JET Programme : The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme

2020/4/15

Culture & Education | Japanese Education System | Study in Japan | MEXT Scholarship Programme | JET Programme | JET Participants Reports

JET (Japan Exchange & Teaching) Programme

This programme enables local authorities to employ foreign youth as Assistant English Language Teachers (ALT’s) for Japanese students from Elementary to High School Level. The Programme began in 1987 with cooperation from governments of participating countries. Since then, over 70,000 people from 75 countries have participated in the Programme, making it one of the largest cultural exchange programs in the world! In addition to being proficient in the English language, prospective ALT’s should be interested in Japan’s rich culture, and should also be willing to promote international exchange at the community level. Nationals of Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Christopher & Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines are eligible to apply for this program.

If you are interested in finding out more about this exciting opportunity, please click this link :
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme
JET Participants Reports from JAPAN

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2024 JET PROGRAMME – ASSISTANT LANGUAGE TEACHER POSITIONS IS CLOSED!

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) will work in private or public schools, or local boards of education in the prefecture or municipality they will be assigned to. ALTs’ primary task is to assist in classes led by Japanese Teachers of English in the following manners:

Assisting in the preparation of teaching materials;
Planning and supervising extracurricular activities for students, such as English club or sport activities;
Organizing cultural or international exchange programs.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Be interested in Japan and be willing to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Japan after their arrival; be motivated to participate in and initiate international exchange activities in the local community; make effort to study or continue studying the Japanese language prior to and after arriving in Japan.
Be both mentally and physically healthy.
Be willing and able to adapt to living and working in Japan, and be determined to responsibly complete their period of participation.
Hold a Bachelor's degree or higher, or obtain such qualifications by the designated arrival date.
Be a National from either Antigua & Barbuda, St. Christopher & Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
Not have participated on the Programme since the 2021 JET Programme year or have participated on the Programme for more than 6 years in total.
Not have declined a position on the Programme after receiving notification of assignment in the previous JET Programme year (excluding cases where it is accepted that the Participant had a valid, inevitable reason for withdrawing).
Not have lived in Japan for 6 or more years in total since 2014.
Have a desire to proactively maintain relations with Japan, even after completion of the Programme.
Be willing to obey all Japanese laws..
Be interested in the Japanese education system, particularly foreign language education in Japan.
Be interested in working with children.
Be qualified as a language teacher or be strongly motivated to take part in the teaching of foreign languages.

Additional evaluation points will be given to applicants who:

Have a bachelor’s degree or higher in English or Education.
Have a professional language teaching license and/or experience (especially in classroom setting).
Have a general teaching experience or qualifications.
Have a Japanese language background (JLPT passer) and/or Japan study background.
Have experience traveling/living in foreign countries.

APPLICATION TIPS AND REMINDERS

☑ READ and FOLLOW the guidelines and instructions carefully/diligently. Your ability to understand and follow the guidelines and instructions is the first step of the screening process.
☑ FILL OUT the forms
☑ WRITE YOUR STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. Describe your motivation and qualifications for participating on the JET Program
☑ COLLECT AND COMPLETE YOUR DOCUMENTS. Any document that is not a required or supplemental document listed in the guidelines should not be included. This includes but is not limited to resumes, photos/headshots, extra letters of recommendation, certificate of attendance/appreciation/recognition, etc. Moreover, applications with incomplete requirement at the time of the deadline will not be considered. It is important to provide all necessary documents.

Note 1: PLEASE COMPILE YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS INTO THREE (3) COMPLETE, SEPARATE SETS (Original and 2 sets of photocopies) placed inside a brown or transparent plastic envelope. Please do not use clearbooks.

Note 2: Do not staple the forms and other documents.

Note 3: Do not send any requirements separately; we will not accept additional/follow up items once you have submitted your application.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Application Guidelines – Please read through the guidelines thoroughly before starting your application. Do NOT submit this document.
Application Form – This form can be typed (except for the signature) or neatly written and printed in A4 or letter-sized paper.
Attachment Chart Sheet of Application – This is a supplement to the application form. Do NOT submit this document.
Self- Report of Medical Condition(s) – All applicants are required to submit this form with their application. This form can be typed (except for the signature) or neatly written and printed in A4 or letter-sized paper.
Statement of Purpose (2-pages, double-spaced essay): Describe your motivation, purpose, and qualifications for participating on the JET Program. This should be typewritten on A4-sized paper, with 10.5 Arial font and 1-inch margin on each side. Do not print on both sides of the paper.
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation: References should be from an academic (professor or academic advisor), professional (employer or supervisor) or community leader (religious leader). If you are submitting a recommendation letter written in Japanese, you must attach an appropriate/approximate English translation with it.
College/University Transcripts: From ALL colleges and universities attended, including study abroad institutions. Transcripts must be official; unofficial transcripts and/or student portal screenshots will not be accepted. Certified true copies can be submitted in lieu of originals.
Proof of Graduation (Diploma, Certificate of Graduation): Showing the conferral of a bachelor’s degree or graduate studies degree (if applicable). Certified true copies can be submitted in lieu of originals.
Proof of Citizenship: Such as a passport, birth certificate, etc

SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS

List of Reuired Documents
Statement of Physician – If the applicant lists medical history in the Self-Report of Medical Conditions form that requires a clearance to participate from a physician or medical specialist.
Certificate of Health - To be completed and signed by examining physician.
Teaching Certification – If the applicant has the certification to teach in a local institution.
TESL/TEFL Certification – If the applicant has completed a certificate in teaching English as a Foreign Language..
Japanese Language Certification – If the applicant has passed any level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
Criminal Record or Certificate of Character - A Certificate of Character is an official document issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service which states whether a person has any previous convictions recorded against him/her.

HOW AND WHEN TO SUBMIT THE DOCUMENTS

All application materials required for this program must be submitted via post or personally hand-delivered the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago.

For FAQ, please visit https://www.tt.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00856.html

For more details about the JET Programme, please visit http://jetprogramme.org/en/.