| THE JAPAN EXCHANGE and TEACHING PROGRAM |
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The Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program invites young college and university graduates from overseas to participate in international exchange and foreign language education throughout Japan as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs). The program is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology; the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications and local governments throughout Japan, in cooperation with the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR).
Begun in 1987 with fewer than 1,000 participants, the JET Program has grown tremendously. Today, the program is one of Japan's largest cultural exchange programs, with over 4,300 participants taking part in the program this year from 39 countries. Nearly half of these participants are from the United States. There have been approximately 55,000 people spread across the world who have participated on the program.
Participants are invited to Japan as representatives of their home countries, and play an important role in promoting mutual understanding between nations. Although no prior teaching experience and no prior Japanese-language skills are necessary (for the ALT position), successful JET Program applicants must have a strong sense of responsibility, a genuine interest in learning about Japan, and an ability to adapt to a different culture and new situations.
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