• By: atesol     Date: 15-09-07
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The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program(me) (JET) is a Japanese government initiative that brings college (university) graduates—mostly native speakers of English—to Japan as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), Assistant Cultural Exchange Teachers (ACETs) and Sports Education Advisors (SEAs) in Japanese elementary, junior high and high schools, or as Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) in local governments and boards of education. JET Program participants are collectively called JETs.

Participants come from a total of about 40 countries. As of July 1st 2006, 5508 participants (regarding the CIR, ALT, and SEA positions) were employed on the program, making it the world's largest exchange teaching program. Of that number, about half are from the United States, with Britain, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand making up most of the remainder. As of the year 2006 a number of graduates from India have been invited to take part in the JET Program. Holders of Japanese passports may participate in the program, but must renounce their Japanese citizenship to do so. In principle, participants must be under 40 years of age when hired. The focus of the program is on English language learning and teaching, so about 90% of the participants on the program are ALTs; the remaining 10% are divided between CIRs and SEAs. The number of alumni totals over 40,000.