Much like reentering the workforce in your home country or in Japan, returning to academia can happen after you’ve finished your JET contract or at any time after deciding to conclude your term on JET. This means your return to academia can begin before you leave Japan. If you’d like to jump right into a program directly after your contract, the process of researching and applying to schools should begin long before you end your contract. The After-JET Guide provided by CLAIR, specifically Chapter 3, “Further Education,” offers valuable insights and anecdotes about the application process and motivations for continuing your education.
Timeline
Princeton Review writes a detailed application timeline which is useful not only for most universities in the USA, but also worldwide. Use this as a general guide. For the schools you are applying to, you must of course check the examination requirements and application deadlines. While tests like the GRE are required for American universities, it is important to note this is not the case in other countries so make sure to check your university’s specific requirements.
May
Begin researching grad schools. Take a GRE practice test if you are going to the USA. Look into any other qualification exams.
June
Study for the GRE (USA). Register for the GRE general test if necessary.
July
Request information from schools that interest you. Consider paying a visit to your alma mater to meet up with a few former professors or reaching out to them via email. They can recommend good programs and may even help you make some connections.
August
Take the GRE (USA) general test. If you are not happy with your scores, sign up to take it again. Begin drafting your statement of purpose.
September
Register for the November GRE subject test (if necessary USA). Finalize your list of prospective schools, and familiarize yourself with the professors who share your research interests at each school. If you are applying in a different country than your home country, be sure to check how those universities prefer to have their recommendation letters written. Research what content is usually included and the format. This can differ from country to country. Then, contact your recommenders. Keep polishing your statement of purpose.
October
Request official transcripts from your undergraduate institution. Send your recommenders supplemental materials (resume, personal statement, etc.) that they can use as a reference. Make contact with students and professors at your prospective schools. Arrange a campus visit if you can. If you are going to a country with a language exam requirement, be sure to have those finished in October or as soon as possible.
November
Have someone in the field and a few smart (and honest) friends read over your personal statement. Take the GRE subject test (USA); make sure that your scores will be sent directly to schools. Try to connect with grad students at schools you are considering. They may be willing to offer advice or answer questions.
December
Complete and submit all grad applications, keeping copies of every section for your records. Verify that your recommendations have been sent.
Weighing Your Options
Before applying to graduate school, there are a few important factors to carefully consider.
First, determine whether pursuing a graduate degree is necessary for your goals. Graduate education is costly, time-consuming, and does not always guarantee a high-paying job or career advancement. It is essential to weigh what you will gain from the experience against the commitments—both financial and personal—required to complete it.
Second, keep in mind that in many fields, the reputation of your chosen school can significantly impact your professional standing, depending on the country. This means you should not only select an institution carefully but also consider your advisors, dissertation panel, thesis panel, and research labs. These choices will influence your networking opportunities and future prospects for research or further study. Additionally, university culture—particularly at the graduate level—varies by country, so it is crucial to understand these differences.
Third, verify whether the degree program you choose will be recognized in the country or region where you plan to work after graduation. Not all institutions are universally accepted, and you may find that your degree does not align with job market requirements in certain locations or industries.
Finally, consider funding. Financial support for graduate school is often highly competitive and difficult to secure. While scholarships, fellowships, and research assistantships are available, obtaining them can be challenging. However, securing initial funding increases the likelihood of receiving additional financial support in the future. In some countries, funding can also affect your professional reputation—for example, in certain fields in the U.S., self-funding a graduate degree may be viewed less favorably, whereas it is more common in other parts of the world. Be sure to thoroughly research the country where you plan to study and familiarize yourself with its graduate school culture.
School in Japan
All of the above concerns apply to Japanese graduate schools, but there are a few additional things you may need to take note of.
You need to have the financial resources to support your life in Japan in addition to your studies. Student visas also limit how many hours you can work part-time outside of school.
While there are many English programs available, you may find that you will need Japanese for your program or courses. This can be very challenging and you may not receive much support from faculty in this regard.
JET Alumni
Graduate School Recommendations
TESOL Focused Programs
MSU TESOL Masters and Ph.D
Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) Michigan State University (MSU) in coordination with Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) in Hikone, Japan has offered a Master of Arts in TESOL program starting in September 2022. Participants will study online, or in-person if travel allows, with some of the top faculty in the field, and have the opportunity to visit the Center in August to join two-week, face-to-face intensive courses with MSU faculty as a part of the program.
Hawaii Pacific University
Hawaii Pacific University (Honolulu, HI) This University offers small class sizes and a lot of individualized help from the Instructors. The TESOL Program in particular has both a Graduate and UnderGraduate options. They have a discount code that will waive the application fee for their program.
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
JET alumni are eligible to apply for select master’s programs at Penn GSE, with a guaranteed minimum scholarship of $15,000. Whether you’re looking to further your education or explore new career opportunities, Penn GSE provides both financial aid and the academic resources to support your post-JET journey.
Middlebury Institute of International Studies
Middlebury Institute of International Studies (Monterey, CA)- Alumni of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program are eligible for a guaranteed $10,000 annual scholarship to our master’s programs at the Middlebury Institute. You can start completing an MA in International Education Management online while on JET
American University International Training Program
The International Training and Education Program (ITEP) at American University (Washington, D.C.)- Recruits JET alumni for their international work experience, cultural exchange skills and interest in international education. ITEP offers up to 6 credits (3 credits per year) to JET alumni towards a 36 credit Master’s degree in International Training and Education.
International Relations/Policy/Cultural Study
Columbia University
Columbia’s Teachers College and School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) offer top-tier programs in education, linguistics, and global affairs. JET alumni can leverage their cross-cultural experience to pursue careers in TESOL, international education policy, or diplomacy.
The New School
Hawaii Pacific University (Honolulu, HI) This University offers small class sizes and a lot of individualized help from the Instructors. The TESOL Program in particular has both a Graduate and UnderGraduate options. They have a discount code that will waive the application fee for their program.
Middlebury Institute of International Studies
Middlebury Institute of International Studies (Monterey, CA)- Alumni of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program are eligible for a guaranteed $10,000 annual scholarship to our master’s programs at the Middlebury Institute. You can start completing an MA in International Education Management online while on JET
School for International Training
SIT focuses on experiential, globally engaged education, offering TESOL and international education programs. Former JETs benefit from its emphasis on intercultural communication, practical teaching methods, and small, immersive learning environments that align with their overseas teaching experience.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
With strong programs in TESOL, linguistics, and Asia-Pacific studies, UH Mānoa is ideal for JET alumni looking to deepen their understanding of Japan and language education. Its location provides a multicultural learning environment with strong ties to Japan.
Washington University
Known for its rigorous academics, WashU offers education and international relations programs that build on the cross-cultural skills gained in JET. Its research focus and networking opportunities help alumni transition into global education, policy, or nonprofit sectors.
Stanford University
Stanford’s Graduate School of Education and international studies programs provide cutting-edge research opportunities and leadership training. JET alumni can leverage their teaching experience to explore educational technology, policy, or global education development in an innovative academic setting.
AU School of International Service
AU’s SIS specializes in international relations, global education, and development. JET alumni can apply their cross-cultural skills to careers in diplomacy, education policy, or nonprofit work, benefiting from the school’s strong DC connections and career-focused programs.
Business Schools
Cornell University
Cornell University in Ithaca NY offers a variety of MBA programs in Ithaca New York and New York City. In addition, they offer a dual degree Finance MBA with the PBC School of Finance at Tsinghua University in Beijing
University of Pennsylvania
Penn’s Graduate School of Education and international affairs programs offer strong research opportunities and professional networks. Former JETs can develop expertise in language education, policy, or intercultural communication, benefiting from Ivy League resources and global partnerships.
University of South Carolina
USC offers well-regarded programs in international business and education. JET alumni can build on their teaching experience through TESOL, international education, or global studies, benefiting from USC’s affordability, strong faculty support, and study-abroad opportunities.
