Alternatives to JET

[Smasha]

i agree with Gekishinken. You guys are kinda harsh- if you don't like someone's question/post, just ignore it. Sometimes people ask those kind of questions because they either could not find the information themselves, or need reassurance from people who could have more knowledge about the particular subject. On the clothing thread for interviews, there is a number of redundant posts about interview attire, which some may think is widely known fact, and common sense, but as I discovered, that is not always the case. try to be patient with people who ask redundant or evident questions, because they simply might not know, and if you can't do that, it's best not to say anything at all. Try and keep it positive.I have a friend who I have to explain the most basic things to, but I have to be patient, because it's not that she is stupid, just ignorant-never learned or had it explained to her before.

That was my 5 cents.

On the topic of payment, $$$ is important in a job when you are trying to pay off debts/save up/etc, especially while living overseas, with no family around to support you in times of crisis, so while it should not be the primary reason for applying to JET, out of all I've seen out there, they do pay the best salary, and have other great perks(paid flight, etc.).

[nicole.ai]

i agree with Gekishinken. You guys are kinda harsh- if you don't like someone's question/post, just ignore it. Sometimes people ask those kind of questions because they either could not find the information themselves, or need reassurance from people who could have more knowledge about the particular subject. On the clothing thread for interviews, there is a number of redundant posts about interview attire, which some may think is widely known fact, and common sense, but as I discovered, that is not always the case. try to be patient with people who ask redundant or evident questions, because they simply might not know, and if you can't do that, it's best not to say anything at all. Try and keep it positive.I have a friend who I have to explain the most basic things to, but I have to be patient, because it's not that she is stupid, just ignorant-never learned or had it explained to her before.

That was my 5 cents.

On the topic of payment, $$$ is important in a job when you are trying to pay off debts/save up/etc, especially while living overseas, with no family around to support you in times of crisis, so while it should not be the primary reason for applying to JET, out of all I've seen out there, they do pay the best salary, and have other great perks(paid flight, etc.).

Usually, I do ignore posts that I have qualms with. I usually bite my tongue and don't post replies on most forums because I hate falling down the forum argument rabbit hole. However, here is where I hold issue, and the reason I had to say something. If he said "I searched all over and couldn't find the answer", that's one thing. However, he said he's "not doing the conversion", which implies he is able to, but chooses not to. Also, we are now past the interview stage for JET and he doesn't know where to easily find the remuneration information, which I'm pretty sure was heavily discussed in a previous thread about the changing salary. I have seen enough of his posts to know that he has explored threads, so he should have the ability to find the corresponding topic, but he chose not to. If this was one of his first 5 posts, I would not of have said anything, but once you reach over 80 posts there's a certain level of accountability.

Additionally, I have no problem with people choosing JET over another program because it pays better. I didn't say money wasn't an important factor in choosing a job. What I said was IF money was the ONLY reason, I would rather see someone who has multiple reasons of choosing JET get in. And, since this a forum, he has the opportunity to clarify that money is not the only reason. I wasn't saying I don't want him to get into the program, I was saying that if it's all about the money, I would rather see other people who have expressed great reasons why they want to get into the JET program get the spot. Maybe it's because I feel that JET specifically is a program where it shouldn't be solely about the money because we have to invest so much of our time and emotional energy into it. Now, if you were comparing private companies, then I would be probably okay with money being the number one reason why you choose one over another, just because less of your soul seems to be taken from you during the application process.

Lastly, in this instance, I prefer the word "overtly passionate" over "harsh".

[Ertai87]

i agree with Gekishinken. You guys are kinda harsh- if you don't like someone's question/post, just ignore it. Sometimes people ask those kind of questions because they either could not find the information themselves, or need reassurance from people who could have more knowledge about the particular subject. On the clothing thread for interviews, there is a number of redundant posts about interview attire, which some may think is widely known fact, and common sense, but as I discovered, that is not always the case. try to be patient with people who ask redundant or evident questions, because they simply might not know, and if you can't do that, it's best not to say anything at all. Try and keep it positive.I have a friend who I have to explain the most basic things to, but I have to be patient, because it's not that she is stupid, just ignorant-never learned or had it explained to her before.

That was my 5 cents.

On the topic of payment, $$$ is important in a job when you are trying to pay off debts/save up/etc, especially while living overseas, with no family around to support you in times of crisis, so while it should not be the primary reason for applying to JET, out of all I've seen out there, they do pay the best salary, and have other great perks(paid flight, etc.).

This.

Also, IIRC, Interac placements vary based on the individual placement. When I applied there I recall being given a range of salaries I might be able to get, and recall hearing that some people who get placed by Interac end up getting more than Interac advertises. Since JET recently reduced their salaries, it's possible that you might get more from Interac. The perks for JET, though (the community is the main draw for me, although seeing the hate that Spencer has drawn on this thread is making me second-guess that...) make up for possibly being paid a bit less.

Let's all just remember the key rule of teaching English: KISS: Keep It Sivil, Stupid.

And for the spelling nazis about to berate my bad spelling, I'm intentionally trolling you, so don't bother replying

[Teishou]

Let's all just remember the key rule of teaching English: KISS: Keep It Sivil, Stupid.

Isn't it usually "Keep It Simple, Stupid"? Sivil wouldn't make much sense...considering the spelling mistake, and considering you're teaching...English...

Anyway.

Addition: Troll all you like, but wrong is wrong is wrong.

[thedocumentarian]

On the topic of payment, $$$ is important in a job when you are trying to pay off debts/save up/etc, especially while living overseas, with no family around to support you in times of crisis, so while it should not be the primary reason for applying to JET, out of all I've seen out there, they do pay the best salary, and have other great perks(paid flight, etc.).

I actually disagree with this statement. So is JET just a job for you to pay off your debt? Is that a sole reason to think of JET for? I also have debt but that should not be my ultimate decision in applying to the JET Program. I mean, if money is really the thing that captures people the most, shouldn't they consider applying to jobs that are closer to home where family COULD support you in the times of crisis?

One of the things I think anyone should consider when they are applying to a job is if you're doing it for the money or you're doing it because you love it. When I looked into the JET Program, money did not cross my mind for one bit. I was looking into the support network and I was also looking into the fact that Japanese is not a requirement for the JET Program. They want you to learn as much as you teach. That really caught my attention the most. However, this is just going into what Nicole was saying that if people's number 1 reason why they went with the JET Program is because of pay, maybe they should leave the position open to someone who is more passionate about the job than the money.

[Smasha]

i agree with Gekishinken. You guys are kinda harsh- if you don't like someone's question/post, just ignore it. Sometimes people ask those kind of questions because they either could not find the information themselves, or need reassurance from people who could have more knowledge about the particular subject. On the clothing thread for interviews, there is a number of redundant posts about interview attire, which some may think is widely known fact, and common sense, but as I discovered, that is not always the case. try to be patient with people who ask redundant or evident questions, because they simply might not know, and if you can't do that, it's best not to say anything at all. Try and keep it positive.I have a friend who I have to explain the most basic things to, but I have to be patient, because it's not that she is stupid, just ignorant-never learned or had it explained to her before.

That was my 5 cents.

On the topic of payment, $$$ is important in a job when you are trying to pay off debts/save up/etc, especially while living overseas, with no family around to support you in times of crisis, so while it should not be the primary reason for applying to JET, out of all I've seen out there, they do pay the best salary, and have other great perks(paid flight, etc.).

Usually, I do ignore posts that I have qualms with. I usually bite my tongue and don't post replies on most forums because I hate falling down the forum argument rabbit hole. However, here is where I hold issue, and the reason I had to say something. If he said "I searched all over and couldn't find the answer", that's one thing. However, he said he's "not doing the conversion", which implies he is able to, but chooses not to. Also, we are now past the interview stage for JET and he doesn't know where to easily find the remuneration information, which I'm pretty sure was heavily discussed in a previous thread about the changing salary. I have seen enough of his posts to know that he has explored threads, so he should have the ability to find the corresponding topic, but he chose not to. If this was one of his first 5 posts, I would not of have said anything, but once you reach over 80 posts there's a certain level of accountability.

Additionally, I have no problem with people choosing JET over another program because it pays better. I didn't say money wasn't an important factor in choosing a job. What I said was IF money was the ONLY reason, I would rather see someone who has multiple reasons of choosing JET get in. And, since this a forum, he has the opportunity to clarify that money is not the only reason. I wasn't saying I don't want him to get into the program, I was saying that if it's all about the money, I would rather see other people who have expressed great reasons why they want to get into the JET program get the spot. Maybe it's because I feel that JET specifically is a program where it shouldn't be solely about the money because we have to invest so much of our time and emotional energy into it. Now, if you were comparing private companies, then I would be probably okay with money being the number one reason why you choose one over another, just because less of your soul seems to be taken from you during the application process.

Lastly, in this instance, I prefer the word "overtly passionate" over "harsh".

I was not referring to you posts in particular about the money, but to comments in general. I will admit that i have not seen all of Spencer's posts so while my comments about ignorance and such might not have been fully justified, but i just wanted people to stop bickering. That was my only issue. And i definitely understand the |over passionate" thing-when something irks you, you just gotta get it off your mind and tell people. So forgive me if I touched a nerve in a sense, I just didn't like the mood all this drama was creating. I am "let's all get along" kinda person but when something irks me i like to make a point but be diplomatic.

No bad blood, right?

[Smasha]

On the topic of payment, $$$ is important in a job when you are trying to pay off debts/save up/etc, especially while living overseas, with no family around to support you in times of crisis, so while it should not be the primary reason for applying to JET, out of all I've seen out there, they do pay the best salary, and have other great perks(paid flight, etc.).

I actually disagree with this statement. So is JET just a job for you to pay off your debt? Is that a sole reason to think of JET for? I also have debt but that should not be my ultimate decision in applying to the JET Program. I mean, if money is really the thing that captures people the most, shouldn't they consider applying to jobs that are closer to home where family COULD support you in the times of crisis?

One of the things I think anyone should consider when they are applying to a job is if you're doing it for the money or you're doing it because you love it. When I looked into the JET Program, money did not cross my mind for one bit. I was looking into the support network and I was also looking into the fact that Japanese is not a requirement for the JET Program. They want you to learn as much as you teach. That really caught my attention the most. However, this is just going into what Nicole was saying that if people's number 1 reason why they went with the JET Program is because of pay, maybe they should leave the position open to someone who is more passionate about the job than the money.

Personally, $$$ is definitely not the only reason I applied for JET, or when I apply for any other jobs. I also never said $$$ was the only reason, but could be a factor when comparing different jobs( two great places you want to work at, but one offers better pay and benefits for example), especially when there are more than just usual living expenses to consider.I want to get into JET to get the cultural and professionalism experience that it offers, and to give something back to others. And I also think we should all stop arguing about this issue, because if we were only in it for the money, we wouldn't be so adamant about expressing our opinions.

There!!! I still love all you guys!

[nicole.ai]

I was not referring to you posts in particular about the money, but to comments in general. I will admit that i have not seen all of Spencer's posts so while my comments about ignorance and such might not have been fully justified, but i just wanted people to stop bickering. That was my only issue. And i definitely understand the |over passionate" thing-when something irks you, you just gotta get it off your mind and tell people. So forgive me if I touched a nerve in a sense, I just didn't like the mood all this drama was creating. I am "let's all get along" kinda person but when something irks me i like to make a point but be diplomatic.

No bad blood, right?

I understand you wanting to play peacemaker, so no bad blood here, Smasha. You just opened some subject matters that allowed me to go into a rant, lol.

[Namisuke]

In fact, besides JET I have not found anyone else who pays for your flight.Interac also pays 240,000 yen per month.

Even though the Westgate Corporation is an eikaiwa, they will pay for about $1200 USD of your flight (it went up since I worked there [used to be $1000]). The starting wage is 275,000 to 280,000 per month. When I worked there, you could get 285,000 per month if you recontracted. Unfortunately they only do 3 month contracts. I would definitely go back to them!! Probably one of the best eikaiwa jobs out there, in my opinion (even though that is the only one I have experience with)...

[Smasha]

I was not referring to you posts in particular about the money, but to comments in general. I will admit that i have not seen all of Spencer's posts so while my comments about ignorance and such might not have been fully justified, but i just wanted people to stop bickering. That was my only issue. And i definitely understand the |over passionate" thing-when something irks you, you just gotta get it off your mind and tell people. So forgive me if I touched a nerve in a sense, I just didn't like the mood all this drama was creating. I am "let's all get along" kinda person but when something irks me i like to make a point but be diplomatic.

No bad blood, right?

I understand you wanting to play peacemaker, so no bad blood here, Smasha. You just opened some subject matters that allowed me to go into a rant, lol.

Okidoki!!!!! Rants are good sometimes!!! I will just try to be less like Switzerland!

[Spencer]

Alright, I'm gonna put on my grumpy English major hat on right now. Mostly because I'm just in a cranky mood today.

Oh dear

First of all, it's MOOT, not mute. Like a moot point. And secondly, I do stuff on the net with my phone all the time like post on a forum, and I try make sure that before I hit "SUBMIT" that the words that I pick are correct/intelligible. But then again, it might be the English major in me that makes sure to do that.

Oh wow... I feel like An idiot....I've called it Mute point for my entire life... I've always thought that's what it was, But yea, in some of my posts, I don't care about proper grammar as much, I type on speed, not necessarily precision. And, I'm not sure, but there has probably been a few posts where I've double typed the N because the N on my keyboard is broken....stupid cheap laptops.

Also, googling the answer is MUCH easier than posting the question for a forum and then waiting for an answer to be given. I google things on my phone ALL THE TIME. So, you can't say that being on a phone is a good argument to use as a reason you didn't search something. Because chances are, if you can post something on a forum with your phone, you probably can use a search engine on your phone. If it wasn't important, then why didn't you just wait until you were on a computer to look it up? Why is it the job of the person who posted the amount in Yen to convert it? There are too many currency variants for that poster to take into account, so it's easier for whomever wanted to know how much money that was in their own currency to find it out themselves.

Yea, I can but I was at work, so, it was like, I can ask, then hear an answer when I log back in. Otherwise, Tab out of my browser, open another window....and then go to google and then search, then close it, then go back to the forum, then go back to the post, then post my reply.....I suppose I could have waited, but I get bored on my breaks, so I go on the forums and waste time.

Lastly, you blamed your phone for the misspelling, but now that you're on a computer, you don't seem to be faring much better with your typing skills and words.

Yea, I was more talking about the use of fire in stead of for... I have swype keyboard.... usually accurate, not all the time though, so it can choose words I don't mean to say sometimes. (totally double checking my punctuation here though)
I actually think I deleted that post a few minutes after making it, it was kinda mean, so I felt bad.... Sorry. Sometimes I get a little angry, and then post out of anger, with a big computer screen between me and you, then rationality hits, and I go delete the post

I actually disagree with this statement. So is JET just a job for you to pay off your debt? Is that a sole reason to think of JET for? I also have debt but that should not be my ultimate decision in applying to the JET Program. I mean, if money is really the thing that captures people the most, shouldn't they consider applying to jobs that are closer to home where family COULD support you in the times of crisis?

I think that the point is that money is not the issue. I am sure money is probably one of the main reasons for applying for JET for some people....But come on, there are tons of jobs that one can get out here that pay decently, and the JET application process/ interview/ waiting/ selection takes alot out of people. Think if people do this for the money, they are crazy. But at the same time, some people teach English overseas just out of college as a first job, and then start another Career. So obviously some people will have debt. Responsibility means that we would worry about that in any situation.


anyways......Smasha is right, we shouldn't be bickering, kinda silly i guess
P.S. Googled JET Salary. wow......wow.....
Side note, found a spelling error on the JET information page

Note: ome Embassies require 2-3 weeks or more to complete this process, during which time the applicant will be without a passport.

[losdutchmen]

The forums are like a virtual waiting room. Imagine this: All of us finished our interviews in February, now we all have to sit and wait for the next two months in a small, cramped room, fully furnished with metal folding chairs, flourescent lighting, and bottled water. Pretty soon we'd all get completely annoyed and start gouging out each others eyes. Like a WWE/JET Royal Rumble. Last person standing is selected!

At least virtually you can take a break, get off the forums, and distract yourself with real life.

[AVN]

The forums are like a virtual waiting room. Imagine this: All of us finished our interviews in February, now we all have to sit and wait for the next two months in a small, cramped room, fully furnished with metal folding chairs, flourescent lighting, and bottled water. Pretty soon we'd all get completely annoyed and start gouging out each others eyes. Like a WWE/JET Royal Rumble. Last person standing is selected!

At least virtually you can take a break, get off the forums, and distract yourself with real life.

Yeah in I didn't even officially join the forums until I got the job. I went to the JET chat rooms to just goof around and talk to fellow applicants. That and working and staying consumed with my real life kept me so distracted that I was surprised by the email about the job instead of waiting and checking frantically. I then joined the forums the day I got the email.

[losdutchmen]

The forums are like a virtual waiting room. Imagine this: All of us finished our interviews in February, now we all have to sit and wait for the next two months in a small, cramped room, fully furnished with metal folding chairs, flourescent lighting, and bottled water. Pretty soon we'd all get completely annoyed and start gouging out each others eyes. Like a WWE/JET Royal Rumble. Last person standing is selected!

At least virtually you can take a break, get off the forums, and distract yourself with real life.

Yeah in I didn't even officially join the forums until I got the job. I went to the JET chat rooms to just goof around and talk to fellow applicants. That and working and staying consumed with my real life kept me so distracted that I was surprised by the email about the job instead of waiting and checking frantically. I then joined the forums the day I got the email.

I don't regret joining the forums before my interview. I got some good information and insight that I would never have gotten anywhere else. Now, its more of a nervous habit because most all of us are sitting around waiting. But there are some good moments on here. Keeps me entertained. I check it to see what people are talking about, knowing that no one has any REAL information about getting selected, but everyone shares a common interest.

[Anigi]

Sometimes I look at threads that have exploded like this and wonder if those with the power to choose the shortlisted read the forums.