🌍✨ JETPrep: Your Path to Thriving in Japan
Because preparing for Japan should feel like an adventure — not just another checklist to complete.
JETPrep is a mentor-supported preparation program for JET hopefuls who want to feel confident, grounded, and ready — not just for interviews, but for the experience ahead.
Whether you’re preparing for your JET interview or thinking ahead to life in Japan, JETPrep supports you through the full journey with reflection, mentorship, and community.
What JETPrep Is
JETPrep combines:
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Reflective coursework
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Live community sessions
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Mentorship from current JETs and JET alumni
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Cultural preparation beyond logistics
JETPrep is designed to support both where you are now and where you’re heading next.
🎮 JETPrep Core: Your Areas of Growth
JETPrep Core is the ongoing foundation for life, work, and connection in Japan — supporting you as you prepare, transition, and grow into your role.
Rather than a one-time course, JETPrep Core is a living learning space you can return to as your questions deepen, your confidence grows, and your experiences take shape. Content continues to evolve throughout the year, shaped by real JET experiences and participant interests.
What You’ll Explore
Orientation & Cultural Readiness: Build a practical understanding of how the JET Program works in real life — including expectations, roles, and how to navigate uncertainty with curiosity and confidence.
Communication & Collaboration: Learn how to work effectively within Japanese school and community settings, including team teaching dynamics, communication styles, and relationship-building.
Daily Life in Japan: Prepare for everyday realities — from workplace norms to community life, etiquette, and navigating unfamiliar systems with ease.
Professional Growth & Well-Being: Develop habits that support resilience, balance, and growth abroad, including managing energy, expectations, and challenges in a new environment.
Reflection & Storytelling: Make meaning of your experience through guided reflection and storytelling — supporting personal integration and future pathways.
Community & Ongoing Support: Connect with current JETs, alumni, and peers who understand the journey — offering perspective, encouragement, and shared learning along the way.
How JETPrep Core Works
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Self-paced modules you can return to anytime
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Monthly live webinars and interactive sessions
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Optional mentor and coaching circles
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Access to recordings, resources, and reflections throughout the year
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One-time program fee with ongoing access
JETPrep Core opens in February, with enrollment beginning in January. New content and live sessions continue throughout the year, shaped by participant needs and real experiences on the ground.
A Note On Other JETPrep Programs
Some parts of the JET journey — such as applications, statements of purpose, and interviews — are supported through separate, short-term programs. Often participants begin there and step into JETPrep Core when they’re ready for deeper, ongoing support around life and work in Japan.
How It Works
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Enrollment opens: January 1
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Core modules release: February
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Live elements continue year-round
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You can join at any point during the year
Once you join, you’ll have access to:
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All current and future modules
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Monthly live webinars
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Monthly interactive community sessions
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Mentor and coaching circles
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A growing library of recordings and resources
Go at your own pace. Join what’s helpful. Skip what’s not.
Mentorship & Community
One of the most common things JET hopefuls say is:
“I just want to know I’m not doing this alone.”
JETPrep connects you with:
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Current JETs
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JET alumni
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Other applicants navigating the same process
This is a space to ask questions, practice out loud, and learn from people who have already walked the path.
Alumni Wisdom: What They Wish They’d Known
You’ll hear real stories and honest insights from JET alumni about:
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Adapting to life abroad
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Building community
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Learning the language
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Making the most of the experience
More alumni voices and mentor clips will be added throughout the year.
Dana B, JET Alum, CIR
“Just go for it. For me, it was an immensely valuable way to change my life, gain perspective, and be part of a new community abroad."
Michael L, JET Alum, ALT
"The worst thing you can do is hole up in your apartment. What’s the point of coming all this way if you’re not experiencing the local area and meeting people?"
Steven M, JET Alum, ALT
“The number one thing you can do is learn the language. Even if you don’t fully understand the culture, if you can communicate, you’ll learn fast — and your experience will be so much better.”
Optional Side Quests: Travel Experiences
For those who want deeper immersion, JETPrep also offers optional travel experiences in Japan.
These are designed as side quests — not requirements — and may include:
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Cultural discovery and homestays
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Language immersion and daily practice
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Education immersion with classroom observations and JET connections
Travel programs are offered separately and shared as they open.
Program Access & Cost
JETPrep Core
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One-time program fee: $87
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Full access to all core modules, live sessions, recordings, and community spaces
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Ongoing access throughout the JET preparation cycle — revisit content anytime as your needs evolve
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Monthly live webinars and interactive community sessions
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Optional mentor and coaching circles with current JETs and JET alumni
There are no deadlines to “keep up” and no expectation to complete everything at once. Access is designed to support your full JET preparation cycle — before departure, during transition, and beyond.
✈️ Explore More Programs
Not every JET journey looks the same — and JETPrep is designed to meet you where you are.
Some participants join JETPrep Core for ongoing support around life, work, and cultural adaptation in Japan. Others begin with more focused, short-term programs and step in gradually as their plans take shape.
Additional pathways include:
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JETPrep Interview Accelerator
Short-term, confidence-building support for the JET interview process, including practice sessions and guidance from current JETs and alumni. -
Application & Statement of Purpose Support (opening later)
Guided support for early application stages, including written materials and reflection. -
JETThrive 🌸
Support for the first months in Japan, focused on resilience, belonging, and well-being. -
JETNext 🌍
Exploration of career pathways and life after JET.
Wherever you are in the process, there are multiple ways to engage — now or later — as your journey unfolds.