About JETAA DC

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that is not answered below, please feel free to contact us.

• What is the JET Program?
• What is JETAA, and how does JETAA-DC fit into the grander scheme of things?
• How do I apply for JET? How do I find out more about the Programme?
• How can I become more involved in this fine organization?
• How do I add/change my address & contact info on the JET e-mail list?
• How do I get to the general meetings?
• I've returned from Japan and I... need a job/need a place to live/am dying for some good ramen and J-pop
• How do I get that darn pension back?
• Are you an official organization? Do you have by-laws?
• I'm interested in going to Japan, but cannot commit to a full year. Any ideas?
• What in the name of Mt. Fuji is an 'FOJ'?

What is the JET Program?

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program is a lot of things to a lot of people. At its most basic level, since 1987 the JET Program has allowed thousands of individuals from over 30 countries to spend a year or more in Japan, teaching English, learning about Japan, and bringing some of their own country to Japan in the spirit of internationalization. For more information about the Programme and how to apply, please visit the following sites:
   JET Office website (via The Embassy of Japan)
   Official JET Programme website (via the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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What is JETAA, and how does JETAA-DC fit into the grander scheme of things?

JETAA stands for the Japan Exchange and Teaching (Programme) Alumni Association. Made up of thousands of ex-JETs worldwide, JETAA strives to keep JET alumni connected with Japan and the JET Programme, provide networks for career development and for continuing internationalization, provide support for new JETs, and plenty of other functions. Visit the Official JETAA site for more information about JETAA International.
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How do I apply for JET? How do I find out more about the Programme?

Applications and more information about the Programme can be found at the JET Office website at the Japanese Embassy. Applications can be downloaded from the site starting in September and are due in early December of each year. Visit our links page for links to discussion boards and further information about what the program is all about.
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How can I become more involved in this fine organization?

Come to our bimonthly general meetings and share your ideas. While you don't need to be an officer to be involved, we have officer elections every spring. In order to be eligible to run for an Executive Position, a candidate must have been an active member in the DC chapter for a period of not less than twelve months. An active member is one who not only attends meetings, but is also involved in JETAA and other community and educational outreach efforts. All interested candidates should prepare a platform of at least one paragraph (not to exceed 150 words) listing his or her motivations and qualifications and submit it to the Election Coordinator by the announced deadline. Elections are announced on this website as well as through our Yahoo Groups listserve.
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How do I add/change my address & contact info on the JET e-mail list?

To stay in close contact with JETAA-DC, sign up for the e-mail list on Yahoo Groups. To change your official mailing address, send name, address, old prefecture and years in Japan to the Online Chair
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How do I get to the general meetings?

The meetings are held at the Old Ambassador's Residence at the Embassy of Japan -- 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW. Meet in the front lobby of the Embassy and a member of the Embassy staff will escort you over to the residence. The Embassy is a ten minute walk from Dupont Circle metro stop (Red line). Parking is usually available on California Avenue (directly across from the Old Residence) Don't forget to RSVP!!
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I've returned from Japan and I... need a job/need a place to live/am dying for some good ramen and J-pop.

This site is for you!! Visit our D.C. Resources page for help finding a job or an apartment. Our recently updated Returnee Handbook will give you the low-down on where to find a little bit of Japan here in Washington. Sometimes, our occasionally updated Site of the Moment will highlight some natsukashii memories of Japan. Finally, are you looking for some friendly faces who can commiserate about how cold the Japanese winters really are? Check out our JETAA events and come meet some of us!
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How do I get that darn pension back?

JETAA Southern California has a great flow sheet on everything you need to know to get that 20% of your salary back.
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Are you an official organization? Do you have by-laws?

We sure are. Check out our by-laws page for more info.
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I'm interested in going to Japan, but cannot commit to a full year. Any ideas?

The JET Program is one of the best ways to explore Japan - if you want to learn about the country, consider spending at least a year there. If you can't do it, however, start at our links page, which can direct you to a couple of places (including the Official JETAA site) which may help you on your way to some of the job-hunting websites. Some of the bigger English conversation schools are found here. Your other option is simply to go over to Japan on a tourist visa, and look for a job from there. Once you land a job that will sponsor your work visa, you can take a short 'holiday' to Korea (or Bali, or Maui) and re-enter on your work visa. The advantage here is that you'll be able to get the real scoop on the job rather than just picking something off the web and potentially ending up in a bad situation.
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What in the name of Mt. Fuji is an 'FOJ'??!

An 'FOJ' is short-hand for 'Friend of JET'. We welcome all FOJ's to any of our events!
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