 The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program began in 1987 as a way to introduce international culture and language throughout Japan. Since then, thousands of young university graduates from around the world have participated on the JET Program.
With its successful history and its support from the Japanese government, the JET Program remains one of the leading language and cultural exchange programs in the world.
Many JETs continue to promote intercultural and international awareness in their homes and careers long after completing the JET Program. Through the efforts of international JET Alumni Association groups, JETs are able to maintain their relationships not only with the program, but also with fellow former and future JET participants.
The United States of America has the highest percentage of JET participants. JET applicants from the United States can choose among three positions:
- ALT: Assistant Language Teachers (ALT) account for the highest percentage of JETs. ALTs work in elementary, junior high, or high schools, and sometimes also visit special needs or technical schools. ALTs support Japanese teachers in the classroom, and their duties largely consist of creating games, tests, and worksheets, as well as finding creative ways to promote English proficiency and intercultural learning.
- CIR: Coordinators for International Relations (CIR) are required to have an advanced level of Japanese proficiency, and often work in local government offices as liaisons between Japan and other countries. CIR responsibilities vary from position to position, but often include translation, working with international envoys and exchange groups, and occasionally teaching English.
- SEA: Sports Exchange Advisors (SEA) are the least common type of JET. SEAs promote international exchange activities through coaching of designated sports. They are generally placed in sporting facilities or local boards of education. SEAs follow a different application format, and the application season is in the spring. The United States only very rarely sends SEAs. Please check the JET Program USA webpage in January to see if there are any advertized positions.
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JET contracts are one year in length and, in some cases, can be renewed up to four times. Transportation to and from the contracting organization is paid for, as long as a JET fulfills his or her contract. JETs are also covered under Japan's national health insurance. Contracting organizations are obligated to provide housing for their JETs, although size, quality, and rent can vary from position to position.
 To be eligible to apply in the United States, applicants must be:
- U.S. Citizens by the application date (proven by submitting a copy of: a birth certificate, a passport, or naturalization papers)
- In principle, under forty years of age
- College graduates with at least a BA or BS -OR- a 3 year teaching degree; degree must be conferred before July 1 of the departure year
- Native or near native English speakers
- Interested in Japan
- Highly proficient in Japanese (for CIRs; no Japanese ability required for ALTs)
- Able to show they have not lived in Japan for six or more years in total
during the last ten years (since 2000)
 The wait period for JET alumni to reapply has changed from 10 years to 3! JET Alumni who finished the JET Program by 2007 are eligible
to apply for the 2010 year.
Non American applicants:
- Please see the main JET Programme site to see whether or not your country participates and what its eligibility qualifications are.
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The 2011 JET Program Deadline is: |
not yet determined
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| The 2010 JET Program Application Deadline has Passed |
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