Q&A Japanese Embassies

Q I'm interested in the ALT position, but I can't speak

Japanese. Is language learning support provided?
Embassy of Japan in the United
States of America
Embassy of Japan in Russia
Tel (7-495) 229-2550

A An online Japanese language course for different levels is

provided for JET Programme participants to help improve
communication in the workplace and promote the
Tel (1-202) 238-6772/6773
[Link]
[Link]

Embassy of Japan in Brazil

understanding of Japan and its regions. Embassy of Japan in the UK Tel (55-61) 3442-4200

Q
Tel (44-20) 7465-6668 [Link]
Are there opportunities to improve professional skills Join one of the largest international exchange and
[Link]
and learn about daily life in Japan? teaching programmes in the world!
A
Embassy of Japan in South Africa
Training related to business manners and daily life in Japan
Embassy of Japan in Australia Tel (27-12) 452-1500
is provided for JET Programme participants directly after
arrival and during their appointment. Courses related to Tel (61-2) 6273-3244 [Link]
team-teaching methods and translation and interpretation [Link]
are also offered.
Embassy of Japan in the
Embassy of Japan in New Zealand Philippines

Q Is support provided in the case of an emergency, like

an injury or illness?
Tel (64-4) 473-1540
[Link]
Tel (63-2) 8551-5710
[Link]

A JET Programme participants are covered by health

insurance and JET Accident Insurance to reduce the costs
of medical expenses and personal liability incurred due to
Embassy of Japan in Canada Embassy of Japan in Singapore
Tel (1-613) 241-8541 Tel (65) 6235-8855
injuries or illnesses. [Link] [Link]

Q Can I consult with a specialist if I am having problems

related to life in Japan or work while on the programme?
Embassy of Japan in Ireland Embassy of Japan in Jamaica

A
Tel (353-1) 202-8300 Tel (1-876) 929-3338
Online consultation is available for JET Programme
[Link] [Link]
participants to speak with counsellors free of charge about
personal or professional issues.
Embassy of Japan in France Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and
A partial subsidy (50%, up to 30,000 yen per fiscal year) is
Tel (33-1) 4888-6200 Tobago
provided for counselling costs incurred through
consultation with mental health professionals which are not
[Link] Tel (1-868) 628-5991
[Link]
covered by health insurance.
Embassy of Japan in Germany

Q Is there support to learn about teaching methods if I Tel (49-30) 210940 Embassy of Japan in Barbados
have no experience in teaching English? [Link] Tel (1-246) 538-5700

A In addition to various training opportunities to improve

teaching skills, JET Programme participants are provided
with subsidies to obtain TEFL/TESOL certifications.
Embassy of Japan in China
[Link]

Embassy of Japan in Vietnam

Tel (86-10) 8531-9800
[Link] Tel (84-24) 3846-3000 For more information
[Link]
Recruitment and Selection
about applying to the JET Programme,
Embassy of Japan in Korea
Tel (82-2) 2170-5200 please visit the application page.

The recruitment and selection of JET Programme participants is [Link]/ [Link]

conducted at Japanese embassies and consulates around the world. itprtop_ja/[Link]
Applications received by the deadline are screened and interviews
are conducted for selected candidates.
Recruitment may also be conducted in countries other than those listed
Please contact the Embassy or a Consulate of Japan in your home
above. Please confirm with the Embassy of Japan in your home country.
country for more detailed information about the recruitment and
selection process. 2023.12 [Link]
 The JET Programme Job Types General Conditions
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme started Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) (1) Period of Participation
Participants employed as ALTs – In principle, participation is for a one-year period starting from the day
in 1987 with the aim of promoting grassroots international
are placed in schools or local after arrival in Japan.
exchange between Japan and other countries. As of 1 July 2023, – If the contracting organisation deems the participant's work
boards of education. ALTs
performance to be of the required standard, it is possible to renew
there are 5,831 participants from 50 countries in Japan. assist Japanese teachers with for up to a total of three years. If performance is deemed to be
Since the beginning of the JET Programme, there have been foreign language lessons, and exceptionally high, it is possible to renew for up to a total of five years.
are thus involved in the
more than 77,000 participants from 78 countries (2) Work Hours
preparation of teaching
– 35 hours per week, standard (typically Monday to Friday)
around the world. materials and in extracurricular activities such as English clubs.
The JET Programme is administered by Japanese local More than 90% of JET participants are ALTs. (3) Holidays
– Saturday, Sunday, Japanese national holidays,
governments in cooperation with: paid leave (at least 10 days)*
– The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) * Due to work circumstances, JET Programme participants may be
– The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) asked to work during weekends and national holidays.

– The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) (4) Remuneration
Technology (MEXT) Participants employed as CIRs – JET Programme participants receive a remuneration of approximately
assist local government 3.36 million yen for their first year of appointment.
– The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations
Remuneration increases with subsequent appointments.
organisations in various
(CLAIR)
international exchange (5) Assignment
JET Programme participants are employed by prefectures and activities. – JET Programme participants are assigned to local government
municipalities throughout Japan and work in local government Due to the nature of their organisations and schools throughout Japan. Although placement
organisations or schools. work, CIRs are required to requests are possible, they are not guaranteed.
have a good command of the Japanese language (equivalent to
N2 or higher of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test).
Over 77,000 participants from 78 countries
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA) – Be interested in Japan and be willing to deepen their knowledge and
Participants employed as appreciation of Japan.
SEAs work for local – Hold at least a Bachelor's degree or obtain such qualifications by the
government organisations designated arrival date in April or July/August
coaching sports. SEAs are (ALT and CIR applicants only).
professionals who assist with – Be a national of the country where the recruitment and selection
training and the planning of procedures take place and not possess Japanese citizenship.
sports-related projects, as well – Not have lived in Japan for six or more years in total in the past
ten years.
as international exchange activities.
For more details, please refer to the JET Programme website:
[Link]