JETPrep Travel
Education Immersion Track (Japan)
Summer 2026 | Tokyo + Hirosaki
Move beyond dreaming about Japan — and step into real classroom and cultural experiences.
JETPrep Travel: Education Immersion Track is a cohort-based international program designed for future educators, JET applicants, and globally curious participants preparing to teach and live in Japan.
This program blends pre-departure training, cultural immersion, classroom experience, and guided reflection to help participants move from interest to real-world readiness.
Interest list open now
Applications open March 2026
Limited inaugural cohort
In partnership with Hirosaki Gakuin University and local schools.
A Welcome from the Founder
Why This Program Exists
Many programs help you visit Japan. This program helps you prepare to teach and live in Japan with confidence.
This experience bridges the gap between curiosity and confidence — bringing together professional development, cultural immersion, and real classroom experience in one guided journey.
Participants begin with 4 weeks of structured online preparation, then meet as a cohort in Tokyo before continuing together to northern Japan for a month-long education and cultural immersion experience in partnership with Hirosaki Gakuin University and local schools.
Why This Program Is Different
Many summer programs in Japan focus on:
• Language classes and sightseeing
• Cultural workshops and excursions
• Independent travel and exploration
This program adds a professional immersion layer designed specifically for future educators and JET applicants.
What makes this experience different:
4 weeks of guided pre-departure training
Learn about the Japanese education system, classroom culture, and lesson planning before you arrive.
Cohort-based travel and support
Meet in Tokyo, travel together to northern Japan, and experience the journey as part of a supportive learning community.
Real classroom experience
Visit Japanese schools, observe lessons, and assist or teach mini-lessons — an opportunity rarely included in short-term travel programs.
Guided reflection and facilitation
Structured discussions help you process your experiences and build confidence for future teaching and interviews.
Post-return integration and next steps
After returning home, join a re-entry session to reflect and continue your JETPrep journey.
Education immersion is how you move from interest to readiness.
Who This Program Is For
This program is a great fit for:
• Current JET applicants — including those awaiting results or preparing to depart
• Future JET applicants
• Education majors and aspiring teachers
• Career changers exploring teaching abroad
• Anyone considering international education, teaching abroad, or global careers
No prior teaching or Japanese language experience is required.
Curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn are the most important qualities.
Many participants join this program shortly before applying to — or departing for — the JET Program.
Cohort Size:
We anticipate a small, supportive cohort of approximately 10 participants.
Program Overview
Phase 1 — Pre-Departure Training (4 weeks online)
Before travel, participants complete guided preparation to build cultural and classroom readiness.
Topics include:
• Understanding the Japanese education system
• The role of Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs)
• Cross-cultural communication in classrooms
• Lesson planning basics and micro-teaching practice
• Cultural readiness and daily life preparation
• Cohort introductions and goal setting
Participants arrive in Japan feeling confident, prepared, and ready to engage fully in the cohort experience.
Phase 2 — Tokyo Cohort Onboarding (3 nights)
Participants meet in Tokyo to begin the experience together.
Highlights may include:
• Welcome orientation and cohort bonding
• Cultural exploration and real-world confidence building
• Group travel by Shinkansen to northern Japan
This phase helps participants adjust to Japan and build strong connections before the immersion begins.
Why we begin in Tokyo
Starting the journey together in Tokyo helps participants adjust to Japan with support, build friendships, and gain confidence navigating daily life before traveling north for the month-long immersion.
Phase 3 — Hirosaki Education & Cultural Immersion (1 month)
Participants live and learn in Hirosaki in partnership with a local Japanese university.
Program includes:
• Student housing accommodations
• Japanese language and cultural learning opportunities
• Traditional crafts and cultural workshops
• Transportation to program activities
• Community engagement opportunities
Education immersion experiences include:
• Visits to Japanese schools
• Classroom observation and shadowing
• Opportunities to assist or teach mini-lessons
• Reflection sessions and group discussions
• Teaching showcase and celebration
Participants experience daily life in Japan while gaining real insight into teaching, school culture, and community life.
Phase 4 — Closing Retreat in Japan
Participants conclude the program with a guided reflection and celebration:
• Teaching showcase
• Certificates of completion
• Group celebration and reflection
• Preparation for next steps
This final phase helps participants celebrate growth, reflect on their journey, and prepare for what comes next.
Phase 5 — Post-Return Integration (Virtual)
After returning home, participants join a virtual re-entry session designed to support their transition and next steps:
• Reverse culture shock and transition support
• Storytelling and reflection
• Next steps for JET and global opportunities
• Continuing the JETPrep pathway
Program Dates & Timeline
(Summer 2026)
Pre-departure training: May 2026 (online)
Tokyo onboarding: May 29 - June 1, 2026
Hirosaki immersion: June 1 - 26, 2026
Virtual re-entry session: July 2026
Final program details and travel guidance will be shared with accepted participants.
Program Fee
$4,995 USD
(airfare not included)
What’s Included
Pre-Departure Preparation
• 4 weeks of guided online training
• Lesson planning and teaching preparation
• Cultural readiness and travel preparation
Tokyo Onboarding
• 3 nights of group hotel accommodations
• Cultural activities and admissions (e.g., museums, cultural sites, group experiences)
• Local transportation and activity passes
• Group Shinkansen travel to northern Japan
Hirosaki Immersion
• University tuition and administrative fees
• Student housing
• One meal per day
• Transportation for program activities in Hirosaki
• Cultural workshops and materials
• School visits and classroom experiences
Facilitation, Coordination & Support
• Cohort facilitation and reflection sessions
• Cohort travel guidance and preparation
• Local coordination and program support
• Emergency and logistical support
Closing & Post-Return Integration
• In-country reflection and celebration
• Virtual re-entry and next-steps session after returning home
What’s Not Included
Participants should budget separately for:
• Round-trip airfare to Japan
• Most meals (participants typically budget for two meals per day)
• Personal spending (meals, snacks, souvenirs, and free time activities)
• Optional personal travel
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended for all participants)
Application Timeline
• Interest list open now
• Applications open: March 2026
• Priority deadline: March 15, 2026 (apply by this date for priority review)
• Decisions begin: Mid-March 2026
• Final decisions: Rolling admissions until the cohort is full
How to Apply
• Join the interest list
• Receive early access when applications open
• Submit your application
• Application review
• Short conversation call to ensure a great cohort fit
• Receive your acceptance and secure your spot with a deposit
Safety & Support
Participants are supported throughout the entire journey with:
• Cohort travel and shared accommodations during onboarding
• On-site coordination with trusted local partners
• Emergency planning and response procedures
• Pre-departure travel preparation and guidance
• Support with travel insurance planning
• 24/7 emergency contact while in Japan
✨ Hear From JET Alumni
Hear from JET alumni whose experiences in Japan shaped their lives — and imagine how your own journey could begin.
Many participants begin their journey the same way you are — curious, excited, and wondering what’s possible.
Stephanie S, JET Alum
"Living in a rural Japanese town meant the spotlight was always on me. It taught me to slow down, be observant, and embrace small cultural moments — from neighborhood BBQs to the joy of a local onsen. Those experiences stay with you forever."
Michael D, JET Alum
“JET was the deep end. I didn’t know the language or how to teach — I just figured it out. That adaptability and resiliency shaped every part of my career since.”
Michael L, JET Alum & ALT
“Because we had a personal connection, I could encourage students and hold them more accountable in class. It was a really meaningful experience as a teacher.”
Your JETPrep Journey
This program is part of the broader JETPrep journey. Many participants stay connected to the JETPrep community before and after their time in Japan.
Participants are encouraged to continue their preparation through:
• JETPrep Essentials
• JETPrep Interview Accelerator
• Alumni and mentorship opportunities
Your journey doesn’t end when the program does — this experience is one step in your global future.
Interested in Summer 2026
in Japan?
Spots are limited for this inaugural cohort.
Join the interest list to be the first to receive application details when enrollment opens.
We are also exploring shorter 1-week summer programs visiting ALTs and schools in other regions of Japan. Joining the interest list helps shape future programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need teaching experience to participate?
No. This program is designed for participants at many stages of their journey. Whether you are exploring teaching abroad for the first time, planning to apply to JET, recently interviewed, or preparing to depart, the program helps you build confidence through preparation, classroom visits, teaching opportunities, and guided reflection in Japan.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No Japanese language experience is required. All program activities are designed to be accessible to beginners. Prior Japanese experience is welcome but not expected.
Who is this program best suited for?
This program is ideal for:
• Future JET applicants exploring teaching abroad
• Applicants preparing for an upcoming JET cycle
• Recently interviewed or accepted JET participants preparing to depart
• Education majors and aspiring teachers
Can I travel before or after the program?
Yes. Many participants choose to travel before or after the program. We recommend arriving ready to begin the cohort experience together.
What meals are included?
Participants should budget separately for two meals per day during the Hirosaki immersion and most meals during the Tokyo onboarding portion of the program.
Is airfare included?
No. Participants are responsible for booking their own round-trip airfare to Japan. Detailed travel guidance will be provided before departure so you can plan confidently.
Are payment plans available?
Yes. We plan to offer payment plans to make the program more accessible. Details will be shared when applications open, including payment timeline options and key deadlines.
What is the cohort size?
We anticipate a small, supportive group of approximately 10 participants.
What kind of classroom experience will I have?
Participants visit Japanese schools, observe classes, and have opportunities to assist or teach mini-lessons. Experiences vary based on school schedules and partner availability, but classroom immersion is a core component of the program.
What support is provided during the program?
Participants receive support before, during, and after the program, including:
• Pre-departure preparation
• Cohort travel and facilitation
• Local coordination and partner support
• Post-return reflection and next-step planning
Is this a study abroad program?
This program is best described as an education immersion experience. While participants explore culture and language, the primary goal is to build confidence and readiness for teaching and living in Japan.
Can I earn academic credit?
Participants may choose to enroll in optional graduate-level academic credit through our higher-education partner.
• Academic credit is optional and not required
• Additional assignments are required to earn credit
• Estimated cost: $455–$475
• Credit cannot be awarded retroactively
Additional details will be shared with accepted participants.
What happens after the program?
Participants are invited to continue their journey through the broader JETPrep pathway, including:
• JETPrep Essentials
• Interview Accelerator
• Alumni and mentorship opportunities
This program is designed as one meaningful step in your global pathway.