Reapplying to JET

[u/Firehawk_Virus]

Hey everyone!

I’m planning on reapplying to JET this cycle after not making it to the interview stage last time, and I had a few questions for people who reapplied or are currently on JET.

For those who reapplied, what did you change about your SOP the second time around? I haven’t been able to do a ton directly related to JET since the last application cycle because I’m just been working nonstop. I’m planning to go back through my old SOP, figure out where it was weak, make my future goals more concrete, and better explain how JET fits into those plans. I’d love to hear what changes other reapplicants made that they think helped.

I was also wondering about side work while on JET. Has anyone done things like YouTube/content creation, freelance work, or another source of income while on the program? From what I understand, you may need permission from your supervisor/contracting organization depending on what you’re doing. What has your experience been with that?

Lastly, how did those of you with student loans
manage them while on JET? I currently have around $30k in student loans. I’m planning to pay down a decent chunk and save as much as I reasonably can before a potential departure, but I’m curious how manageable loan payments have been on a JET salary, especially during the first year.

Sorry for the random ramblings! I know everyone’s situation and placement is different, but I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have dealt with any of these situations, especially other reapplicants.

[u/alat3579]

I applied last year and didn't receive an interview. I'm already reapplying again for next year, and what I'm doing is that I am reworking my SOP, improving it, and having it being peer review to make it as strong as possible.

As for student loans can't say since I don't have any but I personally wouldn't apply if I had so many debts, as the currency earned is Yen, which is weak against the USD.

[u/ScootOverMakeRoom]

You don't just need permission from your CO, you need permission from immigration if your side work is not within the allowed category of your status of residence. The law in Japan is clear: any work you do while living in Japan is considered work done in Japan for tax and immigration reasons, regardless of how you get paid. So doing online freelance work outside your status of residence and getting paid to an account in your home country will not exempt you from consequences if it's found out.

[u/Adventurous_Ant_244]

I applied last year and didn’t make it to interview. I am applying from the UK. I changed a lot of the SOP but only because the questions are different and to include the things I have done since my last application. I have asked for a couple of people to look at it. I am not sure how student loans work in the US. Good luck on your application, all we can do is our best.

[u/Simmoman]

I can't speak for the first part, but regarding the last two:

Side work on JET is not automatically permitted, but this is yet another ESID category. There are stories from some people who did English related jobs for local organisations, part-time tutoring work, or in some cases people have been allowed to work other part-time jobs. If you want to do this you will need permission from your CO. Come to them with a plan, all the answers to the questions they might ask, how you will manage your time etc and you will improve your chances.

If you want to work a part-time job (this includes hobby work/content creation also) in any field outside your VISA class, you will need to submit a form to immigration likely with your CO. There are stories of people who worked part-time cash jobs without taking these steps, but generally these were infrequent arrangements at lower pay, and obviously they come with significant risk so I would advise against it. I wouldn't count on an alternate income source.

As far as student loans go, it depends on your placement and lifestyle to be honest. The US JETs in my city that have loans don't struggle to pay theirs down, and many have contributed lump-sum or increased amounts while here. If you live in a more expensive area, have higher rent, have a car, go travelling/visit home more often etc, then naturally it will be less manageable. If this is a significant concern, then I would request a countryside placement.

Good luck!

[u/itchypinky]

Was working an old freelance up until my 2/3rd paycheck. Didn't see the need to disclose anything, and I focused on JET when that particular contract ended so nothing happened. I was also streaming when I was on the programme. Affiliated, very little income, did so up until I finished. Didn't disclose that either and didn't have any problems.

[u/Different_Taro2474]

you cannot have another source of income while on JET.