After mountains of paperwork and stress, you have been accepted for a JET Program interview. You will meet amazing people and do things you can’t do anywhere else if you pass this last test. You will then become a Japanese public servant and live and work in Japan. A life-changing experience, to be sure.
I have been both the interviewee (as a potential JET) and the interviewer (as a former JET), so I know what to expect, how to prepare, and what your interviewer is thinking. I’ve also talked to other interviewers and JET alumni about their experiences in both roles, and this guide is a collection of everything I’ve learned. I hope it helps you nail the interview and land your five-year job in Japan.
Here’s one more thing: we also recorded a podcast about the interview with JET Program. If you want to get the most out of both, read the article and listen to the podcast episode.
Interviewing for the JET Programme can be an intense and nerve-wracking experience. With competition fiercer than ever, you need to come prepared with thoughtful and compelling answers if you want to stand out from the crowd.
As someone who has been through the JET interview process myself and helped coach numerous applicants, I want to share my insider knowledge to help you ace your interview. In this complete guide, I will reveal the most commonly asked JET interview questions, provide example responses, and give you tips to showcase your personality and abilities.
Why Do You Want to Join the JET Programme?
This question gets right to the heart of your motivations. The interviewers want to know that you have done your research and understand what the programme entails. They also want to see your passion for teaching immersing in Japanese culture and promoting grassroots international exchange.
Good sample responses
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Ever since I was an exchange student in Japan in high school I’ve wanted to go back. I love the kindness and hospitality of the people. As an ALT I could give back by sharing my native English skills and bridging cultural gaps between our countries.
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I want to experience life in Japan outside of just being a tourist. By living and working in a local community as an ALT, I can build meaningful connections with my students and coworkers. I’m excited to learn about Japanese education and culture firsthand.
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I studied Japanese in university and my dream is to become fluent. The immersive experience of the JET Programme would take my language skills to the next level. I also hope to share aspects of my own culture with students and foster a spirit of cultural exchange.
Why Do You Want to Teach English in Japan?
Similar to the first question, this asks you to elaborate on your specific interest in teaching English. Share why you are drawn to teaching, especially teaching English as a second language. Explain what excites you about interacting with and inspiring Japanese students.
Example responses:
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I’ve always loved working with kids and found teaching very rewarding. Being able to watch students grasp a new language and open up their world is so exciting. I want to make English fun through games, media, and creative activities.
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In today’s global economy, I think English skills give Japanese students a big advantage. As an ALT, I could equip students with not just grammar but practical conversational skills. I want to boost their confidence to use English.
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Learning a second language was transformative for me. I struggled at first but had great teachers who motivated me. I want to spark that same passion for English in Japanese students by making my lessons engaging and relatable.
How Will You Share Japanese Culture When You Return Home?
This question evaluates your commitment to cultural exchange. Interviewers want to see that you won’t just take from your JET experience but also give back. Share specific ideas on how you will promote cross-cultural understanding even after JET.
Good responses:
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I plan to volunteer with local schools and community groups to give presentations about daily life, customs, history, and pop culture in Japan. These personal anecdotes will make the culture come alive.
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When I return, I hope to join or start a Japan enthusiasts club. We could share experiences, have movie nights, cook Japanese food, and organize cultural fairs. I want to keep spreading my love for Japan.
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As an avid blogger, I will write extensively about my time on JET—the travel, food, festivals, and friendships. I want to showcase the human side of Japan and break down harmful stereotypes. Blogging will allow me to stay engaged.
How Will You Overcome Language and Cultural Barriers?
You need to convince interviewers that you can adapt and thrive in Japan, even with the significant language and cultural differences. Demonstrate resourcefulness, patience, and respect for Japanese ways.
Example responses:
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I know I won’t become fluent overnight. But I will constantly work to improve my Japanese through conversations, study materials, and immersion. I’m excited by the challenge of navigating a new culture and language.
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Listening is just as important as speaking. I will observe how my coworkers communicate and interact to learn the cultural norms. I’m ready to step outside my comfort zone and try new things.
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From my time abroad, I learned the importance of being humble, open-minded, and willing to make mistakes. I want to experience Japan on its own terms rather than just comparing it to my home. Patience and humor will help overcome hurdles.
How Will You Handle Living in a Rural Area?
Some JET participants are placed in remote, countryside locations far from any big city. You need to show you are flexible and could make the most of rural life. Highlight your adaptability, resourcefulness, and desire to immerse in local communities.
Good responses:
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Growing up in a small town, I’m very comfortable living in rural areas. I enjoy the slow pace, connection to nature, and tight-knit communities. I want to shop at local markets, join community groups, and explore the outdoors.
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I would take advantage of the opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture and customs that might be fading in bigger cities. Things like seasonal festivals, crafts, cuisine, and architecture fascinate me.
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With fewer distractions, I could really focus on my Japanese language skills. I look forward to interacting with locals, perhaps volunteering to support the elderly. A rural placement would allow total immersion.
How Would You Introduce American/British/etc. Culture to Japanese Students?
This question tests your presentation skills and creativity. The interviewers want to see you can design fun, engaging lessons that showcase your own culture. Think of hands-on activities, media, realia, and personal stories you could incorporate.
Example responses:
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I would prepare traditional foods like pizza or hamburgers and discuss their origins and popularity. Then students could recreate recipes themselves and share.
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To teach about music, I would play classic or contemporary songs and have students analyze the lyrics. We could discuss how music reflects culture.
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For sports, I would explain popular games like baseball, American football, or rugby. If possible, we could try playing them together during PE. The students could see my terrible baseball swing!
How Would You Explain a Controversial History Topic?
There are sensitive topics in America/Britain’s history like slavery, colonization, wars, discrimination, etc. Interviewers may ask how you would broach such complex subjects. Your response should demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
Sample responses:
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I would focus the lesson more on present-day race relations and diversity. Looking at music, sports, and pop culture can show how cultures blend positively today.
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For younger students, I would keep it simple and fact-based without heavy moral judgements. The goal is cultural understanding, not shame or guilt about the past.
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For older students mature enough to discuss nuance, I would compare contrasting primary sources so students get multiple perspectives. Critical thinking is key, not just memorizing facts.
How Do You Deal with Conflicts/Difficult People?
You will inevitably face conflicts, disagreements, and difficult personalities during your JET tenure. Interviewers want to know you can handle these situations professionally and constructively. Share anecdotes of successfully resolving interpersonal problems.
Sample responses:
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When two coworkers were feuding at my last job, I mediated by asking them to express frustrations directly but respectfully to each other. They reached a compromise and reconciliation.
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As a camp counselor, I turned bullies into allies by discovering shared interests like sports. Building connections defused tensions between kids. I would use similar tactics with challenging students.
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I stay calm and listen fully when someone is angry. Once they feel heard, I gently explain my perspective. Even when disagreeing, I focus on problem-solving, not attacking the person. This empathetic approach reduces conflicts.
What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
This common question requires you to reflect honestly on yourself. For strengths, pick attributes directly relevant to the ALT role like cultural flexibility, high energy, creativity, leadership, communication skills, etc. For weaknesses, choose non-critical areas that you are actively improving.
Examples:
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Strengths: Patience, empathy, adaptability, public speaking skills, enthusiasm
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Weaknesses: Shyness with strangers, procrastination when planning lessons
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Strengths: Creative thinking, conflict resolution, organized, passionate about teaching
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Weaknesses: Japanese language skills (but I’m studying diligently to improve)
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Strengths: Interpersonal skills, leadership, problem-solver, high tolerance for ambiguity
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Weaknesses: Occasional trouble saying “no” when overcommitted
How Do You Handle Living/Workingalone?
Since JETs are often the only foreign ALT at their school or placed in remote areas, interviewers want to know you can thrive independently. Share examples of succeeding in new environments without much external support.
Good responses:
- As a Peace Corps volunteer, I was sent alone to live and work in a rural village. It was tough at first, but I made an effort to get involved locally and built a rich social network
Be ready to improvise
When I sat on the JET interview panel, we asked “improvised lesson” question to almost every candidate.
It doesn’t happen to everyone, but some panels may ask you to make up lessons on the spot by saying something like, “We are your students.” “Let’s learn about a holiday from [your home country],” or “Teach me about grammar as if I were in elementary school.” “.
This exercise primarily shows the panel two things:
- How well you think on your feet
- How you might act as a teacher
Anticipating these questions and thinking about how to perform will keep you on track. Here a few tips to help you keep your cool during an impromptu lesson:
- Stand up to present. Move like a teacher would if there was a blackboard behind you.
- Talk slowly and clearly if the panel asks you to act like they are Japanese students. You are acting like they are English learners, so talking slowly shows that you know how to talk to that group of people.
- Instead of focusing on how to correctly teach the lesson’s facts, you should focus on staying calm and showing off your presentation skills.
- Jump in. Accepting the scene is the most important thing to remember when you’re improvising, which is what you would be doing. Dont overthink it.
The JET Program interviews Japanese test is what people worry about most, but it matters the least. The points you get for the Japanese language test are extra credit that doesn’t count against your total score.
Just relax and do your best. The test exists so the program can best determine where to place you. So, whether you speak Japanese a lot or not at all, being honest about your level will help you and make you feel at ease in your new environment. Brushing up on what you know and practicing speaking and active listening will be enough.
The Japanese education member of the panel will conduct this test. You could be talking about a train ride or a picture the interviewer shows you. The story changes every year. Listen, respond, and がんばって！.
Anticipate questions about your personal history
If your application states that you had difficult medical history (e. g. Whether it’s a criminal record, low GPA, depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, or something else, you will be asked about it. Prepare to talk about how you dealt with these problems, what you learned from them, and where you are now. Because JET wants to keep you safe, they want to make sure they’re not putting you in a dangerous situation. Be honest when you answer.
If you can show how youve improved from tough experiences, it works in your favor. Folks who have been through tough times and come out on top may be seen as stronger and better prepared for the challenges of JET than those who have never been through any tough times.
Here are some things to talk about to show your improvement in problem areas:
- Talk about what you would do differently if you had the chance to do it over.
- Talk about the practical ways you deal with stress that have helped you grow.
- Share an article, study, or moment of clarity that helped you deal with your problem.
JET Interview Tips | Information from a 2021 Panelist
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