The Hidden Costs of The JET Process

Yes, the JET application is free. The JET application process is not even close to free however.

I'm not going to get all metaphorical and talk about the hidden emotional and mental 'costs' of applying. Just because I don't need to; there are enough very real, very tangible, hidden monetary costs.

Though maybe I shouldn't say 'hidden', that sounds a little malicious on the part of JET, and that's not what I mean. Maybe unexpected? Unforeseen? That's a little wordy for a blog post title though.

Anyway, let's look at some of the ways the JET program makes your wallet lighter way before you spend all of the money intended for 'key money' getting drunk at Tokyo orientation.

First and most substantially is the cost of going to the interview (should you make it that far). If you don't live within commuting distance of only a handful of major U.S. cities you will likely be flying (or road-triping), staying at a hotel, and taking a cab for your interview.

And spending the money at this stage is a real gamble because it is entirely possible to drop a few hundred dollars to get to an interview only to be rejected.

Another reason to bring your 'A' game to the interview.

Though you may laugh at this next one, the collective cost of the seemingly non-stop parade of shit that needs to be Fedex-ed throughout the application process does begin to add up by departure time.

And if you're like me, sending things at the last minute, it can be a substantial cost that sneaks up on you. Fedex-ing the application itself. Fedex-ing the reply packet (if you make it). Fedex-ing forms into the black holes of the FBI and IRS. Fedex-ing your Visa application. Fedexi-ing your replies from the FBI and IRS. You get the idea.

And the FBI and IRS forms are naturally not free. And neither are the fingerprints needed for the FBI check.

That's just the mandatory stuff.

If you're straight out of college, chances are you need to buy real-world clothes. Possibly luggage. Maybe a new digital camera.

And let's not forget my favorite, the omiyage.