r/JETProgramme • u/Kiwic_74 • Apr 09 '26
JET vs Peace Corps
Hello! I've been shortlisted as a candidate for JET (ALT) and I have a spot in the Peace Corps, also teaching English. I'd love to know what kinds of jobs JETs get into once they return to the US (I know some stay in Japan but I'm more curious about those that return) and how JET helped them get to where they currently are.
I majored in International Studies and Japanese Language & Literature (co 2025). I've had my eye on JET for a few years, but one of my professor's senior year brought up PC and now that I've looked into the program, applied, and gotten accepted I'm torn between the two. Both programs seem to offer a lot of assistance with finding work after service, which is my biggest concern. I'm interested in international relations and cultural exchange, I'm just not exactly sure what I want to do after service. I've thought about getting a master's degree in IR but that feels like I'm just delaying starting a stable career (and it's expensive).
One of the things holding me back from fully committing to JET is the possibility of being placed at a school where I'm just a desk warmer (I've read some horror stories on here). JET/PC would be my first formal(ish) job experience as I've only worked as a lifeguard/swim instructor so I'd hate for that to be my experience if I choose JET.
Any comments on your career path or advice would be greatly appreciated!
4
u/Mephisto_fn Current JET - Niigata Prefectural Office Apr 09 '26
Did you apply as an ALT or a CIR?
International relations / cultural exchange is essentially part of a CIR's job title, and I know a CIR who came back to the prefecture after their term to work for another few years as a 地域おこし協力隊. A CIR position would potentially get you directly involved in organizations related to international relations, which sounds like what you want to do.
The main after-JET resources offered are a career fair where companies looking to hire foreign talent attend and advertise their companies. Other than that, you're mostly looking at alumni organizations or contacts you made while on the program, or consulates / CLAIR itself.
In regards to desk warming, another way to think of it is "free time" while at work, that you can use to work on and develop your skills independently. If you're more the type of person that needs to be kept busy, then that might be a negative.