Have you thought about staying in Japan for a year or more? Many people share this fascination with Japan because they long to see the culture and rich history of this country.
However Japan can be a very expensive place to stay, and this is a stumbling block that seems to get in the way of many hopeful individuals. 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 could just be on your way to living out your dream quicker than you think.
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme was chartered to facilitate international exchange between Japan and participants from other nations. The program was intended as a way to promote understanding and friendship between multiple countries.
From its founding in 1987, the JET Programme has expanded quickly. It launched with just 848 participants born in 4 countries, but this year JET programme participants numbered 4,682 young people from 38 counties. Participants can contract to live in Japan for one year, but can now decide to stay in the country for up to five years.
Participants are hired for teaching, translating or advisory jobs 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 regions and cities. They may work with the local governments or they may be stationed to assist in junior high schools and in other educational branches that are found throughout Japan.
The goal is obvious: to establish ties between the JET participants and local Japanese, especially children. This interaction between the two backgrounds happens on a one-to-one basis. It is expected that by working and living together people will develop new tolerance and acceptance of people from other cultures. Participants who are assigned a Japan job may be placed in large cities, medium-sized cities, and tiny mountain villages.
JET Programme participants typically are assigned to fill one of three types of positions.
Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) usually work in local government offices and are involved in international education events. Their essential tasks include interpreting for government officials, organizing and planning international events, instructing English, and editing and publishing materials in English or Japanese. About 5% of the participants receive CIR placements.
Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) who are placed in public schools or city boards of education. Helping to prepare teaching materials, helping with language activities with the students and assisting with classes taught by Japanese Teachers of English. Over 90% of the participants come in as Assistant Language Teachers.
Sports Exchange Advisors (SEAs) work in local governments whose duties consist of teaching and exchanging ideas through sports. The role of the Sports Exchange Advisors is to assist with training sports players and executing sports projects.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in conjunction with each participating nation’s Japanese Embassy, undertakes the application and hiring process for selecting the participants. The process for Sports Exchange Advisors is managed somewhat differently. These applicants have to be recommended by their country’s National Olympic Committee or by a different government committee.
The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) manages the JET Programme and works with a number of local government organizations. These organizations include the MFA; Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications; and MEXT.
JETs interact with Japanese from over 1,100 local communities that are scattered around the entire country. The assignments can vary from a modern metropolitan city to rural farming and mountain villages.
JET Programme participants introduce their own ideas and experiences with the locals and simultaneously they learn a great deal about the history and culture of the Japanese people. The diverse backgrounds of each JET Programme participant will help ensure that their personal experiences in Japan are interesting and rewarding.
An extensive assistance system exists to help the JETs with difficulties they face. This sometimes includes such problems as introducing these individuals English-speaking doctors or letting an advisor assist them in taking care of any personal issues. There are even advisors available to help participants cope with the culture shock that they are likely to feel.
Since it first began the JET Programme has employed in excess of 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 branches.
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