Have you considered staying in Japan for a year or more? Many people share this dream because they long to understand the culture and long history of the Land of the Rising Sun.

However Japan is a pricey place to live, and this is a difficult issue that seems to discourage many hopeful individuals. If a year in Japan or a Japan job assignment is really something you’re considering then you need to investigate the JET Programme. You might just be on your way to achieving your dream quicker than you think.

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 positions and are treated much the same as other workers who are on staff. The Japan jobs that are given to these individuals are in various areas and cities. They may perform tasks related to the local governments or they may be asked to work with public schools and in other educational branches 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 involved in international exchange activities. Their essential duties include interpreting for government officials, organizing and planning international events, instructing foreign languages, and editing and publishing promotional materials in English or Japanese. About 5% of JET participants are placed in CIR positions.

Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) who are sent to public schools or city boards of education. Assisting to prepare lessons, participating in language activities with the students and helping with classes managed by Japanese Teachers of English. Over 90% of JET Programme members are placed as Assistant Language Teachers.

Sports Exchange Advisors (SEAs) work in local governments whose jobs include coaching and sharing ideas through sports. The function of the Sports Exchange Advisors is to help with coaching sports players and planning sports events.

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 employed more than 50,000 participants. The JET Alumni Association (JETAA), an independent organization, also boasts more than 20,000 members from 16 countries, and includes more than 50 chapters.

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