JET Placement Troubles? Should You Request a Transfer?

Thinking about requesting a transfer on the JET Program? In this video, I respond to a Reddit post from a JET participant who is struggling with their placement. I go over what asking for a transfer might entail, how it could be viewed by your supervisor, Board of Education, and community, and things to consider before making a decision. If you’re on JET and unsure whether to request a transfer, this video gives you practical perspectives to help you make an informed choice. You may realize that your living situation is not what you had hoped for or anticipated. You may even be feeling a bit of pressure or anxiety because you don't want to create a bad impression, cause conflict or admit that you're unhappy. I hope this video offers some insight and helps you make the decisions you need to live and work comfortably in Japan. #jetprogramme #jetprogram #livinginjapan Topics covered in this video: What a JET transfer request involves (very general as it will be handled differently depending on your Board of Education or prefectural office) How supervisors and BOE may perceive transfers Things to consider before asking for a transfer Advice for making the best decision for your experience Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction to a post on Reddit 02:11 - ① First Part of Post: Being Placed in a "Ghost Town" 03:55 - What It's Like at Tokyo JET Orientation 05:00 - Feeling Isolated After JET Orientation Ends 05:58 - ② There's Nothing Around! 06:20 - What It Was Like For Me In Tottori Back in 1988 10:47 - ③ What Should I Do? 11:00 - Things to Think About Before Asking for a Transfer 12:48 - An Example of a Case in Tottori 17:07 - My Adjustment to Rural Life 22:20- How I Struggled and How I Coped 28:45 - Possible Reactions You May Receive 30:18 - ④ There's Nothing to Do! 30:35 - What You Can Do When (You Think) There's Nothing to Do 36:53 - TELL and other helplines 38:45 - Finding Help 40:00 - Transferring Placements/Transferring Schools: Things to Realize 43:52 - Responding to Some of the Comments Made on the Post 45:50 - Believe in Yourself: You Know Yourself and Your Limitations the Best 47:38 - Who Can You Talk To? 48:30 - When is the Best Time to Transfer/Leave? 50:33 - Closing Thoughts Join the discussion: Have you ever considered transferring on JET, or are you happy with your placement? Please feel free to share your experience in the comments! Thank you to the JET Program and my JET host prefecture, Tottori prefecture Thank you so much for watching!