JET: Japan Exchange and Teaching Program
General Information
The JET Program is a competitive employment opportunity that allows young professionals to live and work in cities, towns, and villages throughout Japan. Being a JET is an opportunity to work and to represent the United States as cultural ambassadors to Japan. Most participants serve as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and work in public and private schools throughout Japan; some work as Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) as interpreters/translators.
Founded in 1987, JET has sent more than 77,000 participants from around the globe (including more than 39,200 Americans) and seeks participants who are adaptable, outgoing, and who have a deep interest in Japan. Only the best candidates are chosen to represent America. The JET Program typically receives 4,000-5,000 applications each year from U.S. applicants. Of these, 1,000-1,100 will be selected for participation on the JET Program. For 2023, there are 5,831 participants from 50 countries in the program.
The JET Program is implemented by contracting organizations of Japan in cooperation with the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). More information about each of the ministries and their relation to the JET Program can be found on the CLAIR website.
The application period runs from late September through mid-November each year. Early submission of applications is highly encouraged.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE JET PROGRAM
For specific questions, please contact us by e-mail: jethi@hl.mofa.go.jp
You can also find more information on the following sites.