Hi,
I'm considering applying to the JET Program as an ALT if any positions open for French applicants for 2025 (apparently, there were no ALT positions for French applicants in 2024).
It seems there are only about 20 JET positions available for French applicants (according to the 2024 statistics on the official website), so I understand that, being from France, my chances of getting accepted are quite low.
Let’s assume I do get accepted. I know the chances of getting your first placement choice are extremely slim, and that most participants end up in rather rural areas. However, I’m married to a Japanese national (same-sex partner, married in France). My partner currently lives in France with me but is considering moving back to Tokyo, where he’s from, next year.
Naturally, I would prefer to be placed close to him—ideally somewhere within the 23 wards of Tokyo. How likely is it that mentioning my spouse lives in Tokyo would increase my chances of being placed there as well?
I understand they won’t create a position in Tokyo just because one applicant has a spouse living there, but the program does mention trying to place applicants near their spouses.
How does that process work exactly? Is there a set number of positions within Tokyo? Do they review the list of applicants who select Tokyo as their first choice and prioritize those with spouses living there? Would I need to provide proof that my spouse lives in Tokyo and that he's unable to relocate elsewhere in Japan?
Also, are there official statistics on the number of positions available per city or prefecture? Additionally, do certain nationalities tend to be assigned to certain areas? Are placements for all applicants worldwide announced at the same time?
If this matters, I think I meet all the criteria for the JET program. My Japanese proficiency is fluent, and I have already lived in Tokyo for 3 years (2018-2021).
Applications in France seem to open in late January, so I’ll likely get more answers then, but I’d appreciate any information that could help me feel more confident—or cautious—about my decision to apply to the program.
Thanks in advance!
by Nathan__96