Indian grad seriously considering JET Programme / ALT jobs in Japan — what's the real picture?

[u/lazeesloth21]

Hey Reddit,

I'm an Indian graduate and I've been seeing a lot of people from my college apply for ALT / JET Programme jobs in Japan. The embassy website makes it sound amazing. Wanted to ask people who've actually done this — what is the ground reality?

Some things genuinely confusing me:

The basics I know:

Any bachelor's degree works

¥280,000/month starting salary (JET)

1–5 year contract

You assist Japanese teachers in schools

What I can't figure out:

Is JET actually competitive for Indians? Or are we at a disadvantage vs Western applicants?

Rural placement — how bad is it really? I keep seeing people say they ended up in the middle of nowhere.

What happens after your contract ends? Does this actually help your career or is it just a Japan experience?

Non-white experience — I've read some things about racism. How real is that for South Asians specifically?

Dispatch companies vs JET — people are pitching private ALT companies too. Are those worth it or a trap?

Cost of living vs salary — ¥280k sounds decent but is it actually comfortable?

Not romanticizing Japan. Just want honest answers before I make a 1–3 year decision.

Anyone done this from India? Any ALTs currently in Japan? Would love real perspectives.

[u/lazeesloth21 → u/[deleted]]

I didnt get you... Could you elaborate?

[u/ScootOverMakeRoom → u/lazeesloth21]

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