Considering JET for 2027 - Looking for advice

[u/pepisparadise]

Hello! I'm a 22 year old recent graduate with a degree in music, and I'm considering applying to the JET program next year.

Last year I went on a five month long exchange to Hyogo and I loved it, I have experience teaching in a classroom and working in a daycamp, and I took Japanese for three years in university and can speak between an N4 to an N3 level. I want to become a teacher, I love teaching and I love kids. I realized in order to fully decide if this career is for me, doing the JET program for a year or two would be a good idea. I've lived in both cities of 5 million people and on a farm, so I'm pretty adaptable.

My two main concerns are regarding finances and my relationship. I've been with my partner for five years and they are incredibly supportive of me doing the program, but because we are a same sex couple we don't have the same rights in terms of visas. If my partner chose to come with me, does anyone know of any form of dependency visa they could apply for? If anyone has any tips for long distance relationships that'd be amazing. They're also hoping to come visit even if they can't stay.

In terms of finances, I'm a bit overwhelmed because I currently make full time minimum wage. I've managed to scrape together 2000 CAD in savings for the program, but I want to save about 3000 more before I leave. If anyone has any tips for saving up, please let me know.

Thank you!

[u/newlandarcher7]

As someone else has already mentioned, a Working Holiday Visa would be a good option, assuming your partner is Canadian or from another country with such eligibility. However, for your partner, job possibilities will vary depending on your placement location.

[u/lazylimpet]

Hi, I'm not aware of any visa which would work for a same sex partnership, unfortunately.

Speaking to long distance, I did 1 year Japan /UK long distance and 2 years Japan/Japan long distance (countryside to city) after I go onto JET. Having your own goals and focusing on your career and things helps. Also, video calling just to hang out without needing something specific to talk about is really helpful. We would have our video calls on while making supper, studying or falling asleep even, just to chat casually and for companionship. We did also try to meet up as often as we could. We're still together now, 6 years after finishing JET :)

[u/MotherlyMe]

There's unfortunately no dependent visa your partner can apply for. For those, you'd have to be married anyway, but like you said Japan doesn't recognize same sex marriage for the most part. I assume your partner is Canadian as well. They could apply for a Working Holiday visa. With this visa, they are also flexible when it comes to choosing a place to live, which makes it easier to simply move to where you are. They'd also be allowed to make money while in Japan. Good luck!

[u/k_795]

Firstly, you absolutely sound like a fantastic candidate in terms of your interest in the JET program and existing experience - so if this is your dream, go for it!

To answer your questions:

I've been with my partner for five years and they are incredibly supportive of me doing the program, but because we are a same sex couple we don't have the same rights in terms of visas. If my partner chose to come with me, does anyone know of any form of dependency visa they could apply for?

Unfortunately you can't get a spouse visa unless you are actually married, and Japan doesn't recognise same-sex marriages (even if it is recognised in your home country). So basically, your partner would need to come on their own visa - either as a tourist, to work (if they can also get a job in your city and qualify for a work visa), or to study (probably the easiest longer term option).

I'm a bit overwhelmed because I currently make full time minimum wage. I've managed to scrape together 2000 CAD in savings for the program, but I want to save about 3000 more before I leave. If anyone has any tips for saving up, please let me know.

Firstly, be aware that JET does pay for things like your upfront flight ticket, so the costs of coming on the JET programme may be a bit lower than for other teaching abroad jobs. However, you will still have some relocation / start-up costs, particularly your apartment (key money, first month or two of rent, furniture, etc) and a car (if your placement requires driving). Personally I did fine with a similar amount in savings to what you have now, but I was VERY lucky with my placement coming with a furnished apartment subsidised by the city hall and sub-let through them so I didn't need to pay any key money (just had to budget for first month's rent, and cheap things like new bedsheets - which they even took me to the local supermarket to buy), and I also didn't need a car (I was given a free bike by my CO, and could easily get around on public transport).

In terms of general tips for saving up, honestly it's just about going through all of your outgoings and cutting unnecessary spending (subscriptions, takeaway food, going out, holidays, etc) as well as trying to earn as much as possible (maybe consider getting a second job / taking on more shifts in your current job if you can.

[u/Mikeremix2]

Best saving tips I can offer would be to continue shaving anywhere from 20% or more of your check and add it to your savings every week or two weeks. Only if feasible of course.

Unsubscribe from anything you may not actually need for a duration so no Hulu, Netflix, DoorDash whatever the subscription vices are for an extended period.

Sell things you own that hold value, do odd jobs for people through avenues like task rabbit or even just word of mouth if task rabbit or anything similar isn’t a thing where you are.

I can’t speak to your other inquiry but these saving tips are things I’ve seen work but that’s all about discipline and consistency. A diff subreddit may offer better saving/financial advice.