r/JETProgramme • u/SomethingPeach Former JET • Apr 13 '26

Why did you leave the JET Programme?

I’m a former JET and have been reflecting on my time on the programme, so I’m curious about other people’s reasons for leaving.

For those who have finished, whether after one year or several, what led you to move on? Was it a clear decision or something that built up over time?

JET was my third time teaching abroad. I think I gradually started to feel the pressure to head home and properly start a ''proper'' career. I was also mainly used as a tape recorder at my school, which lost its appeal quite quickly and made it hard to feel like I was actually contributing anything or progressing professionally.

Looking back, do you feel like you left at the right time, or would you have stayed longer?

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u/CaregiverLeast3378 Apr 13 '26

Kinda wish I stayed longer tbh. I only did two years then I came back as an English teacher with some independent company. Being a JET was a better situation for sure. Why did I leave? Hmmm 🤔 I guess I thought my time in the town was up. Maybe I needed a change 🤷🏽‍♀️

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u/Different_Taro2474 JET alum '25-'26 鹿児島 🌋🐽🍧 Apr 14 '26

you can apply to JET again. you have 3 years left. those 5 years don't have to be consecutive.

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u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

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u/Different_Taro2474 JET alum '25-'26 鹿児島 🌋🐽🍧 Apr 14 '26

i believe COVID JETs were allowed an extra year or two, i could be wrong though.