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JET Programme - Japan Exchange Teaching Programme

JET, or the Japan Exchange Teaching Programme was developed in 1987 in order to promote internationalism within Japan by offering English and foreign language options to Japanese natives.

What began 22 years ago with 848 participants from only four countries to what JET now sees in 4,682 participants from 38 countries is amazing growth in their English program. Learning to teach English with JET is an opportunity for native English speakers to further develop their teaching skills, learn new educational techniques, work within a challenging classroom setting and experience and live within an amazing culture. Teachers who work with JET can become: Assistant Language Teachers who provide instruction to elementary, junior and senior high school students, Coordinators for International Relations staff who work within Japanese communities or Sports Exchange Advisors. JET is one of the largest and most well-established exchange programs in Japan for people interested in teaching English abroad.

JET works hand in hand with many Japanese local authorities in order to provide legal work for foreign youth who are in Japan teaching English. As such, every teacher living in Japan under the JET Programme is considered a legal foreign worker under the confines of the program. The JET Programme requires, like many English teaching institutes abroad, that teachers commit to a full calendar year when considering the program. This time commitment however, doesn't come without a handsome compensation. Any teacher working with JET will receive the following in compensation for their time spent teaching abroad: approximately 3,600,000 yen annually after taxes, travel expenses to and from Japan paid for upon the completion of the contract, 35 work hours per week, Employment Insurance, Health Insurance, Pension and Accident Insurance. In addition, contracts can be extended two more times for no more then three consecutive years of teaching as a JET Programme language instructor.

It is common for teachers to enjoy their stay so much that they often extend their work contracts time and time again.

But how do you become a JET English teacher? How to you get going on this amazing work and life experience abroad? Well, the first step is in your application. All applications are ultimately reviewed and approved by the Japanese Embassy. As such you can send in your application directly to the Japanese Embassy or apply through the JET Programme home page. If you are accepted based on your application, you will then have to conduct an in-person interview at the closest Japanese Embassy or consulate in your area. Soon after your acceptance your schedule and training sessions are organized and your journey with JET begins. Your training will involve Japanese language training, English teaching skills and other important information for teachers living and working in Japan.

In order to qualify as a teacher you must be younger than 40 years of age, be a citizen of the country you currently live in, have a Bachelor's Degree or three years experience in an equivalent subject, have a strong command of the English language and show an active interest in wanting to live and work in Japan. JET Programme does outline a few more restrictions before you will be approved but they are all clearly outlined on the home page and in the teacher's brochure during the application process. JET Programme qualifications for becoming a Sports Advisor or Coordinator are different then those for becoming an English Teacher so if you are interested in any of these other positions, check out their specific qualifications on the JET Programme website.

Teaching English and living abroad is an amazing way to earn money, gain experience and see the world. Enjoy!