JET Programme participants are outstanding university graduates who have been screened and selected in their home countries by overseas missions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. All participants have demonstrated a strong motivation to work in Japan and are expected to be able to function as ambassadors who form bridges between Japan and their home countries.
What is the JET Programme?
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme is a programme that primarily invites young college graduates from overseas to work for local governments and other organisations to enhance foreign language education and promote international exchange in local communities. The programme is administered through the collaboration of Japan’s local government authorities, 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).
Who are JET Programme Participants
JET Programme participants are outstanding university graduates who have been screened and selected in their home countries by overseas missions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. All participants have demonstrated a strong motivation to work in Japan and are expected to be able to function as ambassadors who form bridges between Japan and their home countries.
There are three categories of JET Programme participants, as follows.
Assistant Language Teacher（ALT）
approximately 90%
ALTs are usually assigned to schools or to Boards of Education. Their role is to be involved in foreign language instruction as assistants to Japanese teachers of foreign languages, to assist in the preparation of teaching materials, and to participate in extra-curricular activities, such as English language workshops.
Coordinator for International Relations（CIR）
approximately 9%
CIRs are assigned to the international relations departments of local governments. Their role is to support the international activities undertaken by those local governments (e.g. international exchange events, translation, and interpreting). In order to be able to carry out these duties, CIRs must have a high level of Japanese language ability (JLPT N2 – N1).
Sports Exchange Advisor（SEA）
approximately 1%
SEAs are assigned to local governments, where they work as sports instructors. As experts in specific sports, SEAs are involved in international exchange activities through the provision of instruction in sports training methods and the planning of sports related projects.
Common Qualities among JET Programme Participants
- They have experience working in Japanese organisations and are familiar with Japan’s unique business culture
- They have experience speaking publicly and have strong presentation skills
- They demonstrate outstanding flexibility and quick learning skills, cultivated by having to undertake a diverse range of duties in unfamiliar environments
- They are strong self-starters, used to creating and completing work independently, thanks to familiarity with working in small teams
- They possess a unique network due to their work experience in schools, local government, and other public institutions.
- There are some participants who have work experience in a wide variety of fields
See JET in Action
JET Promotional Video
JET Programme Experiences
JET Programme Career Fair
CLAIR hosts career fairs for JET participants in major cities in Japan to respond to both the interests of JET Programme participants seeking employment in Japan and Japanese companies/organisations seeking multilingual, global personnel.
JET Programme Career Fairs are held by CLAIR annually between February and March. In addition, CLAIR supports other local governments in hosting career fairs for local companies, JET participants, and study abroad students.
JET Programme Internship
JET Programme participants are talented individuals who possess excellent intercultural communication skills, and understand the structure and culture of Japanese work environments. Please consider hosting an intern to help internationalise and energize your business, and explore areas where global personnel can excel within your company. (Offices where the language of communication is primarily Japanese are preferred).
Contact Us
Coordination Division
If you have questions about the overall administration of the JET Programme or career‑related matters, please contact this division.
Main responsibilities include:
- Planning programme initiatives such as those for Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and preparing public relations materials
- Planning and managing the Post-Arrival Orientation, Mid-Year Conferences, and Non-Recontracting Participants Seminar
- Recruitment, selection, placement, and reappointment procedures for participants, as well as travel support
- Career support initiatives, including career fairs and internship programmes
- Coordination relating to JETOB and JETAA
Business Hours: 9:00-17:45
Training and Counseling Division
For enquiries about daily life, wellbeing, or programme regulations, please contact this division.
Main responsibilities include:
- Providing consultation on insurance, remuneration, taxes, reimbursable expenses, and reappointment
- Online counseling, mental‑health counseling subsidies, and emergency support
- Providing information during disasters and guidance on employment regulations
- Various training sessions and orientations, including the JET Japanese-language courses
- Producing handbooks, manuals, and other training materials
Business Hours: 9:00-17:45
Please select the category that applies to you from the options below.
Are you currently employing a JET participant?
Which division would you like to contact?
For enquiries regarding the overall administration of the JET Programme or matters related to career support, please contact us here.
Main responsibilities include:
- Planning programme initiatives such as those for Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and preparing public relations materials
- Planning and managing the Post-Arrival Orientation, Mid-Year Conferences, and Non-Recontracting Participants Seminar
- Recruitment, selection, placement, and reappointment procedures for participants, as well as travel support
- Career support initiatives, including career fairs and internship programmes
- Coordination relating to JETOB and JETAA
For enquiries about daily life, wellbeing, or programme regulations, please contact this division.
Main responsibilities include:
- Providing consultation on insurance, remuneration, taxes, reimbursable expenses, and reappointment
- Online counselling, mental‑health counselling subsidies, and emergency support
- Providing information during disasters and guidance on employment regulations
- Various training sessions and orientations, including the JET Japanese-language courses
- Producing handbooks, manuals, and other training materials
Coordination Division
Training and Counseling Division
Have you already contacted your contracting organisation’s JET supervisor?
Have you already consulted your PA (Prefectural Advisor)?
Please contact your contracting
organisation’s JET representative
first.
If you cannot reach them,
please consult your PA (Prefectural
Advisor).
CLAIR contact details are listed in the CLAIR News email
—please check
there.
If you are not receiving CLAIR News,
please contact your
supervisor or PA.
Please contact your PA (Prefectural Advisor) first.
Please contact the nearest Japanese embassy /
consulate in your home country.
Please contact the office below.
