Deadline: Nov. 9, 2017 (online); Nov. 18 (mail in)
Education: 4-year degree

The JET Program is a competitive employment opportunity that allows young professionals to live and work in cities, towns, and villages throughout Japan. Being a JET is an opportunity to work and to represent the United States as cultural ambassadors to Japan. Most participants serve as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and work in public and private schools throughout Japan; some work as Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) as interpreters/translators.

The JET Program seeks participants who are adaptable, outgoing, and who have a deep interest in Japan. Only the best candidates are chosen to represent America. The JET Program typically receives 4,000-5,000 applications each year from U.S. applicants. Of these, 1,000-1,100 will be selected for participation on the JET Program.

Each fall, applications are reviewed to ensure that all required documents have been submitted. Applicants who pass the initial screening are invited to interview. Selected candidates will be offered a position with the JET Program and then matched with a contracting organization.

Interested individuals are encouraged to like the Official JET Program USA Facebook page or follow the JET Program USA on Twitter. Updates and notifications about the new application cycle are typically posted in August/September.

The JET Program is implemented by contracting organizations of Japan in cooperation with the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). More information about each of the ministries and their relation to the JET Program can be found on the CLAIR website

Read about the positions here.

Read more about the application process and qualifications here.

JET recruiting is happening now across the US. Contact your local Japanese consulate to find a recruiting session near you!

Read advice from JETs on Shinpai Deshou: ALT | CIR

Note: if you are in Canada, the UK, or other countries, you must contact your Japanese embassy to get application information.