Overview of the JET Programme
The programme primarily places participants in local governments, boards of education, and public schools across Japan, where they support foreign language instruction and international exchange activities. Through these efforts, the JET Programme promotes grassroots internationalization and fosters mutual understanding between Japan and other countries.
Number of JET Participants
Over from80,000
82countries
Accomplishments
More than 80,000 people from 82 countries have participated in the JET Programme since it started in 1987. Currently, approximately 1,000 local public organisations (contracting organisations), including 46 prefectures and 18 designated cities employ JET Programme participants.
Each JET Programme participant is employed as one of the following positions: Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), Coordinator for International Relations (CIR), or Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA).
All JET participants, regardless of their title, are here for the same reason: to interact with local communities to promote internationalisation at the local level.
Assistant Language Teacher（ALT）
Assist with language instruction in elementary, junior high, and senior high schools.
Coordinator for International Relations（CIR）
Engage in translation and interpretation, and plan/implement international exchange activities.
Sports Exchange Advisor（SEA）
Promote international exchange through sports instruction.
JET participants are placed with local government organisations (contracting organisations) throughout Japan in every imaginable locality, including large cities, small and medium-sized towns, and rural farming and fishing villages.
A one-year appointment on the JET Programme could be the perfect opportunity for you to broaden your horizons and start a new chapter in life.
About JET Programme Recruitment
Applying to participate on the JET Programme is a long and competitive process. However, the rewards of being chosen are well worth the effort. Successful applicants receive a one-year term of appointment with a contracting organisation in Japan.
Eligibility
You can view the eligibility requirements for the JET Programme here. Key points such as the required period of residence in Japan and past participation history are included, so please check them before applying.
JET Programme Application Process
Here is the application procedure for the JET Programme. Applications must be submitted through the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Testimonials
Breathe in, breathe out, and come enjoy being both side of the medal! I certainly do not regret it.
Joke is on me now, is it?
I am still at a loss whether I want to become a certified teacher once I head back to Canada. Even so, briefly turning into the person (rightfully) staring towards the back of the class is infinitely edifying. Past the first year, you get to follow your students’ English journey from beginning to end. You see them grow (and sometimes, amusingly outgrow their uniforms) at lightning speed.
What is the most bizarre thing about all of this? You get to do the exact same thing (except, maybe, the uniform part), at the exact same time. Coming to Japan might make you an educator, but it most notably makes you a student.
Breathe in, breathe out, and come enjoy being both side of the medal! I certainly do not regret it.
Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)
Frédérique Gamache
Prefectures：Niigata
FAQ
What is the JET Programme?
The JET Programme is an expansive exchange programme administered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) in Japan. Through the JET Programme, people from participating countries are invited to Japan and appointed to work as ALTs, CIRs or SEAs by local governments or private schools in Japan for one year. The JET Programme aims to promote internationalisation in Japan’s local communities by improving foreign language education and fostering international exchange at the community level.
What are the general criteria for joining the JET Programme?
Please refer to the eligibility criteria section.
Eligibility
Is there a minimum/maximum age requirement for applying to the JET Programme?
No, as long as applicants meet all other eligibility criteria, there is no age requirement limit. However, applicants will be judged on maturity, professionalism, and ability to adjust to other cultures.
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