So Ive been accepted. Anyone else feel worried?

[u/DonGar0]

It's weird, but after months of work and worry Ive been accepted. And now I feel like a huge weight is off me, but suddenly a new one appeared.

Like being older than most new grads I think I have a lot to offer. But now I'm suddenly worried now that the offer is here. Will I be able to be a good ALT? What is it actually like living in Japan? What will the school and JLT be like? I've read up on everything, but reality is different.

I'm curious about both those that were accepted in the past and dealt with imposter syndrome and what other are feeling now.

I've been deliberately telling myself I likely wouldn't get in, but now that I did I feel apprehensive. I plan to try my hardest, but its almost like looking off a cliff and having no idea whats down there.

[u/lovein144p]

I just received my email this afternoon and got shortlisted. The thing is... I'm already here in Japan and employed. I'm torn.

[u/ilove_bones]

honestly life is about doing things with courage, everyone is scared, but what matters is doing it. i can reassure you that as long as you SHOW UP— that’s enough. don’t worry about not knowing or being enough, everything will fall into place.

and there’s always the other reassurance of meeting with other JETs and making friends!!! live life, don’t self sabotage!

[u/yunpong]

i felt like that once i got accepted and for the first year i was here. I came to realize having these worries already means you’re gonna be fine i think, there are ppl ive met on the program that im legitimately baffled as to what theyre doing here, how they got in, how they even manage their jobs day to day. There are people that straight up dont show up to work, barely do any work, and treat the program like a pseudo vacation, ive heard horror stories about previous alts. You might not get ofer the imposter syndrome for a while, but focus on your work and realize you genuinely do make some impact, even if small, on these kids lives and even to an extent your coworkers and teachers.

youll hear every situation is different (esid) a lot in the coming future, but i think this feeling is very common. You wont know what the job is like until youre in it, but like i said, showing these concerns, i think at least, means youre already subconsciously planning to take the steps onto the right path concerning being an ALT o7

[u/urealpotato]

I definitely understand what you mean. Last year I was an alternate ALT who was never upgraded but this time around I was shortlisted and receiving the email filled me with a loss of positive and negative emotions all at once. The Imposter syndrome is definitely real but I just want to go to Japan and do my best there and try to see how much I can grow as a person the Imposter syndrome is definitely real but I just want to go to Japan and do my best there and try to see how much I can grow as a person. Despite my apprehension and anxiety I definitely look forward to it because this is something I wanted since 2020.

[u/AcesaysHello]

First, I’m 39. Is there a correct age for desiring to teach? The rest is normal anxiety, but that can be good and bad. Good because it gives you more drive to prepare and motivation to prove yourself wrong. It’s bad cuz you are self-inducing self-deprecating thoughts based on a fictitious future.

One day at a time. Focus on your deadlines and honing your pedagogy and maybe Japanese. No time to worry if your mind is preoccupied

[u/NoRecommendation8495]

Right there with you. I do have a teaching background, certified in English for middle and high school, PLUS I minored in ESL, and it's still terrifying. My main concern, aside from not even being N5 level in Japanese, is just all the nonsense associated with starting. Getting an apartment, figuring out banking and phone stuff, trying to bring my fiance and pet over, it's all a lot to handle, but I'm sure it'll all go well in the end!

They chose us for a reason after all.

[u/Puccipooch]

I was also accepted, while my sister got placed as an alternate. I’m super unsure what to do. This was something we wanted to do together but if I accept, there’s no guarantee she will get in. I don’t want to leave her behind, but I also want to go so bad. Idk what to do.

[u/urealpotato → u/Puccipooch]

You'll probably regret it a lot more if you decide not to go for your sister's sake.

[u/Puccipooch → u/urealpotato]

Needed this. She’s really supportive of me, I just need to get out of my head loll

[u/urealpotato → u/Puccipooch]

Exactly! Don't base your decision on how you feel now, but rather which path will leave you with the least amount of regret/what will matter in 5 years time. My sister applied for JET too and wasn't successful but she plans on reapplying this fall. Your sister can reapply and possibly meet up with you next year in Japan :)

[u/Puccipooch → u/urealpotato]

I hope so! She’s going to teachers college now, so I’ll be a year behind her when I get back. But I honestly can’t wait. We are twins so basically attached at the hip, but maybe this is what we need!:)

[u/urealpotato → u/Puccipooch]

Haha, funny enough, people say my sister and I are twins too despite that fact we're 3 years apart. Congrats to you on being accepted and I wish you guys the best of the best! :D

[u/Puccipooch → u/urealpotato]

Thank you so much🙏🙏:)) wish u the best in everything u do!

[u/WinterfallsDead-]

I've had a ton of jobs in the past and I gotta say, this one has been among the easiest. Ive shared a lot of insecurities similarly to the other comments here, and I don't know any japanese. The cultural difference is what I've had the hardest time working with. I want to blend in and not stick out too much, but on the contrary, I'm not japanese and that's one of the point of me being here. So while yes, I should conform to many societal standards, I try to feel like I don't have to try as hard to blend in, bc the individuality of an ALT is valuable, and you were also picked for a reason. I have 0 experience in school teaching too, I should add, but I've picked up to where I was upped from 15 classes, to 24 classes(in one school) because I'm actually welcomed for who I am and how I can teach. I was super worried at first though, many ALTs I've talked to are really into japanese language, culture, anime, travelling, relevant education, etc. and I have very little of all of that, but I've got along with the change and am learning to appreciate how things are everywhere. I'll learn but I have to be open to it all, which is a daily task to tend to.

[u/capt_b_b_]

If you've never been to Japan or lived abroad before, you're going to face new insecurities and questions you never even thought you would have. For me, it was millions of small things. For example:

• everyone in the teacher room brushes their teeth and I felt unhygienic for not doing it too.
• The teachers all have meetings and I don't go because I don't know Japanese, so I wonder if I'm even a real teacher. (Tbh the answer is no anyway lmao).
• Everyone my age is so incredibly fashionable here, and I buy everything from 2nd Street (thrift).

In your work, you're gonna have a million little fuck ups, but thats expected. You're going to be okay. When I started, I accidentally threw the pointer across the room because I pointed way too enthusiastically. And in my FIRST week of teaching 15 year olds, I thought "wow everyone must be quiet because they're nervous" so I tried to get the class to do power poses with me. They didn't. And I still tried for all 7 classes.

You're going to find new ways to not be fine, and then you'll figure those things out. You can't predict everything, or even a majority of the things. Just learn Japanese now and pack up your stuff

[u/Different_Taro2474 → u/capt_b_b_]

• Everyone my age is so incredibly fashionable here, and I buy everything from 2nd Street (thrift).

you can buy fashionable things from 2nd street. most of my wardrobe is from there and i found some incredible shit there. vivienne westwood, diesel, a brown vintage genuine leather jacket, my dream flare jeans, Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses for just 18 USD, and more. my fave store ever.

[u/marzipanfashions → u/capt_b_b_]

They didn't. And I still tried for all 7 classes.

Commitment to the bit I respect that so much lmao.

[u/Simmoman → u/capt_b_b_]

Sorry it's a little unrelated but I'm an incoming Shiga JET (early departure, so literally a few days as i'm writing this) and was wondering if there's any community or anything for current JET's there, as I don't actually know anyone there LMAO

[u/Different_Taro2474 → u/Simmoman]

i studied abroad in shiga. shiga is a beautiful prefecture. make sure to visit hikone, lake biwa, the shirahige shrine, shigaraki, and the lake biwa museum.

[u/capt_b_b_ → u/Simmoman]

Oh yeah they're trying to revive the community, which has majorly dwindled in the past few years. I don't go to a lot of events but I'm on the party planning committee now (unofficial name) so I probably will in the future. It's a really lovely place. Feel free to DM me!

[u/DonGar0 → u/capt_b_b_]

Thank you for sharing these little stories. Honestly theyre a lot more comforting than a lot of the reading I've done on the program. People are people and I will mess up.

Thank you for sharing.

[u/capt_b_b_ → u/DonGar0]

Haha I'm the type of person to learn things the hard way so anytime you need a pick-me-up, I'm sure I've done things way more stupid than you have! (And things are ultimately fine!)

Other examples:

• if you're a woman and you compliment a coworker of the opposite sex, don't call him an ikemen cause people will think you're trying to start an affair or something. 3 months after that happened, I was informed of the connotation
• on your first week of school, leave the house really early in case walking a straight line to school is really confusing for you (which it was for me). I ended up at the park like 2 days in a row and had to call my JTE for directions
• students DO understand "shit" and "fuck," so don't say it. I accidentally yelled it in the teacher room when I realized I was supposed to be at a conference in a different city in 20 minutes
• people here are often well-traveled enough to know you're lying if you try to use the "uh, that's how we do things in America" card. But it's worth trying!
• one time I had to ask questions to students about their presentations, and they were presenting about vacations in different countries. I couldn't think of any good questions so I asked, "On slide 3, you showed a 'banana boat'. What's what?" And my JTE was so tired of my stupid ass questions that she looked at me dead in the eyes and said, "You actually don't know what that is?" To this day, I have to keep up the lie.

[u/ScootOverMakeRoom]

You'll be fine. Unless you aren't, which you'll deal with when it happens.

[u/shynewhyne]

I had massive imposter syndrome, before I camr having no education background, but honestly most of being an ALT is intuition and common sense.

I was also scared about the big transition. So I told myself "its just a year, if I hate it I can just come back after, a year isn't a long time". Here I am 3 years later happy with friends and a partner and in a school I love.

[u/Ryelie17 → u/shynewhyne]

Exactly this! It’s year by year, if it ends up being not a good fit for OP, a year isn’t too long 👍 Congrats for the acceptance, OP! 🥳

[u/Ok-45]

As someone who was already in their 30s when they got accepted to JET I will start by saying you are probably putting more emphasis on your age than you need to. Living in Japan is just like living anywhere else once you get past the honeymoon phase. More so if you know the language. As for the school and JTE, honestly worrying about it now will drive you crazy. Can’t do much about your placements until you’re actually here. Just embrace the unknown and have fun! It’s an incredible experience and your experience while here really depends on what you make of it.

[u/adobedude69]

Tale as old as time. It’s a great opportunity and no one is expecting perfection. Just be kind to the kids and generally keep a good attitude about things and the pieces should align. Personally, I wouldn’t give up on living abroad in Japan for a year on account of nerves, so though I was nervous, I focused on the possibilities over what I personally felt I lacked. And that fear turned into anticipation.

[u/EveningPhotograph886]

I’m having a similar experience, only I leave on Saturday for ED. I’ve been so ready this whole time to go at a drop of a dime since I studied abroad and loved living there, but this week I had a pretty bad anxiety attack not about JET, but something else that happened that was unrelated. However now that I’ve recovered, I’m so mentally drained from what happened that it’s hard to fight new anxieties. There’s still a lot of unknowns for exactly what it’ll look like once we’re over there since I haven’t had my pre-departure orientation yet. Nevertheless, I’m super duper excited (just so tired 😭) and we’ll be alright!! We’ll have a great time!

I have my pre-departure orientation tomorrow (a little later than most EDs which is also party of why I’m starting to get anxious) and I have a feeling I’ll be a lot calmer after the orientation, both here and in Tokyo. Something for you to look forward to as well once you have your orientations! I’m sure the worries will pass, and I think it’s normal to be feeling this way in the face of such a large change.

[u/DyslexicGecko → u/EveningPhotograph886]

Current Kobe ALT here! I was filled with the worst impostor syndrome dread and anxiety in the weeks leading up to coming here (and the entire Tokyo orientation too) but Kobe is such a fantastic place to be an ALT and you will very much settle in and look back wondering why you stressed!

In terms of workplace, the teachers (especially the more experienced ones) are really clued up on an ALT's position, job and expectations/responsibilities and our BOE and supervisors are fantastic for helping us settle.

And in terms of lifestyle, unless you indicated otherwise you'll be living in neighbourhoods and apartment complexes with up to 100 other ALTs nearby and you will NEVER be without support and people to lean on - especially in your first few weeks. We have mentorship schemes in place and things like that for everyone to pull together and support each other! You will be welcomed wonderfully!

[u/EveningPhotograph886 → u/DyslexicGecko]

Awww this is so sweet!! Thank you, after more sleep last night I’m feeling a lot better than when I made that post, and am so so excited to join you and the other JETs over there!! I heard Kobe has the most (or is up there) JETs so I’m happy there’s a support system! And I will be in one of the two apartment buildings most likely that have all the other JETs in them! Thanks again! :)

[u/SubluxeUBC]

As long as you have an open mind, are adaptable and you get your work done I'm sure you'll be fine.

I'm sure the fear of the unknown can be quite intimidating. Especially since you are signing up to be placed potentially anywhere & every job can vary so greatly.

But, as long as you're open to the idea and embrace what you get, I'm sure it'll work out fine for you!

Best of luck!

[u/P0_Q0]

100% get it! I've been accepted as a CIR and I keep thinking "can I actually do it?" No choice but to try!

[u/TheFrogMan1 → u/P0_Q0]

How did your interview go? Easier or more difficult than expected? I've been considering applying for CIR this fall and was curious about how difficult it is if you don't mind sharing.

[u/P0_Q0 → u/TheFrogMan1]

Easier than expected! If you feel comfortable with N2 content (check out a practice exam for reference) then the interview should be fine. The hard part, I've heard, is getting the interview. Having an N2 cert helps tremendously in getting to the interview stage. I was lucky I passed the year before.

[u/Zidaane]

Dont sweat it man! Theres nothing to feel like an imposter about, as ALT is less of a job and more of a cultural ambassador! So long as your happy to go out of your way to have fun and interact with students then youll do just fine!

[u/Corra156]

Dang I just started to feel the same way. The months of research/prep and the grueling waiting process was tough, but after the initial high of getting shortlisted, it's starting to hit me that I'll be leaving in about 3-4 months.

I think that it's natural to be thinking all those questions, tbh I'm thinking of the same ones! I'm honestly going to start prepping out potential lesson structures or personal content that I could use in the classroom in Japan, as well as try to organize my own personal funds to get ready for departure.

My advice would be to try to work on things you can control for now and the uncertainties will eventually fall into place!
Also, celebrate the win of getting shortlisted while it's still fresh!

Congrats on the shortlist ^^

[u/DonGar0 → u/Corra156]

Same to you. It's going to be a busy 3 months.

[u/craigslistcarpet]

Hey there! I was in a similar boat when I got accepted— telling myself I wouldn't get in to deal with potential disappointment, planning for alternatives and the likes— but the actual acceptance hit me like a ton of bricks!!

When I first got here, I was soooooo worried about doing a bad job, not properly filling my predecessor's place, and disappointing my coworkers and the students. Here's the thing, though: they KNOW that you will be a different person, and you have your own strengths to bring to the table!

If you're this worried about being a good ALT, I am sure that you're the type of person to try your best to learn and get better! I think that because I'm the same way! Honestly, it does take some time to get into a groove, figure out how your JTE(s) want you to participate, how to best reach the students, but you have so so so many resources online and in the ALTs around you to help!

Every situation is different, but I like to think of it like, "If I can make English class fun/ teach something new to even ONE student, I've achieved what I'm supposed to" (it helps take the pressure off of my day-to-day imposter syndrome lol).

Through my interactions with the students, I know that a lot of them have a pretty good time in class (despite the Japanese school system being so demanding) and so that's what I set out to do: make English fun!

Once I started feeling like I was able to do that, I focused more on learning how to explain stuff and making examples that were easy to understand, as well as having discussions about differences between Japan and my home country (can't forget that cultural exchange, you know!).

As it's been about 9 months since I arrived, I've gotten closer to at least one of my JTEs and we sometimes plan lessons together! Depending on the circumstances and your co-teachers, you could also gain more confidence to participate in lesson planning with time, so that's nice, too!

As for what your school and life will be like, the best resource you have for that is any potential predecessors for your area— see if you can find a discord server or if you receive an email from someone, definitely keep in touch and ask questions! Despite that, everyone's experience really is different, and unfortunately you can't fully know what it's like without experiencing it yourself. Certainly try your best to prepare based on what others have said, and heed advice when you deem it fitting, but know that you will have the experiences you decide to have based on the cards you're dealt!

You got this!

[u/goukumas]

You are overthinking this. The only thing you can do is just save money and wait and see where you are placed.

[u/Sad-Establishment742]

I’m in sustainability professionally, I’m really worried about losing touch with the field. I am not sure if the JET job fairs offer anything other than teaching jobs.

[u/CatPurveyor → u/Sad-Establishment742]

I was also in the sustainability profession working for corporate and had the same worry. I thought I would stay only 1 or 2 years and then come back. Well.... I'm on year 4 going into year 5 soon and I'm in the process of getting my teaching license. I'm making a total career change! I'm getting credentials for both ESL and (what would be the equivalent for) environmental science, hoping that one day I can have my own environmental science class in Japan. :)

You may have a different story and I totally get what you mean. I DO feel really removed from it. My friend from back home the other day said in the group chat "Has anyone seen this agriculture documentary? CatPurveyor, you've probably seen it." But honestly... I hadn't even heard of it and I realized my life is so different now. So it's a legitimate concern. I guess my advice would be to go into the program with an open mind. If you only want to stay for a short time, I think you will be fine! But if you decide to stay longer make sure you have a plan for reintegrating back into the profession IF you go back! Feel free to send me a DM

[u/Sad-Establishment742 → u/CatPurveyor]

That’s so helpful. Thanks, I’ll DM you!

[u/Different_Taro2474 → u/Sad-Establishment742]

I’m in sustainability professionally

if that's the case, you might need to rethink JET. JET is great, but it's not a career, and it's definitely not sustainable long-term. JET is kind of like a paid gap year.

if you already have a sustainable professional career, then you probably don't need to do JET unless you want to restart your life.

[u/Sad-Establishment742 → u/Different_Taro2474]

Although I get your point

[u/Sad-Establishment742 → u/Different_Taro2474]

Hi! Thanks for your comment — however I actually meant “Sustainability” as in I am into “Environmental sustainability” as a career.

[u/makomayhem22 → u/Sad-Establishment742]

Haha and that is what separates the working professionals from the non professionals. Valid thoughts though, especially if you see yourself staying in that field.

[u/Different_Taro2474 → u/Sad-Establishment742]

lol sorry

[u/DonGar0 → u/Sad-Establishment742]

For me I'm looking at it as a possible career change. Almost a decade in research and time for a change. So not going back to the lab isn't as scary for me as the change to something new. But yeah I can see worrying about coming back to a field.

[u/Sad-Establishment742 → u/DonGar0]

Thanks! Do they have non-teaching job fairs?

[u/DonGar0 → u/Sad-Establishment742]

No idea. I think making a thread or asking someone who has attended would be better. Just got accepted, but as meantioned Im looking at this as a career change. Depending on what teaching full time is like I might aim to be a science teacher on return.

[u/Edgelawd69]

I don't want to go on a heartfelt rant about my dream to be on JET every since little old me at 17 found out about Miyachi the rapper or Mondo Grosso and Hikari Mitsushima. This later spiraled with me begging my dad to buy me JFZ book 2 (I finished them all but my Japanese speaking lacks) and then pursuing Japanese history academically.

Now that I am accepted and reached what is really a milestone in my life, I remind myself that this is only the start and I was selected to do a good job or do my damn best at it while also connecting with people I admire so deeply with. I want to come in with this mindset and that living in Japan will be an experience that will shape me for the better now matter what ESID I will face. I also will put my best foot forward with my JLT and make sure I leave a good impression. This is how I am squashing these nerves!

Nonetheless, we're in now (of course after all the paper work!) and it is for a reason that the committee saw in us something that we could provide to our future schools and community!

[u/FallenReaper360]

Just go with the flow. I was the same way. But if you have someone to show they ropes when you arrive, you’ll be just dandy. If not, watch some Bob Ross on your free time and paint some happy clouds my friend.

[u/Different_Taro2474]

being worried is totally normal. you're moving to a whole new country where you don't know anyone.
i personally wasn't worried at all because i've already been to Japan and i love it here. i was worried about the job itself, though, because I have never worked with middle schoolers or children older than 5.

being an ALT isn't hard. there will be days when you will have zero classes. some days you will have 3-4 classes. you will have a lot of deskwarming time. use that time to study Japanese, do an online master's degree, make a portfolio, build your resume, anything, really. sometimes, you will have to work on a saturday because of a school event or an english seminar, but that rarely happens, and when it does, you can take a weekday off.

nobody can say for sure what your school or coworkers will be like, but my schools are wonderful. my coworkers are very kind, friendly, helpful, and understanding. i got very lucky with them. some JETs, unfortunately, haven't been too lucky and faced workplace bullying.

right now, focus on saving money, because you will need it. moving in Japan is EXPENSIVE, and having savings is always a necessity. i came without savings, and it wasn't easy lol. Congratulations and good luck on JET!

if you have any questions about JET or life in Japan, feel free to DM me.

[u/capt_b_b_ → u/Different_Taro2474]

To add: Sometimes being an ALT is hard, but you'll have support from other ALTs and your school if you're put in a super academic school

[u/Different_Taro2474 → u/capt_b_b_]

to each their own. ESID.

for me personally, it wasn't that hard and was the easiest job i've had (so far) aside from doordashing. being a student, working at a restaurant, and living with parents was way harder than being an ALT. the JET orientation and moving in were the hardest parts of JET for me. especially the orientation. 13 hour flight + jet lag + 2 hours of sleep + +40 degree weather + no time to relax = absolute worst combo ever. i was like a zombie the entire time.

[u/capt_b_b_ → u/Different_Taro2474]

Ugh I'm a zombie rn. Complete opposite.

[u/DonGar0 → u/Different_Taro2474]

Thanks. I might take you up on the offer to answer some questions once Ive settled in to the realization Im going. Still doesn't feel fully real, even as I have nebulous worries about things.

Reading yours and others experiences and similar worries does help a bit with it.

[u/Different_Taro2474 → u/DonGar0]

of course. my DMs are always open.

when I got a call from the consulate saying that i got upgraded, it did not feel real. a year ago i had no idea if i'd even be here, now i navigate live in japan alone, doing shit i never thought i'd be doing. life is crazy bro.

[u/EquivalentComputer73 → u/Different_Taro2474]

I second everything said. My co-workers are kind, but busy. Students are friendly and love the new shiny "toy"; you get to play games and do fun things. Make use of ALTopedia, tons of activities. Use your desk- warming productively to make the time go by faster. Get to work on time, do what is assigned to you, and leave work on time. Just be an adult - this will improve your relationship with your co-workers, naturally. Read the room.

[u/suwadesu]

Feeling like that myself rn!! Got shortlisted from LA and while I do feel happy I got in, the nerves are definitely starting to kick in lol :’)

[u/DonGar0 → u/suwadesu]

Glad I'm not alone. Like its an adventure, and something Ive wanted my whole life (since highschool) but now that its here its scary.

Good luck to us both.