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JET Program in Japan

The JET Program is the most popular route for TEFL teachers to find work in Japan. What are you waiting for?

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What is the JET Program?

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?

Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) 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. 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's included in the JET Program?

The package offered to ALTs participating in JET includes a good salary and support you wouldn’t necessarily get with other employers in Japan. This makes it ideal for those who are teaching English abroad for the first time. The employment package includes:

For more information on salary details, you can read this guide about the salary for teaching English in Japan.

  • 1-year contract (participants can renew their contract for a maximum of 5 years)
  • Salary (starting at ¥3,360,000 ($​​21,429/£16,861)
  • Accommodation assistance
  • Flights
  • 10 to 20 days paid annual leave
  • 5 to 10 days of sick pay

What are the requirements for the JET Program?

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 

As part of the application, you’ll need to provide a self-assessment medical report. Then, as a follow-up, depending on the answers to your self-assessment, you may need to provide a physician’s 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.

JET Program salary

Your salary increases year to year. 

  • First year salary: ¥3,360,000 ($​​21,429/£16,861)
  • Second year salary ¥3,600,000 ($22,960/£18,066)
  • Third year salary ¥3,900,000 ($24,873/£19,571)
  • Fourth/Fifth-year salary ¥3,960,000 ($25,256/£19,872).

Download our teaching English in Asia guide

The JET Program application

Now let’s go through the application process.

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. 

Applicants learn about their placement details by July, but most are likely to hear by May. The departure date is either late July or early August. The JET Program 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 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. 

FAQs about the JET Program

  • Q. Do you need a TEFL qualification for JET?

    While it’s not mandatory, a TEFL qualification will perfectly prepare you for teaching in Japan.

  • Q. How long is the JET Program?

    JET can last for up to five years. Typically, participants will sign a one-year contract before extending it for up to five years throughout elementary schools and public schools in Japan.

  • Q. What qualifications do you need?

    All applicants require a bachelor's degree in any subject. However, applicants don't require any educational or separate qualifications in teaching to participate in JET.

  • Q. Is the JET Program in Japan hard to get into?

    Yes, JET is competitive and challenging to get into. As a result, your application and interview must be excellent. You should also ensure you have ample qualifications to prepare you for the challenge.

  • Q. Can I choose where I’m placed?

    While JET allows you to list your top three preferences there’s no guarantee the placement you’re offered will be in any of them. Applicants really need to be open to the idea of working anywhere in the country.

  • Q. Can non-native English speakers participate in the JET scheme?

    Yes, as long as your country is listed as a participating country then you’re able to apply. From 2019 to 2020, the JET Program included 57 nations and, of course, most of those nations aren’t native English-speaking countries.

  • Q. Can I apply if I’m in my final year of university?

    Yes, as long as you are due to complete your degree before the Program starts in July or August, you can still apply. You’ll need an official letter from your university to confirm your enrollment and when you’re due to complete your degree.

  • Q. Is there an age limit?

    No. There is no age limit for JET participants. If you meet the requirements, you can participate in the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, regardless of your age.

  • Q. What qualifications do you need for the JET Program?

    You'll need either a Bachelor's degree, in any subject, or a three-year teacher training certificate to be an assistant language teacher in Japan.