Help Choosing Location?

[Frap]

If your reasons are strong enough they probably cropped up elsewhere in your app (SOP, intercultural experience, japan-related studies)

Hmmm, I don't remember mentioning preferences anywhere other than picking them on the online form.

I didn't write about my preferences in my SOP because my main reason was "colder climate = less insects" and I didn't want to seem pathetic~

I was also never asked "why JET?" or "why Japan?"

[OatsCurrySummer]

I didn't want to seem pathetic~

I was also never asked "why JET?" or "why Japan?"

Too bad, I don't think "because Japanese men" is a pathetic answer at all.

[fryfry]

If I remember correctly, there was no option to include a reason for your preferences on the online form. You had the option of choosing a "top three" from a drop down box. They didn't even bring up my choices in the interview. Literally wasn't even mentioned.

FYI, my top choice was Hokkaido and I got Hokkaido.

U.S. Form for 2016 had the 3 dropdowns, and space to give reasons. But, IIRC, the character limit on each reason was something like 20-50. (Understandable.)

[fryfry]

The one piece of helpful advice I have to give is that I picked 3 southwestern Japan choices for mostly climate reasons (it was brought up it my interview, as well), and lo and behold, I received a placement in SWhweaty balls Japan.
But as others have said (and my application pointed this out as well), there's only so much JET can do to accommodate placement requests. That's why they're called requests.

My 2nd piece of advice is to lurk and explore every single section of this forum, especially "Aspiring and Applying". There are treasure troves of good advice, even in the archives.

[webstaa]

Realistically, the "unique" places in Japan probably won't have JET ALTs, and even if they do, openings vary year to year.

Remember that you don't need to list preferences. And that sometimes your preference for location will be in conflict with your level (for example, some cities only hire JET ALTs for elementary school positions.) Don't feel pressured to pick 3 places in Japan you really, really want to live in - more than likely you won't get them anyways.

But doing research into regions of Japan never hurts - I wouldn't have chosen my location (I didn't put any preferences) and I'm very happy with it. Even though it was on the far side of the country from where I had lived before.

[johnny]

Well if you request Tottori or Shimane you will get it.

I lived in Yamaguchi and loved it. Mind you, I lived 8 minutes away from a Shinkansen stop. That was nice.

[mrcharisma]

Otsu city is a good strategic pick. Right in the middle of Japan, 10 minutes on the train to Kyoto yet a big enough city itself that allows you a slice of Japanese suburban life.

[alee50]

The hot springs in Kyushu are awesome!! Give it a try and perhaps, you'll get it. (Wow! I can't believe the JET application have all gone online.)

[Zolrak 22]

Wow! I can't believe the JET application have all gone online.

The applications open around October.

Some people just like to be prepared.