The JET Programme is Your Ticket to Japan

By Bill Williams

Have you thought about staying in Japan for an extended period of time? Many people share this dream because they wish to understand the culture and rich history of the Land of the Rising Sun.

However Japan is a pricey place to live, and this is a problem that seems to derail the plans of many hopeful people. If a year in Japan or a Japan job assignment is really a dream of yours then you need to things about applying for the JET Programme. You might just be on your way to realizing your dream in a very short period of time.

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme was created to increase international exchange between Japan and participants from other countries. The program was seen as a way to promote cooperation and friendship between multiple countries. From its founding in 1987, the JET Programme has grown quickly. It began with only 848 participants from 4 countries, but this year JET Programme participants included nearly 5,000 young people from 38 counties. Participants can arrange to live in Japan for one year, but can now opt to stay in the country for up to five years.

Participants are contracted to teaching, translating or advisory jobs and are treated much the same as other workers who are on staff. The Japan jobs that are awarded to these individuals are in many different areas and locations. They may work with the local governments or they may be stationed to work with public schools and in other educational settings that are found throughout Japan.

The objective is clear: to create ties between the JET participants and the local Japanese citizens, especially young people. This interaction between differing cultures occurs on a one-to-one basis. It is hoped that by working and living together individuals will develop new understanding and interest in people from other societies. Participants who are given a Japan job may be placed in big cities, medium-sized cities, and tiny mountain villages.

Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) tend to work at prefectural government offices and are responsible for international education capacities. Their standard duties include interpreting for government officers, advising and executing international exchanges, instructing foreign languages, and editing and producing brochures in English or Japanese. About 5% of the participants work in the CIR positions.

Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) who are sent to public schools or city boards of education. Assisting to create teaching materials, helping with language activities with the students and helping with classes lead by Japanese Teachers of English. Well over 90% of JET Programme members become Assistant Language Teachers.

Sports Exchange Advisors (SEAs) work in local governments whose duties include teaching and exchanging ideas through sports. The function of the Sports Exchange Advisors is to help with training sports players and executing sports projects.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in addition to each participating country's Japanese Embassy, executes the interviewing and hiring process for selecting the participants. The process for Sports Exchange Advisors is set up slightly differently. These applicants have to be recommended by their country's National Olympic Committee or by a different national sports organization. The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) manages the JET Programme and organizes several local government organizations. These organizations may include the MFA; Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications; and MEXT.

JETs interact with citizens from more than 1,100 local communities that are spread around the entire country. The locations can vary from a modern metropolitan city to isolated farming and mountain villages. JET Programme participants introduce their own ideas and experiences to the locals and also they learn a great deal about the society and character of the Japanese people. The diverse backgrounds of each JET Programme participant make it likely that their personal experiences in Japan are interesting and rewarding.

An extensive assistance network is in place to help the JETs with difficulties they may have. This may include such problems as introducing these individuals English-speaking doctors or letting an advisor assist them in clearing up any unintentional misunderstandings. There are also counselors available to help participants cope with the culture shock that they are likely to feel.

Since it's beginning the JET Programme has hosted over 50,000 participants. The JET Alumni Association (JETAA), an independent organization, also boasts more than 20,000 members living in 16 countries, and includes more than 50 chapters. - 30215

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here