Applications Now Open: Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) Program

September 20, 2014 by Curtin CEL Team

The JET Programme began in 1988, and is aimed at promoting grass-roots international exchange between Japan and other countries. The number of countries sending participants has risen over the years, as has the number of participants. In 2013, the Programme welcomed 4,372 participants from 40 countries.

No matter where you go in Japan today, you will find JET participants developing strong relationships with their local communities through foreign language education and international exchange activities. After completing their time on the Programme, former JET participants use their experiences in Japan to continue enhancing relations between Japan and their home countries in a variety of careers.

Applications

The application process for the 2015 JET Programme is now open. Application deadline: C.O.B Friday, 21st November 2014
Application forms are available at the Consulate-General of Japan in Perth (call in advance to confirm availability), or can be downloaded from the Embassy of Japan website.
Applications are screened over December and January, with applicants being informed of their results by early February. Interviews for short-listed applicants are held from mid to late February in Canberra and each state capital. Interviewees are informed of the results of their interviews in April. Contracts are for one year, and can be renewed in certain instances for a further one or two years. Please note that no interviews are conducted overseas – including in Japan – for Australian applicants. NB: These pages contain information for Australian citizens only. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact a Japanese diplomatic mission in their home country, regardless of Australian Permanent Residency status.

Types of Positions

Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs)

ALTs are placed mainly in schools and boards of education. ALTs assist and team teach with Japanese teachers of language (JTL) and are thus involved in the preparation of teaching materials and in extracurricular activities like English clubs or sports teams. More than 90% of JET participants are appointed as ALTs.

Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs)

Those with a functional command of the Japanese language can work as CIRs, placed in local government offices or international exchange organisations. CIRs work for local government assisting with international exchange activities in a variety of ways that may include translation, interpretation, editing and producing pamphlets and advising and planning international activities.