About the
JET Programme
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme is a Japanese government sponsored exchange programme that offers university graduates opportunities to work in Japan as either an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) team teaching with a Japanese Teacher of English in elementary, junior and senior high schools or a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) in selected local government offices in Japan.
For over 30 years, the JET Programme has invited enthusiastic university graduates from around the world to work in Japanese schools and cultural organizations. In the process JET participants gain valuable work and life experience as well as having the opportunity to be fully immersed in the daily reality of this intriguing and dynamic country.
As the JET Programme has achieved an excellent reputation over the last 35 years, it is of great importance that this reputation be maintained. Participants are invited to Japan as representatives of their countries. As such, they are expected to be responsible in all their activities, especially those concerning the promotion of mutual understanding between nations. It is therefore desirable that participants be adaptable, mentally and physically capable of performing the job duties, and have a deep interest in Japan.
Generally, participants are appointed by a contracting organisation for a one-year period. The cost of transportation from the participant’s origin to Japan, as well as remuneration, will be funded by the tax payers of Japan via the contracting organisation where the participant is appointed. Because participants serve as civil servants of their contracting organisations, they are required to uphold behaviour befitting civil servants.
Why the JET Programme?
- Flexible contract, 1 year renewable contract up to 5 year
- High paying salary (3.36 million yen for the first year)
- Free round-trip airfare to Japan
- Accommodation assistance and affordable rent
- Medical, dental, and pension plan coverage
- Accident and employment insurance
- Free orientation and training seminars
- Free Japanese classes
- Placements throughout Japan
- At least 25 days of annual paid leave (including national holidays)
- An extensive and supportive alumni network
Run by the Government of Japan
CLAIR
Council of Local Authorities for International Relations
The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) manages the JET Programme in conjunction with the other Ministries listed below. CLAIR was established to promote and provide support for an increasing interest in local level internationalisation in Japan.
- Overseeing correspondence with the Ministries involved with recruitment and selection of new JET Programme participants
- Placement of participants in contracting organisations after being notified of successful applicants by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Conducting promotional activities regarding the JET Programme.
Providing assistance and guidance to contracting organisations. - Coordinating the re-appointment process between JET participants and contracting organisations.
- Preparing and implementing orientations and conferences such as the Tokyo Orientation, CIR and the Conference for Returning JETs.
- Providing support for ALT Prefectural Mid-year Seminars.
Preparing training materials such as Japanese language course material. - Providing counselling, guidance and other assistance for participants.
MoFA
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), through its embassies and consulates in each participating country, is the first line of contact for JET Programme participants. Based on the acceptance guidelines for each country, MOFA recruits and selects participants through overseas Embassies and Consulates.
- At overseas Embassies and Consulates, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold information sessions for interested applicants, review applications, hold interviews, and notify successful candidates.
- In addition, the Embassies and Consulates will hold pre-departure orientations and Q&A sessions help to ease anxieties and to ensure that new participants can begin the Programme fully prepared.
- Sponsors a “welcome back” reception and works closely with the local JETAA (JET Alumni Association).
MIC
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) is involved with the JET Programme in countless ways, most notably in administrative areas such as calculating financial resources and determining acceptance guidelines for each participating country.
- Contacts schools, local government offices and other organisations that employ JET Programme participants in order to compile assignments within Japan
- Creates acceptance guidelines and numbers for each participating country
- Allocates local taxes to help cover a portion of Programme expenses such as each participant’s remuneration and travel expenses.
MEXT
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) takes a proactive approach to helping ALTs by providing useful seminars and workshops at all of the JET Programme conferences.
Another fundamental charge of the MEXT is to evaluate and construct the education curriculum, implement policies, and to set education standards and texts. These policies and standards directly affect the classrooms where ALTs teach.
COs
Contracting Organisations
Contracting Organisations include Boards of Education, local schools, or government offices that hire JET Participants. The contract of employment that JET participants sign is between them and their Contracting Organisation.