FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
2025/9/5
SECTION A: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
1. What makes an applicant eligible for the JET Programme?
☑ Hold a Bachelor’s degree or a three-year teaching diploma by the departure date
☑ Be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago or other eligible country
☑ Have a genuine interest in Japan and the Japanese language
☑ Be able to adapt to life and work in Japan
☑ Be committed to responsibly completing the term of appointment
Additional consideration is given to applicants who:
2. Can I apply with an Associate’s Degree?
No. Applicants must have at least a Bachelor’s degree or a three-year teaching diploma from an accredited institution before the departure date.
3. Can I apply before graduation?
Yes. If you are expected to graduate with the required qualifications before the designated departure date, you may apply for the JET Programme. You must include with your application a letter from your institution’s Registrar that confirms:
☑ You are currently enrolled
☑ You are expected to graduate within the required timeframe
☑ The exact date (month and year) your degree will be conferred
If you are unable to submit this proof of enrollment and proof of date of graduation from your registrar, a letter from a Dean or an Advisor with the institution’s official letterhead and signature stating the above information will be considered.
Without this letter, your application will be considered incomplete.
4. What type of applicants is the Embassy looking for?
While no specific type of applicant is required, successful candidates often demonstrate:
5. Why aren't Alternates automatically accepted the following year?
Positions on the JET Programme depend on annual availability, which is affected by:
6. Is there an age limit for applicants?
While there is no age limit, the JET Programme emphasizes cultural exchange between Japanese youth and foreign youth, so participants should be energetic and adaptable.
7. Do I have to know Japanese to be eligible for the JET Programme?
Not necessarily. Japanese language ability is not required for ALT positions, though it is beneficial and strongly encouraged.
8. How many applicants are accepted each year?
This number varies yearly based on:
SECTION B – THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE
1. What do I need to apply?
Please download the JET Programme Application Guidelines and refer to “Application Procedures” section.
2. Are there any fees to apply?
There are no application fees. However, it is the applicant’s responsibility to cover the costs, if any, of obtaining certain required documents.
3. Can I apply again if I was unsuccessful before?
Yes, you may reapply if:
4. Can I apply for more than one position on the JET Programme?
No, you can only apply for the ALT position at this time.
5. When is the application due ?
The application period typically opens in late September and remains open for about two months. Deadlines are announced on the Embassy’s website and social media.
6. Can I send additional materials, such as my resume or CV?
No. Only submit documents specifically requested in the Application Guidelines.
7. Can you keep my transcripts and letters of reference on file for future use?
No. All applicants must submit new, complete documentation each year. Documents will not be retained.
8. Can I send an application after the deadline?
No. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances due to the competitive nature of the Programme.
9. I was a JET participant before. When can I reapply?
Please refer to the “Eligibility Criteria” in the current Application Guidelines for more information.
10. Should I open my letters of reference?
11. Why can’t I send letters of reference or transcript separately?
To manage the large volume of applications efficiently, all materials must be submitted together. Partial applications may be considered incomplete and rejected.
12. Provisions made for Certified Transcripts & Graduation Certificate/Digital Transcripts & Certificates
The Embassy understands that interested applicants may find it difficult to acquire the physical copies of the Certified Record / Transcripts or Certificate of Graduation (certified copy) in short notice. Therefore, if a physical copy of the documents requested cannot be provided by the institution, a printed copy of the digital version must be submitted. Print-outs of digital certificates will also be accepted where applicable.
13.Should I submit my Original Degree Certificate?
No. Submit a certified copy only (certified by your institution or a Justice of the Peace). Original documents will not be returned.
SECTION C - INTERVIEW AND NOTIFICATION
1. Can I change my interview time or location?
Interview schedules are fixed. If you cannot attend the assigned time or location, contact the JET Programme Coordinator immediately. If no accommodation can be made, you will be disqualified.
2. Can I be interviewed by phone?
No. All interviews must be conducted in-person at the designated location. If you are not able to be interviewed at the specified interview location during the appointed time, you will be disqualified.
3. When will I know if I got an interview?
The JET Programme process is similar to any other job application process. After your application has been reviewed, the Embassy will contact you to inform you of the time of your interview. Please see “Schedule from Application to Arrival in Japan” in the Application Guidelines.
4. What is the selection process?
1. What makes an applicant eligible for the JET Programme?
☑ Hold a Bachelor’s degree or a three-year teaching diploma by the departure date
☑ Be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago or other eligible country
☑ Have a genuine interest in Japan and the Japanese language
☑ Be able to adapt to life and work in Japan
☑ Be committed to responsibly completing the term of appointment
Additional consideration is given to applicants who:
- Have language teaching experience or qualifications
- Have general teaching experience or qualifications
- Possess a high level of Japanese language proficiency
2. Can I apply with an Associate’s Degree?
No. Applicants must have at least a Bachelor’s degree or a three-year teaching diploma from an accredited institution before the departure date.
3. Can I apply before graduation?
Yes. If you are expected to graduate with the required qualifications before the designated departure date, you may apply for the JET Programme. You must include with your application a letter from your institution’s Registrar that confirms:
☑ You are currently enrolled
☑ You are expected to graduate within the required timeframe
☑ The exact date (month and year) your degree will be conferred
If you are unable to submit this proof of enrollment and proof of date of graduation from your registrar, a letter from a Dean or an Advisor with the institution’s official letterhead and signature stating the above information will be considered.
Without this letter, your application will be considered incomplete.
4. What type of applicants is the Embassy looking for?
While no specific type of applicant is required, successful candidates often demonstrate:
- An interest in Japanese history, culture, and language
- A background or interest in education
- Flexibility and adaptability to new cultures and environments
- Knowledge of Trinidad & Tobago's or respective eligible country's culture and a willingness to share it with Japanese communities
5. Why aren't Alternates automatically accepted the following year?
Positions on the JET Programme depend on annual availability, which is affected by:
- How many current JETs recontract or leave
- Changes in contracting organizations’ needs
- Country-specific quotas determined by Tokyo HQ
6. Is there an age limit for applicants?
While there is no age limit, the JET Programme emphasizes cultural exchange between Japanese youth and foreign youth, so participants should be energetic and adaptable.
7. Do I have to know Japanese to be eligible for the JET Programme?
Not necessarily. Japanese language ability is not required for ALT positions, though it is beneficial and strongly encouraged.
8. How many applicants are accepted each year?
This number varies yearly based on:
- Recontracting JETs
- Contracting organizations' staffing needs
- Annual quotas set by Tokyo HQ
SECTION B – THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE
1. What do I need to apply?
Please download the JET Programme Application Guidelines and refer to “Application Procedures” section.
2. Are there any fees to apply?
There are no application fees. However, it is the applicant’s responsibility to cover the costs, if any, of obtaining certain required documents.
3. Can I apply again if I was unsuccessful before?
Yes, you may reapply if:
- You were previously unsuccessful, or
- You were on the alternate list but not dispatched
4. Can I apply for more than one position on the JET Programme?
No, you can only apply for the ALT position at this time.
5. When is the application due ?
The application period typically opens in late September and remains open for about two months. Deadlines are announced on the Embassy’s website and social media.
6. Can I send additional materials, such as my resume or CV?
No. Only submit documents specifically requested in the Application Guidelines.
7. Can you keep my transcripts and letters of reference on file for future use?
No. All applicants must submit new, complete documentation each year. Documents will not be retained.
8. Can I send an application after the deadline?
No. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances due to the competitive nature of the Programme.
9. I was a JET participant before. When can I reapply?
Please refer to the “Eligibility Criteria” in the current Application Guidelines for more information.
10. Should I open my letters of reference?
No. Each referee should provide:
- 1 sealed original
- 2 sealed copies (if possible)
If that’s not feasible, submit the unopened original. Letters from your two referees must be in English or Japanese.
11. Why can’t I send letters of reference or transcript separately?
To manage the large volume of applications efficiently, all materials must be submitted together. Partial applications may be considered incomplete and rejected.
12. Provisions made for Certified Transcripts & Graduation Certificate/Digital Transcripts & Certificates
The Embassy understands that interested applicants may find it difficult to acquire the physical copies of the Certified Record / Transcripts or Certificate of Graduation (certified copy) in short notice. Therefore, if a physical copy of the documents requested cannot be provided by the institution, a printed copy of the digital version must be submitted. Print-outs of digital certificates will also be accepted where applicable.
13.Should I submit my Original Degree Certificate?
No. Submit a certified copy only (certified by your institution or a Justice of the Peace). Original documents will not be returned.
SECTION C - INTERVIEW AND NOTIFICATION
1. Can I change my interview time or location?
Interview schedules are fixed. If you cannot attend the assigned time or location, contact the JET Programme Coordinator immediately. If no accommodation can be made, you will be disqualified.
2. Can I be interviewed by phone?
No. All interviews must be conducted in-person at the designated location. If you are not able to be interviewed at the specified interview location during the appointed time, you will be disqualified.
3. When will I know if I got an interview?
The JET Programme process is similar to any other job application process. After your application has been reviewed, the Embassy will contact you to inform you of the time of your interview. Please see “Schedule from Application to Arrival in Japan” in the Application Guidelines.
4. What is the selection process?
- Applications are reviewed by the Embassy
- Shortlisted applicants are invited for an interview
- Final selections are made by Tokyo HQ
5. I am an Alternate. What are my chances of being upgraded?
Alternates may be upgraded at any time through December. Rankings are confidential, and preference is given to applicants who submit all documents completely and on time.
SECTION D - THE JOB
1. How much will I be paid?
Remuneration per annum is approximately 4,020,000 yen in the first year of appointment, 4,140,000 yen in the second year, 4,260,000 yen in the third year, and, in case the contracting organization re-appoints a participant whose work is deemed excellent more than two times, 4,320,000 in both the fourth and fifth year. Remuneration will be paid monthly. The amount is before tax. For further information, please see “Terms and Conditions; (3) Remuneration” in the Application Guidelines.
2. Can I take a side job?
No. Participants are prohibited from engaging in any outside work for the duration of their contract.
3. Who pays for travel?
- You pay for travel to the designated departure airport in your home country
- The contracting organization covers:
- Airfare to Japan (Narita International Airport)
- Ground transportation to Tokyo Orientation
- Accommodation during Tokyo Orientation
- Travel to your assigned placement location
If you have any further questions not answered here, please contact:
JET Programme Coordinator
Embassy of Japan
868-628-5991