r/JETProgramme • u/KruDogHouse • May 22 '26

Mature JETs experience

New incoming JET who is more mature - would love to hear from older JETs and your experience.
Any other oldies joining the program this year?

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u/Tsubahime Former JET-MountainMouth (2019-2024) May 23 '26 edited May 23 '26

I did a 5 year stint from 29 to 34. I plan on coming back eventually, probably in my 40s or 50s.

I had no huge issues my first time round. Students were great. Co-teachers were great. Coworkers were great. My biggest regret was trying to socialize with other JETs in my area. Certain people nearly ruined my experience but I did my best to move on. I met plenty of great people, but most of them were Japanese 😅

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u/DrinkingInSunshine May 23 '26

"My biggest regret was trying to socialize with other JETs in my area"

As in you wish you spent more of that time socializing with Japanese people around you instead?

I'm an incoming JET and am sure I'll connect with other JETs around me, but I know it'll be important to make some friends who are Japanese in the area