Teach English in Japan – the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme

The JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme is a highly regarded government-sponsored initiative administered by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR). It recruits native-level English speakers (primarily as Assistant Language Teachers) to promote international exchange, enhance foreign language education (mainly English), and foster mutual understanding between Japan and participating countries.

Position: Assistant Language Teacher – Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme

Location: Public schools (elementary, junior high, and/or senior high) or boards of education across Japan, including urban areas, regional cities, towns, and rural villages in all 47 prefectures.

Contract Type: Full-time, fixed-term contract (initially 1 year, renewable up to a maximum of 5 years in most cases, subject to performance and contracting organization’s approval).

Start Dates: Primarily April/May arrivals (main intake), with some early April departures possible; applications typically open in fall for the following year’s departure.

Key Responsibilities

• Team-teach English classes with Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs) in elementary, junior high, and/or senior high schools, focusing on communicative English, speaking, listening, and cultural aspects.
• Assist in planning, preparing, and delivering engaging lessons and activities to improve students’ practical English skills.
• Participate in extracurricular activities, English clubs, speech contests, summer/winter camps, or school events.
• Engage in cultural exchange by introducing your home country’s culture and participating in local community events.
• Supervise language-related activities during or after school hours when required.
• Adapt to varying school environments, student age groups (from young children to teenagers), and proficiency levels.
• Fulfill duties under the guidance of your contracting organization (usually a local Board of Education or school principal).

Note: Standard working hours are approximately 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday), with teaching loads typically 20–25 classes per week depending on placement. Duties are school-based with a supportive team-teaching model.

Qualifications and Eligibility

• Citizenship: Must be a national (not just permanent resident) of a participating country (over 40 countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, and many others—check official site for full list via your local Japanese Embassy/Consulate).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher (or obtain by designated arrival date); ALT applicants may alternatively hold a certification for primary/elementary or secondary teaching (3+ year course).
• Language: Native-level English proficiency; interest in studying/continuing Japanese language (no prior Japanese required for ALT, though helpful).
• Health: Mentally and physically healthy.
• Other Requirements:
  • Strong interest in Japan, willingness to adapt to living/working in Japan, and commitment to international exchange.
  • No extensive prior participation (generally not have participated since 2023 or more than 6 years total).
  • Enthusiasm for teaching, cultural adaptability, and proactive community involvement.
• Preferences (not always mandatory but can strengthen application): Teaching experience, qualifications (e.g., TEFL/TESOL/CELTA, education degree), or Japanese language ability.

Compensation and Benefits (based on 2025–2026 guidelines)

• Annual Salary (before tax, increases with re-contracting):
  • Year 1: ¥4,020,000 (approx. USD 26,500–27,500, depending on exchange rates)
  • Year 2: ¥4,140,000
  • Year 3: ¥4,260,000
  • Years 4 & 5: ¥4,320,000
• Housing: Often subsidized or arranged by contracting organization (rent typically ¥20,000–50,000/month, with partial or full support in many cases).
• Allowances & Bonuses:
  • Round-trip airfare to/from Japan (reimbursed or provided).
  • Commuting allowance (if applicable).
• Insurance: Enrollment in Japan’s national social/health insurance, pension, and employment insurance (JET participant and employer share costs).
• Paid Vacation: Minimum 10 days of paid annual leave (often more, up to 20 depending on placement), plus Japanese national holidays, school breaks, and weekends off.
• Other Perks:
  • Comprehensive pre-departure and post-arrival orientation/training in Japan (including Tokyo orientation).
  • Ongoing professional development, free or subsidized Japanese language courses.
  • Accident insurance coverage.
  • Support network from JET alumni, supervisors, and local coordinators.
  • Opportunity for cultural immersion, travel within Japan, and building international connections.

The JET Programme offers a stable, well-supported entry into teaching and living in Japan, with excellent work-life balance, competitive pay for the role, and a unique chance to make a lasting impact on students while experiencing Japan’s rich culture, cuisine, seasons, and communities.

For the most up-to-date eligibility, salary details, application windows (next likely for 2027 departures opening fall 2026), and country-specific processes, visit the official JET Programme website: https://jetprogramme.org/en/ or contact your local Japanese Embassy/Consulate. Country-specific sites (e.g., JET Program USA at jetprogramusa.org) provide tailored guidance. Applications are competitive and typically involve online submission, essays, interviews, and health checks.