The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme is an official Japanese Government scheme to improve foreign language teaching in schools and to promote international understanding.

The programme was established in 1987, with 848 participants from four countries. Since then, the number of participants has increased significantly: there are currently over 4600 graduates from 38 different countries on the programme.

The JET Programme represents one of the greatest initiatives in the field of human and cultural relations. Its expansion shows the Japanese Government's commitment to the programme and overwhelming support for the scheme at a local level.

There are 2 positions available for UK graduates on the JET Programme: Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) and Coordinator for International Relations (CIR).

In 2009, around 120 ALT and 6 CIR positions were filled by graduates from the United Kingdom.

To read more about former participants' experiences on the JET Programme click here.