirements open the door—but the finer details can make or break your application.

🧾 JET Specifics

• TEFL/TESOL certification recommended: While JET doesn’t list it as a formal requirement, having a TEFL certificate can significantly strengthen your application. It shows you’re serious about teaching, gives you practical classroom skills, and helps you stand out in a highly competitive selection process.
• No prior teaching experience needed: Great for recent graduates or career changers.
• CIR applicants (non-teaching roles) must show fluency in Japanese and a relevant academic or work background.
• No official age limit, though most participants are under 40.
• Personal statements and interviews focus heavily on your interest in Japan, cultural exchange, and community involvement.

📚 EPIK Specifics

• 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certification is required unless you hold an education degree or government-issued teaching license.
• Courses must include at least 100 hours of coursework and 20 hours of practicum (some exceptions apply if you're teaching online).
• More documents are required upfront, including:
  • Apostilled degree
  • Sealed transcripts
  • Nationwide background check (apostilled)
  • Health check form
  • Sample lesson plan
• Applications go through recruiters or directly through EPIK, depending on your region of interest. Recruiters help streamline the paperwork.

EPIK is slightly more bureaucratic at the start—but that upfront effort can lead to faster placements and more flexible entry points.

Application Process & Timeline

Getting into either JET or EPIK is a bit like applying to university: deadlines, documents, and interviews are all part of the process. But the timeline and intensity vary quite a bit between the two.

🕰️ JET

• One intake per year: Applications open in October, with placements starting the following July/August.
• Lengthy process: From submitting your application to actually landing in Japan can take 8–10 months.
• Key steps:
  • Submit a detailed application, essay, and references
  • Attend an in-person or virtual interview (via your local embassy or consulate)
  • Wait several months for placement decisions
• JET’s slow pace can be frustrating, but the support and prestige often make it worth the wait.

🗓️ EPIK

• Two intakes per year: Spring (March) and Fall (August).
• Shorter timeline: Typically 4–6 months from application to arrival.
• Applications handled through recruiters like Korvia, Korean Horizons, or Hands Korea (or directly via EPIK).
• Rolling submissions: Earlier applicants have better placement choices.
• Interview is conducted via Zoom/Skype and includes a short teaching demo or explanation of a sample lesson.

If you’re looking to start teaching sooner, EPIK usually moves faster and offers more flexibility.

Salary & Benefits

When you’re moving across the world to teach, you’re not just thinking about adventure—you’re thinking about how far your paycheck will stretch, what’s included, and whether you’ll be able to save a little (or a lot) along the way.

💰 JET

• Starting Salary: ~¥4.02 million/year (approx. $27,000 USD)
• Raises: Increases annually up to ~¥4.32 million
• Housing: Subsidized, but not always free; cost depends on location and contracting organization
• Flights: Round-trip airfare to Japan typically covered
• Healthcare: Enrolled in Japan’s National Health Insurance (covers most medical costs)
• Pension: Enrolled in Japan’s national pension scheme, refundable for some nationalities

JET’s salary might seem modest by Western standards, but many ALTs in rural areas save a substantial amount due to low rent and minimal commuting costs.

🏠 EPIK

• Starting Salary: ~2.0 to 2.7 million KRW/month (approx. $1,500–$2,000 USD), depending on qualifications and placement
• Housing: Free apartment provided or housing allowance if you find your own
• Flight: Reimbursed round-trip airfare (conditions apply)
• Bonus: One-month completion bonus + re-signing bonuses
• Pension: Contributions matched by employer, refundable lump sum for many nationalities
• Severance Pay: One-month bonus pay upon completing a 12-month contract

EPIK is particularly attractive for first-timers on a budget. With rent-free living and low daily expenses, many teachers can save half their salary.

⚖️ Cost of Living Considerations

If savings is a big motivator, Korea’s low expenses may offer better bang for your buck. But Japan’s salary does give you more flexibility, especially in rural areas where costs drop significantly.

Placement & Location Preferences

You’ve probably got dreams of neon cities or peaceful countryside temples—but where you end up depends a lot on the program.

🗺️ JET

• Placement control: Limited
• Preference requests: You can list up to 3 preferred cities or prefectures, but there’s no guarantee
• Rural placements are common: Many ALTs are placed in small towns or villages
• Urban spots are highly competitive: Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are rarely available unless you have strong Japanese skills or prior experience

While this may feel like a drawback, rural placements often mean more integration into local culture, closer community ties, and lower costs.

📍 EPIK

• Placement flexibility: Slightly more responsive to preferences
• Region-specific programs: EPIK covers the whole country, but programs like SMOE (Seoul), GOE (Gyeongnam), and GEPIK (Gyeonggi) are sometimes managed separately
• Seoul is highly competitive: Early application and strong credentials help
• Rural incentives: Bonus pay for teaching in rural areas

If location is a major priority for you, EPIK’s twice-yearly intake and multiple entry points give it a slight edge in flexibility—especially if you work with a recruiter who understands your goals.

Teaching Role & School Life

What your day-to-day looks like—and how much control you have in the classroom—can shape your entire experience abroad. Both JET and EPIK offer team-teaching models, but with some key differences.

👩‍🏫 JET

• Role: Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)
• Teaching style: Team-teaching with Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs)
• Typical duties: Leading speaking activities, cultural presentations, games, and pronunciation support
• Autonomy: Depends on your school and JTE—some ALTs get a lot of freedom, others mostly assist
• Curriculum: Set by the school or prefecture; little say in lesson planning structure
• Support: Strong backing from CLAIR and local Boards of Education (BOEs)

JET’s school life is often structured and respectful, with a big emphasis on community harmony. You might wear a suit, attend school ceremonies, and even join the morning staff meetings.

👨‍🏫 EPIK

• Role: Co-teacher alongside Korean English teachers
• Teaching style: Shared classroom duties, but in some cases, you may lead solo lessons
• Typical schedule: 3–5 classes per day, sometimes across multiple schools
• Autonomy: Varies widely—some schools give you full lesson planning control, others provide strict scripts
• Curriculum: Follows the national Korean curriculum, but room for creative add-ons
• Work environment: Rotating schedules, split campuses, or being the only foreign teacher at your school is common

EPIK placements can feel more casual day-to-day, with more variation in expectations. Some teachers find it liberating; others crave more structure.

Cultural Experience & Immersion

One of the biggest reasons people choose JET or EPIK is for the cultural journey. While both countries offer immersive experiences, the flavor of daily life is quite different.

🎎 JET

• Cultural exchange is central: You’re not just a teacher—you’re a cultural ambassador
• Community involvement: Expect to join local festivals, events, and school activities
• Social integration: Especially in rural areas, you'll be a standout presence—people may greet you by name before you even meet them
• Language learning: More incentive to learn Japanese due to lower English fluency in rural areas

JET is ideal for those looking for a slower pace, strong traditions, and deep connections with locals.

🎊 EPIK

• Urban comforts with cultural flavor: Korean society blends tradition with technology, so you’ll feel immersed without feeling disconnected
• Cultural accessibility: K-pop, Korean dramas, and food culture make it easy to engage and feel part of the scene
• Events and excursions: Many schools and offices host dinners, trips, and team-building days
• Travel perks: Korea’s location makes it easy to explore Southeast Asia on holidays

EPIK offers a vibrant social life and cultural ease, especially for first-time travelers or those who want to balance immersion with convenience.

Career & Future Opportunities

What happens after your contract ends? Both JET and EPIK offer strong stepping stones—but the long-term prospects and ease of progression differ.

🔗 JET

• Global recognition: The JET Programme is well-respected by employers, especially in government, cultural exchange, and international education sectors.
• Strong alumni network: Former JETs often find themselves in roles with embassies, Japan-related NGOs, or even teaching and translation work.
• Limited re-contracting: ALT roles are capped at 5 years. After that, moving into CIR roles or applying directly to Japanese schools may be possible—but often requires fluent Japanese or a local degree.
• Less flexibility: It’s not easy to stay in Japan long-term unless you pivot to private school roles or transition into a non-teaching visa.

JET is excellent for short-to-mid-term cultural exchange and résumé building—but may require a career pivot afterward.

🚀 EPIK

• More long-term options: Korea offers clear pathways to stay—whether it’s renewing EPIK, moving to another city’s program (like SMOE or GOE), or switching to a private school (hagwon) or international school.
• Hagwon opportunities: Many former EPIK teachers transition easily into better-paying private institutions after gaining classroom experience.
• Higher demand: Korea’s strong ESL market creates more job security for teachers wanting to stay multiple years.
• University teaching: After 2+ years of EPIK + a TEFL or master’s degree, you may be eligible for coveted university jobs.

EPIK is a better fit if you're considering staying long-term in Korea or transitioning within the broader TEFL field.

Pros & Cons Summary

Here’s a side-by-side look at how JET and EPIK compare on key points:

Which Program Is Right for You?

When it comes down to it, both JET and EPIK open the door to life-changing experiences. But depending on your goals and preferences, one might suit you better than the other.

✅ Choose JET if:

• You’re passionate about Japanese culture and language
• You prefer a structured, prestigious government program with strong community ties
• You’re happy to wait nearly a year to get placed — even if it’s in a rural town
• You value the ambassador role, where sharing your culture is just as important as teaching

✅ Choose EPIK if:

• You want to start teaching faster and enjoy greater intake flexibility
• You already have (or are willing to get) a TEFL certificate
• You’d like a better shot at urban or mid-size city placements
• You’re focused on gaining classroom teaching experience with potential for long-term work in Korea

Whichever path you choose, you’ll gain valuable skills, cultural perspective, and connections that go far beyond the classroom.

Final Thoughts

Teaching through JET or EPIK isn’t just a job — it’s a launchpad for personal growth, cultural immersion, and career development. These programs offer rare access to public education systems, built-in support, and a chance to make a real impact.

JET offers prestige, depth, and a clear cultural mission in Japan.
EPIK offers flexibility, long-term options, and a strong support network in Korea.

Either way, you’ll be teaching, traveling, and living abroad in a way that few other jobs can match. Just be sure to prepare well, stay open-minded, and make the most of the adventure.

➡️ Related Guides:

• Teach English in Japan
• Teach English in South Korea
• JET Program Guide
• EPIK Program Guide