The JET Programme provides various methods of support to ensure that participants can safely live and work in Japan.
From providing Japanese language courses, to mental health support systems and handling accidents and emergencies, the various types of support offered are listed on this page.
The ‘After JET Guide’ is also posted, which supports JET alumni after they leave the programme through things such as insurance or tax processes.
Overview・Support System
It is essential that JET Programme participants maintain healthy communication and work cooperatively with the members of their contracting organisations, including their supervisors, superiors, and colleagues. However, in any international setting, difficulties and misunderstandings may arise from time to time.
JET Programme Support System
JET Programme Support System
JET Programme Participant
Contracting Organisation(Superior/Supervisor/Colleagues)
Contracting Organisation (Superior/Supervisor/Colleagues)
Consult with participants and answer questions
Host Prefecture/Designated City (PA/Prefectural Advisor)
Assistance if problems cannot be solved between contacting organisations and JET Programme participants／
Provision of necessary information and training for contracting organisations and JET Programme participants
Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR)
Provision of support for contracting organisations and Host Prefectures/Designated Cities / JET Mental Health Counselling Assistance Programme (partial subsidy for professional counselling) / JET Online Counselling Service and Telephone Counselling Service / Provision of necessary information and training for contracting organisations and JET Programme participants
Home Country’s Embassy in Japan
JET Programme participants are to register their residence with their embassies in Japan / Embassies provide JET Programme participants with information/assistance in the event of an emergency
Contracting Organisation
If you are facing an issue or are unable to find certain information on your own, we advise you to consult with your supervisor at your contracting organisation. Your supervisor is someone with whom we encourage you to build a trusting relationship with from the start. Your supervisor will know your employment and living situation better than anyone and should be helpful with enquiries related to these matters. Please find out who your supervisor is as soon as you arrive and obtain emergency contact details for them.
Prefectural Advisor (PA)
Certain ALTs, CIRs, and Japanese local government employees serve as prefectural advisors in each Host Prefecture/Designated City and often work in the prefecture or designated city’s international affairs division or board of education. They can provide useful information for JET participants and contracting organisations, however JET participants should contact their contracting organisation before contacting a prefectural advisor.
Additional Support from CLAIR
In addition to discussing and maintaining healthy communications with contracting organisations, please review the information on the following two pages.
Examples of Who to Contact
- You have a question about your contract terms.
Ask your supervisor. As your employer, your CO is in the best position to answer contract-related questions. - After talking to your CO, you are concerned that the problem has not been solved.
Contact your Prefectural Advisor. They can help you to ensure smooth communication with your CO in case of a problem. - You have a question about a service offered by CLAIR.
Consult your supervisor first and then address your question to CLAIR if they are unable to help. - You have a question about an event organized for JETs in your prefecture.
Find out who is responsible for organizing the event (your CO? PAs? AJET?) and contact them. If you have trouble finding it out, ask your PA. - You have a question about the status of residence or paying taxes in Japan.
Refer to section 2 of the General Information Handbook first. If you can’t find an answer to your question, ask your supervisor. It is also advisable to contact the relevant institution (for example, the Regional Immigration Services Bureau). - You have a question about your apartment.
Refer to section ‘Questions & Problems Concerning Housing’ of the General Information Handbook.
Other Sources of Support
The General Information Handbook (GIH) appendix contains contact information for the following support services:
- Immigration Bureaus / Information Centres
- Workplace Harassment Consultation Centres
- Sexual Assault Enquiry/Consultation Centres
- Helplines and Various Support Groups
General Information Handbook
The General Information Handbook (GIH) is a resource full of useful information for JET Programme participants. We share the GIH with all new JETs and ask that they read through it before coming to Japan, as well as refer to it throughout their time on the programme.
*CLAIR forbids the unauthorised reproduction (copying, uploading, displaying, etc.) of any of the contents displayed on this website for commercial purposes. In addition, CLAIR requests that you refrain from any unauthorised use of the contents on this website outside the scope designated by copyright law.
Japanese Language Courses
We offer courses for JET participants with the aim of helping them improve their Japanese capabilities and knowledge about Japanese culture.
Mental Health Support
The JET Programme places great importance on the mental health of participants, and has arranged various support systems to ensure that participants can work and live safely in Japan.
Disaster and Emergency Support
CLAIR strives to promote safety in the event of earthquakes and other disasters during participation on the JET Programme.
Grants for JETs
CLAIR encourages this is by providing two kinds of grants exclusively for JET Programme participants: the TEFL Grant and the JLPT Grant.
Insurance and Taxes
This page contains easy to understand information and reference materials on insurance systems and how to enroll, as well as basic information on taxes.
Forms for Current JETs
Find various application forms necessary for JET participants here.
Information on updating contact details, handover, and reappointment procedures can be found.
After JET Guide
This page provides JET participants who are completing their appointment on the JET Programme with useful information and advice for preparing to leave Japan, as well as information about finding a job and pursuing higher education.
