The J.E.T. programme.

[Inner Vessel]

Has anyone ever done it? What were your experiences like? I was seriously tempted to do it few years back.
http://www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp/JET.htm

[Daito]

Here's the one time I can actully be helpful.
I used to live in Japan and I worked as an ALT for the Saitama prefecture. I was directly hired by the board of education to work in junior high schools and some elementary schools. I met a few JETs during my stay. it's handy because the programme gets you the school, apartment, deals with the board of education, but you have no real control of where in Japan you'll go. Everyone wants Tokyo but in the end you'll wind up in Zushi or something. I would recommend direct hire but I think Saitama is the only prefecture that does it which may not be the case anymore as it would be cheaper to use dispach companys. Which I say to stay away from very shady dealings go on there trust me.

[Dahtac]

Has anyone ever done it? What were your experiences like? I was seriously tempted to do it few years back but I'm locked into a four year PhD now so I guess it's either wait or take a year out.

http://www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp/JET.htm

Same position I've been in as well. This was on my cards too before I picked up my PhD scholarship. The lack of say as to where you will be placed is probably the major downside, but anyone who I met who went on the program had a good time.

[MarkMI6]

I think the way they operate it is 'you've just been let into Japan for a year. Be happy. Now, off to the north island with you...'

[Dahtac]

I was tempted to apply for Okinawa at one stage. Would have been interesting I'd say