The Cost of JET

One of the things that attracted me to apply to JET was that it was free...or so I thought. Consider these costs, but note that this is approximately what I paid in CAD in 2013/14 and costs will obviously vary depending on your situation. This is not meant to deter people from applying to JET, but rather to inform them of the reality they might face during the process.


*Needed for early departure, otherwise only after notified of shortlist or alternate status.

Applying Costs

Mailing in the application package (next day): $13
Transcript, if still in school: $12 (But I think I paid $25 to rush it)
*Doctor's visit for certificate of health: $85
*2-Step TB test (not X-ray cost): $50
*Criminal record check: $35
1 Passport photo: $10
Interview outfit (I bought a blazer, skirt, blouse, shoes, and hose): $140
Transportation to interview: Free thanks to my mother, but otherwise would've been ~$30
Passport (if you don't already have one): I did, but its $160 for a 10 year passport
TOTAL: $358+

Pre-departure and Tokyo Orientation Costs

Mailing in reply form, criminal record check, certificate of health, and confirmation of graduation: $12.37 + $12.37 = $24.74
3 Passport photos (2 for reply form, 1 for visa): $10 + $10 = $20
2 Passport photos for each dependent's visa: $10 + $10 = $20
Passports for dependents (if needed): $160 for spouse

Transportation to pre-departure orientation: $20
Accommodation for pre-departure orientation: free, thanks to a friend, but would have been $180 for cheapest university dorm lodgings
Materials fee for pre-departure orientation: $1.20
Food during pre-departure orientation: $50

Transportation for pre-departure mandatory farewell: $20
Food during pre-departure mandatory farewell: $40

Transportation to Toronto airport: Free thanks to my mother, but otherwise would have been $135 for a shuttle
Flight to Tokyo for dependents: $1116.16 (spouse) + $930.16 (child) = $2046.32
Shuttle to Keio for dependents: ~$32
Tokyo accommodation for dependents: ~$383 (includes breakfast for dependents)

Clothes and shoes: ~$1000
2 New laptops: ~$4000
Cellphone cancellation: $90
Luggage: ~$400 (luggage and carry-ons for the 3 of us)
Teaching materials, ex. maps, flags, photo books, etc. (optional): $40
Omiyage (optional): $25
TOTAL: $8667.26

Arrival and Start-up Costs (Including Costs Before First Paycheck)

Sending baggage to contracting organization: ~$25-50 per bag
Meals not included during orientation (dinner and dinner/lunch for dependents): $120

Shuttle to airport for flight to Tottori: $53 (spouse + child)
Flight from Tokyo to Tottori for dependents: $517 (spouse + child)

Tottori Prefectural Orientation: ~$100 (reimbursed by BOE later)

Housing: ~$1800 key money
Food: ~$300
Cellphone: ~$250 (2 phones, doesn't include monthly plan, which is about $70 each)
Internet: Didn't have to pay before first paycheck, but was ~$100 for setup
Furnishings: $800 to predecessor for various furnishings, plus money for other basic items (ex. shelves, clothes racks, futons, heaters, kitchen supplies, etc.)
TOTAL: $3965+