Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme

Are you interested in living, working, teaching and learning in Japan? The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program seeks to help enhance internationalization in Japan by promoting mutual understanding between Japan and other nations.  The Program also helps to develop foreign language education in Japan, and to promote international exchange at the local level through fostering ties between Japanese youth and JET Program participants from around the world.  The objectives of the Program are being achieved by offering college/university graduates the opportunity to serve in local governments or public elementary, junior high and high schools throughout Japan. 

The Program started in 1987 with the cooperation of the governments of the then 4 participating countries with nearly 300 participants.  As of the year 2009, there are nearly 5,500 current JET participants living and working in Japan from 36 countries worldwide, nearly 40 of whom departed from Portland, Oregon this past August. 

There are two positions offered by the JET Program.  Individuals selected to serve as Coordinators for International Relations, or CIRs, will be placed in the offices of prefectural governments, cities and towns throughout Japan.  Individuals selected to serve as Assistant Language Teachers, or ALTs, will be placed mainly in publicly run schools or local boards of education. 

Applicants for both positions must (1) be nationals of the country in which the recruitment and selection procedures take place, and (2) hold a bachelor’s degree or obtain one by the end of June 2010.  Candidates applying for a position as a CIR must also have a functional command of the Japanese language.  There are no language requirements for the ALT position.  Contracts are for one year commencing in late July or early August 2010.  They are renewable by mutual consent between the contracting organization and the JET participant for up to four additional years.

Here are what some recent JET participants have to say about their experiences:

"Through this program, my colleagues, the local teachers, the students, the local people and I have been able to learn many things; primarily to appreciate and respect other people's culture and heritage." - Agnes Peters Lepcha, Kumamoto

"Many of my students... run to hug me when they see me, I still get applause when I walk into some classrooms and my supervisor calls me "Amy the rock star." If being a rock star means that I feel everyone's love and excitment, then I guess I am proud to be one. I get all of those feelings every day from my students and the folks it has been my privilege to work with here in my little town." - Amy Stark, Hokkaido

The DEADLINE to apply is November 24, 2009.

If you are interested in international exchange, teaching English or coaching a sports team abroad, or in Japanese culture and language, please join us for our upcoming information session to learn more about this unique opportunity.

Representatives from JET will be visiting the University of Oregon campus on October 27 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Career Center Conference Room (220 Hendricks Hall).