JET Program in Japan

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program is the most famous route into English teaching and cultural exchange for adventurous TEFL teachers across the globe. With over 50 countries represented annually in the program, it’s an opportunity that so many grasp with both hands to promote English learning, understanding, and career development.

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 hungry to learn English, the JET Program gives graduates the chance to experience Japanese culture and etiquette. What’s more, it 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 Program in Japan is an excellent option for new teachers and those with little experience living abroad. But 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 securing a coveted place on it!

What do Assistant Language Teachers do in the JET Program?

The exact duties of ALTs can vary depending on the school. 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.

The requirements for JET are relatively straightforward, but the Japanese government has specific criteria applicants must meet.

JET Application Form 

You’ll need to complete and upload your JET application form, along with all the necessary supporting documents, by the deadline. You cannot change your application once it’s been submitted. You can save your application as you work on it. Applicants access the form through the JET Application Portal.

Bachelor’s degree 

You must hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject to be eligible for the JET Program.

Medical Report 

If you have, according to the JET Program:

• Received treatment/taken medication in the last five years.
• Are currently taking medication or having treatment.
• Have a long-term or recurring condition.
• Been treated for any nervous or mental conditions (including consultations)

There’s more: if you’re planning to apply as an Early Departure applicant, you’ll need to get a Certificate of Health. All the details for all health-related forms can be found on the JET website.

Letters of recommendation 

We’re sure you’re an amazing candidate for the JET Program. However, the admissions team can’t just take your word for it, they need two qualified references. References need to be written specifically to the JET Program office, specifically detailing why you are suited to this exact program.

To help out your referees with the specific criteria, consult the JET Program’s full guide to references.

College/university transcripts

You’ll need to provide evidence of all of your academic qualifications. The JET Program has specific guidance for this, which can be found here. 

Proof of citizenship 

• 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 Program if you’re currently a Japanese citizen. 

Typically, citizens from over 50 countries participate in the JET Program every year. You’ll need to provide a passport or birth certificate in order to prove your citizenship. Full-size scans can be uploaded through the application portal.

Teaching certification 

If you have a teaching qualification, scan and upload it in support of your JET application. Though teaching certifications aren’t essential, they can really bolster an application.

TESOL/TEFL certification 

Similarly, if you have a TESOL/TEFL certificate, it can make a significant difference to the success of your application. A digital copy of your certificate should be uploaded through the application portal.

Japanese language certification 

Proficiency in Japanese is, obviously, a boost! If you can demonstrate this through a Japanese proficiency qualification, such as the JLPT, then be sure to scan and upload a copy of your certificate in support of your JET application.

Accepting Your Role on the JET Program

Once applicants are offered a position, they must formally submit their letter of acceptance or rejection. 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. 

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 Program application process is very strict, so you really need to take care at every stage that you’ve done everything correctly.

Online Application Portal

First of all, you need to complete an online application, which can be accessed via the JET website. Applications usually open around October. 

Next, you’ll need to get to grips with the application portal. Don’t worry, you can save your progress as you write your application. That means you can take breaks as needed. Nobody is expecting you to write it all in one go!

Remember to include all the aforementioned documents, and when you’re writing the application itself, remember to use simple, clear English to demonstrate your skills, ambitions, and goals. 

Interview

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 Program 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.