JET Programme

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (外国語青年招致事業, Gaikokugo Seinen Shōchi Jigyō), often shortened to the JET Programme (JETプログラム, Jetto Puroguramu), is a teaching program sponsored by the Japanese government that brings foreign university graduates to Japan as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), Sports Education Advisors (SEAs), or Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) for local governments and boards of education.

JET is one of the world's largest international exchange programmes. Since its beginning in 1987, over 77,000 people from 77 countries have participated. Official statistics published in July 2025 showed that 5,933 participants from 54 countries were employed on the programme at that time. Japanese citizens are only allowed to apply if they relinquish their Japanese citizenship first. The programme states that its goal is to "promote internationalization in Japan's local communities by improving foreign language education and fostering international exchange at the community level."

JET requires applicants to be fluent in English, possess citizenship of certain countries, and hold a bachelor's degree; the degree can be in any subject and does not have to be related to languages or teaching, as the programme's focus is less on teachers and more on cultural ambassadors who are able to assist Japanese teachers of English. Applicants do not have be familiar with the Japanese language, though resources are provided for those who wish to learn during their time in the country. The vast majority of participants are recent graduates, but there is no age limit. About 90% of participants are ALTs, with the rest divided between CIRs and SEAs. Participants can be employed on the programme for a maximum of five years.