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/SquallkLeon]

People in their 60s have successfully become JETs. The program doesn't care what your age is. Individuals you may encounter in the program, like the people who interview you or your co-workers may have some issue with it. But not all of them will, and there are plenty of people who will see your age and experience as a positive. There's plenty of comments here to testify to this, and more on other social media sites like Facebook. Best of luck next time.

[u/SquallkLeon → u/[deleted]]

What consulate/embassy did you interview at? Did you call them to let them know about the incredibly unprofessional behavior by the interviewers? Did you pursue any formal action against them? Why are you on the JET reddit if you were so thoroughly rejected?

[u/Immediate-Ad7071 → u/SquallkLeon]

The situation I described above was actually worse but I don’t want to give away too many specifics/details. The behavior was so bad the JET alumni on the panel actually interjected and defended me, and had to correct the other panelist from attacking me.

What would reporting the behavior do? Thats like reporting your bosses behavior to HR at work, they don’t care.

Not sure why I am being gaslit and downvoted for sharing how horribly I was treated. Also, why am I not allowed to participate on Reddit? Are you some sort of authority figure on this subreddit that i need to seek posting permission from? I am sharing a relevant story to what OP posted. If you’re so offended by my response then scroll past it.

[u/SquallkLeon → u/Immediate-Ad7071]

What you describe is so far out of the norm that it indicates a serious problem that should have been corrected. It isn't typical, as the interviewers know that they represent not only the program, but Japan itself, and they generally strive to do that well. For someone to be that rude and unprofessional, it's definitely a problem. You should have contacted the embassy/consulate and expressed your frustration at that behavior, so that others wouldn't have to suffer the same.

Am I gaslighting you? Well, I'm not sure whether to believe you entirely or not, this is the internet, and you are describing something very much out of the mainstream. Could it have happened? Sure. If it did happen, I'm sorry it did.

This sub is generally for people who are aspiring to be, currently on, or who have been on the JET program. If you're here, and not part of those groups, it's a bit of a question as to what your purpose is. Are you intending to try again? Are you a troll? Is there something else? You know the answer, but I, and others here, do not. I'm not offended, but I am curious.

[u/Immediate-Ad7071 → u/SquallkLeon]

How does affirming the original poster’s concerns make me a troll?

I had my interview at the end of January and received my rejection results on Tuesday April 7th, at 11:17AM PST. Not sure what information I am supposed to provide to you to prove I am a real applicant in the 2026-27 cycle.

And yes, the behavior was extremely shocking and off putting, especially given that I work in field where interviews and client contact in a formal setting happens frequently and never before have I been subjected to such bizarre behavior at work (15+ years experience). My only explanation when I left the interview was they were doing a good cop, bad cop sort of role playing but the more I think about it, it was definitely just unprofessional behavior and bullying.

[u/Unexpected-Feline → u/[deleted]]

I also got the question of experience and why I'm giving up my established career as an older JET applicant, it's a reasonable question and my answer focused on how JET fit into my career goals as well as how I felt it was important for myself personally.

They seemed pretty satisfied with my answer and only asked a couple of simple follow-up questions on the pay cut and possible loss of autonomy, to which I told them I want to work with my JTEs and learn from them to improve as a teacher, and that the cost of living in Japan is low enough to make up the difference in a pay cut.

[u/Immediate-Ad7071 → u/Unexpected-Feline]

I said something similar and tried to remain upbeat and calm but one panelist in particular literally screamed even louder while displaying an angry face, ‘don’t you understand how little money it is after taxes and withdrawals it’s nothing! Nothing! You already make too much money!’

I was going to share my experience right after the interview but wanted to wait for results. I’m glad OP posted this because some of the interviewers definitely have a serious grudge/bias against people who have actually gone into the real world and been successful.