Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme

The Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Programme—commonly referred to as JET— is a government-sponsored program that invites university graduates to participate in an international exchange opportunity in Japan. Participants can be placed anywhere in the country, including major cities like Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Osaka. Through their work as Assistant Language Teachers, JET participants act as representatives of their home countries and play a crucial role in promoting international understanding and cultural exchange.

Japan is a country that has been enticing EFL teachers for decades. With a fascinating culture, ancient traditions, and a strong TEFL jobs market it’s easy to see why. Japan is one of the world’s most developed nations. And with a population that’s hungry to learn English, the JET Programme gives graduates the chance to experience Japanese culture and etiquette. Furthermore, the programme offers a gateway into the Japanese professional world, the chance to help young learners, and the opportunity to travel around the country. 

With more support than a typical TEFL job, the JET Programme in Japan is an excellent option for new teachers and those who have little experience living abroad. But, how to become an English teacher in Japan? What are the requirements, what’s included for participants, and how do you apply? We take a look at everything you need to know about how to become an English teacher in Japan and securing a coveted place on the JET Programme!

The History of the JET Programme

The JET Programme started as the “British English Teachers Scheme” in 1978. It then opened up to American teaching assistants in 1977, before adding additional countries and becoming the JET Programme in 1987. Today, it currently accepts participants from over 57 nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland. 

The Japanese government states its aims are to: "increase mutual understanding between the people of Japan and the people of other nations, to promote internationalisation in Japan's local communities by helping to improve foreign language education, and to develop international exchange at the community level."

By 2020, JET had over 3,105 US participants, 560 British participants, and 343 Australian participants, amongst many others.

What do Assistant Language Teachers do on the JET Programme?

The exact duties of ALTs can vary depending on the school, but typically you’ll be involved in preparing teaching materials, teaching classes alongside a Japanese teacher, taking part in extracurricular activities, and possibly working across different schools in the same area.

Children in Japan start learning English in schools at the age of 10, but with English education largely focused on reading and writing, speaking skills are often not as advanced. As a fluent English speaker, your role will be to help enhance these communication and oral skills.

The requirements for JET are relatively straightforward, but the Japanese government does have specific criteria you must meet. These include:

• A bachelor's degree in any subject.
• You must be a citizen of a country where recruitment can take place.
• You cannot be a Japanese citizen; you must renounce your citizenship to join the programme if you’re currently a Japanese citizen.
• You must have superb speaking skills in your designated language.
• You need fantastic writing skills in your designated language.
• You must have a profound interest in Japan and the culture of Japan.
• You must not have lived in Japan for 6 years or more since 2000.
• You cannot be a former participant in the JET Programme.

Accepting Your Role on the JET Programme

Once applicants are offered a position, they must formally submit their letter of acceptance or rejection. Furthermore, you must present the results of a physical examination from the last three months. Successful applicants then must send their contact information to allow officials to send materials and information closer to the departure date. 

It’s important to note that you won’t be reimbursed for the cost of acquiring the various documents required during the application process and anything you send off won’t be returned to you. The JET Programme application process is very strict, so you really need to take care at every stage that you’ve done everything correctly.

Applying for the Jet Programme

First of all, you need to complete an online application, which can accessed be via the JET website. Applications usually open around October. Next, you’ll need to get your application pack ready. There are a lot of different documents you’ll be required to attach, including several photocopies of each. Once it’s complete, participants need to go to the Japanese Embassy before the deadline. Prospective participants must send their application—with a self-reported medical form and a statement of purpose—in November or December of the year before they depart. 

Interviewing for JET

Those who pass the initial phase will then have interviews in major cities. These interviews usually take place in February. People can apply from within Japan—which is superb if teachers already live there—but the programme doesn't offer any interviews inside Japan. Applicants must conduct their interviews in their home nations, so prepare yourself to travel to your home country. A panel of former JET members, embassy officials, consulate staff, and government officials conduct the interview. It’s likely to last twenty minutes.