What is the JET programme in Japan?
The Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Programme—commonly referred to as JET— is a government-sponsored program that invites university graduates to participate in an international exchange opportunity in Japan. Participants can be placed anywhere in the country, including major cities like Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Osaka. Through their work as Assistant Language Teachers, JET participants act as representatives of their home countries and play a crucial role in promoting international understanding and cultural exchange.
Japan is a country that has been enticing EFL teachers for decades. With a fascinating culture, ancient traditions, and a strong TEFL jobs market it’s easy to see why. Japan is one of the world’s most developed nations. And with a population that’s hungry to learn English, the JET Programme gives graduates the chance to experience Japanese culture and etiquette. Furthermore, the programme offers a gateway into the Japanese professional world, the chance to help young learners, and the opportunity to travel around the country.
With more support than a typical TEFL job, the JET Programme in Japan is an excellent option for new teachers and those who have little experience living abroad. But, how to become an English teacher in Japan? What are the requirements, what’s included for participants, and how do you apply? We take a look at everything you need to know about how to become an English teacher in Japan and securing a coveted place on the JET Programme!
The History of the JET Programme
The JET Programme started as the “British English Teachers Scheme” in 1978. It then opened up to American teaching assistants in 1977, before adding additional countries and becoming the JET Programme in 1987. Today, it currently accepts participants from over 57 nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland.
The Japanese government states its aims are to: "increase mutual understanding between the people of Japan and the people of other nations, to promote internationalisation in Japan's local communities by helping to improve foreign language education, and to develop international exchange at the community level."
By 2020, JET had over 3,105 US participants, 560 British participants, and 343 Australian participants, amongst many others.
What do Assistant Language Teachers do on the JET Programme?
Assistant Language Teachers act as assistants to Japanese English teachers, so you’re not expected to take classes solely on your own. For newly-qualified EFL teachers this can be a great way of easing yourself into teaching as you’re not fully responsible for classes and have the support of another teacher.The exact duties of ALTs can vary depending on the school, but typically you’ll be involved in preparing teaching materials, teaching classes alongside a Japanese teacher, taking part in extracurricular activities, and possibly working across different schools in the same area.
Children in Japan start learning English in schools at the age of 10, but with English education largely focused on reading and writing, speaking skills are often not as advanced. As a fluent English speaker, your role will be to help enhance these communication and oral skills.
What are the requirements for the JET Programme?
The requirements for JET are relatively straightforward, but the Japanese government does have specific criteria you must meet. These include:
- A bachelor's degree in any subject.
- You must be a citizen of a country where recruitment can take place.
- You cannot be a Japanese citizen; you must renounce your citizenship to join the programme if you’re currently a Japanese citizen.
- You must have superb speaking skills in your designated language.
- You need fantastic writing skills in your designated language.
- You must have a profound interest in Japan and the culture of Japan.
- You must not have lived in Japan for 6 years or more since 2000.
- You cannot be a former participant in the JET Programme.
The JET Programme Salary
The JET Programme offers a competitive salary for participants, starting at ¥3,360,000 per year (approximately $26,000 USD) for first-year participants. The salary increases with each additional year in the program, reaching ¥3,960,000 (around $30,000 USD) for participants in their fourth and fifth years.
Read more: Teaching English in Japan Salary
The JET Programme Application
Now let’s go through the application process.
Accepting Your Role on the JET Programme
Once applicants are offered a position, they must formally submit their letter of acceptance or rejection. Furthermore, you must present the results of a physical examination from the last three months. Successful applicants then must send their contact information to allow officials to send materials and information closer to the departure date.
Applicants learn about their placement details by July; however, they often learn about their placement by May. The departure date is either late July or early August. The JET Programme requires applicants to depart in a group from the same city—typically the city in which they were interviewed. Once applicants have arrived in Japan and begun working, they must attend post-arrival orientations and annual mid-year conferences.It’s important to note that you won’t be reimbursed for the cost of acquiring the various documents required during the application process and anything you send off won’t be returned to you. The JET Programme application process is very strict, so you really need to take care at every stage that you’ve done everything correctly.
Applying for the Jet Programme
First of all, you need to complete an online application, which can accessed be via the JET website. Applications usually open around October. Next, you’ll need to get your application pack ready. There are a lot of different documents you’ll be required to attach, including several photocopies of each. Once it’s complete, participants need to go to the Japanese Embassy before the deadline. Prospective participants must send their application—with a self-reported medical form and a statement of purpose—in November or December of the year before they depart.
Interviewing for JET
Those who pass the initial phase will then have interviews in major cities. These interviews usually take place in February. People can apply from within Japan—which is superb if teachers already live there—but the programme doesn't offer any interviews inside Japan. Applicants must conduct their interviews in their home nations, so prepare yourself to travel to your home country. A panel of former JET members, embassy officials, consulate staff, and government officials conduct the interview. It’s likely to last twenty minutes.
The benefits of the JET Programme
You’ll Work in Japan
Let’s face it: there are so many reasons why you’d want to work in Japan. The nation is home to one of the world’s most fascinating cultures, and the JET Programme allows you to witness it all. However, one of the most stressful things about teaching in Japan is finding a job. For most people, the thought of moving to a foreign country and finding work is daunting.
You may find a job after arriving in Japan, but it’s not a certainty. Japan is an expensive nation; it can eat your savings quickly. JET, however, provides you with a job before you leave your home nation. As a result, you can feel assured that you’ll teach English in Japan without stress and aggravation. And whenever you're not working, you can visit Japan's most popular destinations.
You’ll Have Your Own Apartment
The JET Programme sets you up with your own apartment. Finding an apartment can be daunting in Japan when you're teaching English abroad. In addition, apartments in Japan tend to work differently from your home nation. For example, you may need to have up to six times your monthly rent in fees. Sure—it’s super expensive—but that’s the reality of apartments in Japan.
Although the accommodation provided might not be your dream home, it’s still your own place in Japan. You won’t have to worry about wasting money in hotels whilst you stress about finding your own place. You’re even free to leave your JET apartment and find your own place if you wish.
Excellent Pay and Tax Advantages
Yes, the experience of teaching abroad in Japan is incredible, though the excellent pay makes it even better. The JET Programme often begins at ¥3,360,000/yr in the first year before moving to ¥3,960,000/yr in the fourth and fifth years. Not only do you have enough money to pay your bills, but you’ll have enough to explore Japan, travel around Asia, and live an incredible lifestyle.
For the most part, the JET Programme is the highest paying ALT gig. Although you can find companies who’ll pay more after a few years of teaching, the JET Programme’s starting salary is unbeatable. And on top of the high pay, you also receive a tax exemption in the first two years. Many nations—including the United States—have a tax treaty with Japan, whereby your first two years of salary is tax-free.
You’ll Have Time to Enjoy Japan
Of course, working hard is important, but having the time to explore Japan is also essential. After all, Japan has so many amazing sights to explore. JET, however, offers an incredible amount of holidays.
Although the exact amount depends on your contact, it rarely disappoints. Typical vacation days range between 12 to 20 days per year and sick days span from 5-10 days. Either way, you’ll have ample time to witness the country. Remember, it’s unlikely that you’ll teach in a popular tourist spot, such as Tokyo or Osaka, but the holidays make up for that.
