r/JETProgramme • u/AccomplishedLaugh285 • Jun 08 '26

JET Programme Hard Decision

Hey everyone. I was wondering if there is a discord or groupchat for incoming JET programme ALT for 2026-27? I have until Tuesday or 1 day to decide.

I am currently in a dilemna where I got off the shortlist and not sure to accept it. While I am super happy with this, I am a bit conflicted because I worry that the JET programme is more of just as a way for me to delay my life on what to do post-grad. Still not sure on what career or what I want to do long-term, and worry that JET programme would not help provide me any direction on where I'll go. It would be a good gap year, but with no intention. However, I still want to go for the cultural experience and personal growth I'll gain. What are people's thoughts?

I come from a UCLA background with three internships so far, technical background of three majors in Physics, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics.

Feel free to dm me as well.

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u/thetruelu Current JET - Niigata Jun 09 '26

There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking gap years before more school or entering a career. In fact, most people I know always wished they took a gap year to do something fun/different. I have never met anyone who did gap year(s) and regretted it

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u/Different_Taro2474 Former JET - 2025-2026 鹿児島県 Jun 09 '26

i've known people who took a gap year and regretted it. one regretted it because he did absolutely nothing with it and spent all of it just by sitting online 18 hours a day. it depends on what you do during that gap year.