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JET Programme FAQs

 

yEligibility Criteriaz


CRITERIA

2.1

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

2.2

2.3

DEGREE/CERTIFICATION/EXPERIENCE

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.9

2.10

JAPANESE ABILITY

2.11

2.12

AGE LIMIT

2.13

2.14

2.15

COMMITMENT

2.16

2.17

2.18

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2.1
What are the general criteria for joining the JET Programme?
Please see the eligibility section of the website here.

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2.2
My home country is not on the participating countries list. Can I apply for the JET Programme?
Unfortunately, citizens of non-participating countries cannot apply for the JET Programme. JET participants can only join the JET Programme through the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in a participating country. Please contact the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in your country of citizenship and express your interest in the JET Programme.

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2.3
My country is not traditionally an English speaking country but I majored in English and have teaching experience. Can I apply to be an ALT?
It may be possible to participate as an ALT. Please contact the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in your country of citizenship.

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2.4
I graduated from a Junior or Technical College. Can I apply for the JET Programme?
No, you must have a Bachelor's Degree or three-year teacher training certification or obtain one by the time you depart for Japan.

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2.5
I graduated from a teacher's training school. Can I apply for the JET Programme?
You can apply for the JET Programme if you have completed at least a three-year education/teacher training programme that qualifies you to teach at elementary, junior high or high schools as of the time you depart for Japan.

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2.6
I have not graduated college or university, but I have lived in Japan and I have teaching experience. Can I apply for the JET Programme?
No, all applicants must meet the eligibility criteria, which include at least a Bachelorfs Degree or three-year teacher training certification by the time of departure for Japan.

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2.7
Do I need a teaching diploma or teaching certificate to apply for the JET Programme?

A teaching certificate or diploma is not a requirement for participation on the JET Programme, but such certification will certainly be an asset during the selection process.

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2.8
Do I need TESL/TEFL certification to apply for the JET Programme?
TESL/TEFL certification is not a requirement for participation on the JET Programme but such certification will certainly be an asset during the selection process.

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2.9
Do I need a Bachelorfs Degree in English, Japanese or Education to apply for the JET Programme?
No, a Bachelorfs Degree in any field is sufficient to meet the eligibility criteria.

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2.10
Do I need teaching experience to apply for the JET Programme?
No, teaching experience is not a requirement for participation on the JET Programme. However, many successful applicants, especially those who are chosen as ALTs, have some degree of teaching experience, and such experience will certainly be an asset.

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2.11
I do not speak Japanese. Can I apply for the JET Programme?
Yes, you can apply for the JET Programme even if you do not speak any Japanese. However, if accepted you are expected to make a continual effort to learn and improve your Japanese skills in order to better communicate with the people around you.

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2.12
I want to be a CIR but I am unsure about my Japanese language ability. What is a good measure?
Applicants for the CIR position must demonstrate an excellent grasp of written and spoken Japanese. CIR applicants have typically studied Japanese for a minimum of two years at the university level. CIRs are tested in Japanese at the interview. Most CIRs have a minimum of Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level N2 certification, with many CIRs holding Level N1, but this certification is not necessary to be a successful candidate.

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2.13
Is there a minimum age requirement to apply for the JET Programme?
No, as long as the applicant meets all other eligibility criteria, there is no minimum age requirement. However, applicants will be judged on maturity, professionalism, and ability to adjust to other cultures.

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2.14
I am over the 40-year age limit. Can I apply for the JET Programme?
Yes, you can apply, but you should understand that the JET Programme was conceived as a youth exchange programme. If you understand the goals of the JET Programme and have the ability to accomplish these goals, you should feel free to apply.

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2.15
Why is there a 40-year age limit?
The reason for this age limit is that one of the main purposes of the JET Programme is to foster youth-to-youth exchange between Japanese youth and young professionals from the countries participating on the JET Programme.

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2.16
What if I cannot fulfil a one-year period of appointment?
Participation on the JET Programme is only possible if you are able to complete the entire one-year period of appointment. If you are unable to fulfil this requirement you should immediately notify the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan and withdraw your name from consideration.

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2.17
Can I join the JET Programme for just six months?
No, JET Programme participants must agree to the terms and conditions which stipulate a one-year period of appointment.

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2.18
If accepted, can I defer participation for one year?
No, if accepted on the JET Programme, applicants may NOT defer the position for any length of time.

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