Hey guys, just wanted to introduce myself to this thread. I just graduated from my University 3 weeks ago, and got my Bachelors Degree in Multimedia Production. My brother just moved to Tokyo Japan for a private ALT company 2 months ago, and loves it. I've always wanted to go to Japan, and really want to do something similar. And honestly, I've lived 25 years of my life in Southern California, and have never left this state. I want to go and explore the world, and figure out who I am as a person. I want to be independent and do something with my life.
Anyways, I'm sort of looking at JET, just because I like the idea of having a community. My brother's company doesn't really have anything like that, and he's kind of just having to do everything alone (he had to find his own apartment, he doesn't have anyone to talk to or give him a guide around the city. He barely knows anyone that speaks English for outside of his job). He actually speaks Japanese though, so he's had an easier time transitioning. I on the other hand, don't speak any Japanese whatsoever. JET also seems like it offers some pretty good benefits.
I am willing to consider a private company though, seeing as JET seems hard to get into. And their process is lengthy. Sadly, I think I missed the deadline for this year. I already talked to Shouta who gave me a lot of info via PM. But I'm still kind of confused, and thought I would ask you guys.
Here is the site:
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JET/application.html
I also visited LA's embassy site, and it says the deadline is over for the 2014-2015 year.
Do they really go that far out?
http://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/e_web/jet.htm
The way I'm reading that is, the next time applications will be open for submission is in the Fall. Which means Sept/August. That is correct right? So I basically have to just wait until then, and then try to apply? Or should I be doing something right now. I know I really screwed up, as I just missed the deadline. So I have no idea what I should be doing right now. I just got caught up in my final semester and graduating. =/ Maybe I should just consider a private company, given how long I'll have to wait just to try again, and it's not even a guarantee I get accepted. I could wait 6 months + just to apply, and then have to wait another half of a year and not even get picked!