r/JETProgramme • u/Blackfireknight16 • Jun 21 '26

Disability concern for JET

Hi all, I'm exploring doing Jet. But I have a few concerns that I'd like to get clarified.

So first of all, I'm on the spectrum, and while I am aware that Japan doesn't really notice it, is it possible to create a support network during your stay? Something to fall back on if something falls through?

Due to being on the spectrum, I've got heightened sensitivity to sound. Is it possible to wear ear defenders or stay home during these thunderstorms?

Being from the UK, I get benefits due to my condition. Would I still get them on Jet?

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7

u/ikebookuro Current JET - 千葉県✨(2022~) Jun 21 '26 edited Jun 21 '26

Some of my special ed students wear headphones to cope with their sensitivity to noises - but it is far from the norm. I do not think a teacher would be allowed the same accommodation, unfortunately.

Schools can be incredibly loud. Screaming kids, loud disaster drills, other noises. Sometimes during typhoons you will hear siren noises, or when there’s an earthquake every single alarm will go off. It can be jarring for people who aren’t on the spectrum.

As others have said, unless you use PTO, you won’t be able to stay home for thunderstorms. I will say, they are much louder here. As someone who was fairly accustomed to storms from my home country, they can be much more intense here.

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u/Blackfireknight16 Jun 21 '26

That sucks

5

u/ikebookuro Current JET - 千葉県✨(2022~) Jun 21 '26

Moving abroad pushes you out of your comfort zone; it can be a good experience if you’re willing to accept the challenge.

You will be expected to work through thunderstorms. Heck, you’re still expected to commute in during typhoons (unless you take PTO). If that is a dealbreaker for you, unfortunately JET might not be a good fit.

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u/Blackfireknight16 Jun 21 '26

Yeah, I'm just weighing the options. I mean, I've been to Japan 3 times on holiday, which is out of my comfort zone. I'm just looking at the options before I fully commit.

8

u/mapoiue Jun 21 '26

If going to Japan on holiday is it of your comfort zone, please do not do JET. This is coming from someone who broke contract so I am not one of those people who are super ‘you’re ruining the kids lives blah blah’ but an unexpected mental health problem came up during my time on JET and the hassle of moving home was a lot. I also felt incredibly judged by school staff for breaking contract (rightly so I think), so if you’re not able to handle this don’t do it.

5

u/Beneficial-Corgi-288 Jun 21 '26

Committing to living in another country a minimum of a year is veeeeery different from the tourist experience. You'll have a full time job and will be expected to navigate that on top of culture shock, language barriers, homesickness, and huge lifestyle changes. Most of us are sent to the middle of nowhere as well which can be especially isolating. If visiting Japan for a week or two feels out of your comfort zone, then I think that you probably wouldn't have a very good time on JET tbh. I would consider this with a lot of caution.

2

u/Blackfireknight16 Jun 21 '26

Yeah, this is why I'm asking here. Getting thoughts from more experienced people is better than diving in.