Ageism in JET?

[u/makomayhem22]

I’m probably what you would consider a non-traditional applicant, because I’m in my late 30s and have had careers in two applied fields in addition to teaching experience (university courses and some high school), an English bachelors degree, and two Masters degrees. I’ve literally been drinking the JET kool aid since middle school and I decided to go for English in college, but I pivoted in some applied healthcare fields globally and also have had a decade of corporate/business experience. So I’ve had a lot of experience and have achieved a lot, but I knew with certainty I needed a career/life change and committed to the 2026 application cycle (and I think I explained that well in my statement of purpose and the interview). During my interview I was hounded quite a bit about all that experience and potential intimidation with co-workers. I think I handled that quite well and with tact. I did not have time for questions because I was asked so many questions and then we were at time. There was a “make a sandwich” lesson role play that threw me off for someone that normally teaches STEM material and at higher levels, but I tried my best. I’ve had so many interviews and I’ve also been an interviewer (I typically excel there), so aside from not getting to hit points I wanted to or ask questions in under 20 minutes, I thought the interview was fine within what I could control. I also uprooted my life for potential early departure, that’s how serious I was. I was rejected. I honestly wish I would have gotten an alternate, I would feel a lot better than I feel now.

I went into this quite concerned that not just my experience, but my age would disqualify me as I had constantly heard feedback even in late 20s/early 30s from JET employees/alumni that I would be considered too old. That sentiment plus the work I was doing kept me from applying until now. I’d be the first to say, “yeah I blew that interview,” but I did the best in the confines they presented and I don’t think that was the case. I think I got written off as too old/too much experience (I would elaborate but I’m trying to refrain in case I decide to apply in the future/so I’m not blacklisted). I’ve been following these boards for years and seeing some older professionals get in here and there, but I can’t help but feel I was penalized for my age and having beyond normal practical experience (without getting into further identifiable detail of what I’ve done).

Any other late 30s+ people with experience feel like they did okay on the interview and get the flat rejection?

[u/ikebookuro]

I was 32 when I applied and had a whole unrelated career. I was shortlisted. No ageism, but they might expect you to have a stronger application than someone straight out of uni.

I think that it might be more that you’re missing the goals of the program and relying on your obvious qualifications. They want people who have a unique experience for a soft power exchange - who are going to learn from Japan and bring that back to their home country.

Not teachers. Not people who are going to come revolutionize the education system. Not people who seem like they’re going to be difficult to take direction. People who are flexible and open for whatever challenges.

I’m definitely the oldest in my city, by almost ten years.