Who We Are

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What is the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme?

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme is one of the world’s most recognised foreign exchange programmes which aims to promote grassroots internationalisation and cultural exchange within Japan.

The programme is sponsored by the Japanese government and administered by the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) in conjunction with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC); the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA); and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT).

JET Programme participants are a diverse group of foreign workers from 40 countries whose specialities range from teaching to foreign affairs and beyond.  Participants are hired as Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs), Sports Exchange Advisors (SEAs), and Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) to live and work in Japan for one to five years. While on JET, participants can function as foreign language teachers, translators, event coordinators, everyday diplomats, and athletic instructors, but after JET, the opportunities are endless.

With over 4,000 participants employed in Japan every year and an alumni network of over 55,000, the JET Programme is one of the largest language education initiatives in the world.

 

What is the Association for Japan Exchange and Teaching (AJET)?

AJET is an independent, volunteer organisation that supports JET Programme participants in cooperation with CLAIR, MIC, MOFA, and MEXT. AJET is operated by current JET participants to report on and assist with the future development of the JET Programme.

 

What is the AJET National Council?

AJET as a national body refers to the 20-member council of representatives selected by JET Programme participants to operate and manage the association and to promote cooperation between its local prefectural branches.

 

AJET operations can be defined by the following three areas of service:

Community
As a support network for the JET Programme, AJET strives to unite participants by offering networking and large-scale event opportunities all across Japan, as well as providing support necessary for participants’ well being. AJET also helps organise cultural exchange and volunteer opportunities to give back to our Japanese community.

Resource
AJET works to compile news, teaching resources, professional development opportunities, and exclusive offers from corporate sponsors for current JET participants. AJET publications provide JETs with educational tools they need to work effectively, as well as information pertaining to working and living in Japan.

Voice
As a representative body for JET participants, AJET is committed to communicating the opinions and needs of all participants to the Japanese government and the JET community at large. Bi-annual survey-based reports are presented on behalf of JET participants to help CLAIR, MIC, MOFA, and MEXT effectively administer and develop the program.

 

How can I reach the AJET National Council?

If you need to contact a council member, please use our contact form. You can also talk with us on Facebook or via Twitter.