This page is for the 2026 Program’s Washington, D.C. Cohort (shortlist participants and alternate candidates).

Further guides, documents, and presentations will be added to this page leading up to 2026 departures. Please reach out to your DC Coordinators if you have any questions.

 

Guides for 2026 Program

From the DC Coordinators: 2026 DC Document Submission Instructions

From the JET Portal: ‘Further Documents’ Tab for 2026 Participants

From JET Programme/CLAIR: 2026 General Information Handbook

 

Upcoming Document Deadlines

Friday, June 26th (For shortlist and upgraded candidates)

IMPORTANT: As shortlist and upgraded JET candidates must turn in their official passports by the end of June for visa processing, this is a reminder that departees should not plan any international trips for about a month prior to departure. If you must leave the country during this time, contact the JET Office as soon as possible. If you are living abroad and will not return to the US until close to departure, please contact the JET Office as soon as possible.

 

Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) & Farewell Reception

Friday, July 31st (For shortlist and upgraded candidates)

  • MANDATORY FOR JET PARTICIPANTS DEPARTING FROM DC
    • Our orientation and farewell reception will take place at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. and will be carried out the day before the flight from IAD to HND.
    • Please mark your calendars accordingly. More details about Pre-Departure Orientation and the Farewell Reception will be shared as we get closer to departure.

 

NEXT JET Mentorship Program

To register for the 2026 Cohort: https://usjetaa.org/nextjet-mentorship

Registration for the NEXT JET Mentorship Program is open! For all departing U.S. JETs and alternates, NEXT JET is an opportunity to connect with JET alumni and current JET participants as you prepare for your new life in Japan. The program is supported by our alumni associations, USJETAA and JETAA USA. You can join at any time!

NEXT JET runs from early May through July and includes:
• Discord community spaces for ongoing conversation between mentors and mentees
• Twice-monthly Hanashi-kai sessions on Zoom in the spring and summer
• Several Special Interest Groups to help you prepare for your next chapter abroad

 

Online DC Summer Workshops (COMPLETED)

JET Program USA Office held 6-7 workshops for the 2026 DC Cohort. While these workshops were optional for both shortlist and alternate candidates, they were great resources and provided an additional space for departees to speak with their JET Program Coordinators and ask questions! The workshops were hosted through June 2026 and July 2026, and several of the workshops featured appearances from JET alumni and current JET participants whoprovided firsthand insight about life in Japan.

Workshop #1: Preparation for Japan (via Zoom)

COMPLETED.  Date: Tuesday, June 9th 7:30-8:30pm – Japan Survival Guide, Workshop #1 Questions, and Presentation slides

  • This workshop covered tasks and steps to complete in the months leading up to departure.
  • We discussed what to pack, flight baggage allowance, legal and financial obligations to consider, important documents for departure & life in Japan, and more.

Workshop #2: General Safety and Legal Considerations (via Zoom)

COMPLETED. Date: Tuesday, June 16th 7:30-8:30pm – Presentation slides, General Safety & Japanese Law – Resources Sheet

  • This workshop covered topics generally related to personal safety in Japan, including disaster preparedness, important laws, and various cultural considerations.
  • We shared valuable resources for improving one’s wellness and safety on the JET Program.

Workshop #3: Money Matters (via Zoom)

COMPLETED. Date: Tuesday, June 23rd 7:30-8:30pm – Presentation slides, Money Matters – Links and Resources Sheet

  • This workshop discussed how much money to bring to Japan, personal finances while on the program, U.S. tax obligations while abroad, banking in Japan, and much more!

Workshop #4: Navigating Culture Shock & Getting Involved in your Community (via Zoom)

COMPLETED. Date: Tuesday, June 30th 7:30-8:30pm – Navigating Culture Shock / W-Curve Presentation

  • JET alumni and Program Coordinators presented about their JET experience during this session and took questions.

Workshop #5: Seeking Care in Japan & Staying Healthy (via Zoom)

COMPLETED. Date: Tuesday, July 7th 7:30-8:30pm – Seeking Care & Staying Healthy Presentation

  • This session covered medical care and finding treatment in Japan, online mental health resources, JET Accident Insurance, and advice for navigating dietary restrictions

Workshop #6: Japanese Schools – Daily Life as an ALT (via Zoom) – 

COMPLETED. Date: Tuesday, July 14th 7:30-8:30pm – Presentation slides, Daily Life as an ALT Resources Sheet

  • JET alumni and Program Coordinators presented during this session and took questions.

Final: Meet the Cohort! (via Zoom)

COMPLETED. Date: Tuesday, July 21st 7:30-8:30pm

  • Cohort members stopped by to chat, play Kahoot, and ask questions to the coordinators!