Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program
Overview
Founded in 1987, the JET Program has welcomed more than 80,000 participants from over 80 countries, including more than 39,000 Americans, to work in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan. As Japan’s government-managed teaching exchange program, JET offers participants a unique opportunity to live, work, and build connections in Japan while engaging in cultural exchange. For more information about the program, please visit the JET USA official website.
Positions
Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)
ALTs are engaged in language instruction and make up over 90% of all JET Program participants. They are mainly assigned to local boards of education or elementary, junior high or senior high schools and carry out their duties under the guidance of language teachers’ consultants or Japanese teachers of English (JTEs) as specified by the supervisor and/or principal of the board of education and/or school.
Coordinator for International Relations (CIR)
CIRs are engaged in internationalization activities and translation/interpretation, and are placed in administrative offices of local authorities or related organizations. This position requires a high-degree of fluency and positions are less than 10% of all JET Program participants. Their duties are carried out as specified by the supervisor at individual contracting organizations.
Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA)
Unlike the ALT and CIR positions, the SEA position is NOT included in the yearly application cycle. Recruitment is only conducted when notice is received from a Contracting Organization, and will be targeted specifically at those with coaching qualifications or experience.
For more information on eligibility criteria, please refer to here.
Eligibility Criteria
JET Program applicants in the United States must:- Be a US citizen by the application deadline.
- Complete a Bachelor's degree by late June of the year of departure for Japan.
- Have native-level English proficiency.
- Not have lived in Japan for six or more years in the ten-year period prior to departure for Japan.
For more information on eligibility criteria, please refer to here.
Timeline
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Application Available: |
Early Autumn |
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Application Deadline: |
November |
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1st Stage Results: |
January |
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Interview: |
Late January/Early February |
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Interview Result: |
March - April |
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Deadline to Accept: |
April |
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Early Arrival Period: |
April - July |
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Main Arrivals: |
Late July/Early August |
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Post-Arrival Orientation: |
Typically the next business day after arrival |
2027 Info Session Schedule
The JET Program representatives will be holding information sessions and answering questions about the 2027 JET Program throughout September and October. Visit here to find a session time and location near you.Schedule is subject to change. Follow us on social media for updates!
How To Apply
Current Application Status: OPEN
When available, applications can be accessed through the official website.