The work duties of an ALT will vary depending on the needs of the contracting organisation, however, most ALTs perform duties such as the following:

・Assist Japanese teachers with teaching English classes
・Assist in the preparation of materials for teaching a foreign language
・Assist with language training of Japanese teachers
・Assist with foreign language clubs
・Provide information on language and other related subjects for Teachers' Consultants and Japanese teachers of foreign language
・Assist in foreign language speech contests
・Engage in local international exchange activities
・Other duties as specified by the contracting organisation

The work duties of a CIR will vary depending on the needs of the contracting organisation as they assist in projects related to international activities carried out by the contracting organisation. Such activities may include:

・Edit, translate and compile pamphlets into a foreign language
・Assist in planning and implementing international exchange programmes
・Assist in hosting official guests from abroad and interpreting at events for overseas visitors or for local foreign community residents
・Assist in language instruction of civil employees and local residents
・Assist in planning and participating in activities of local private groups or organisations engaging in international exchange
・Assist in exchange activities related to local residents' cross-cultural awareness and understanding, and support for foreign residents
・Other duties as specified by the contracting organisation

The two main job types on the JET Programme are ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) and CIR (Coordinator for International Relations). From the applicant’s point of view, the main difference is that CIRs must have a high level of Japanese language ability, while ALTs need no previous Japanese language experience. In the most general form of job descriptions, an ALT's primary work duty is language education, while a CIR’s primary work duty is helping his/her office with international events and activities. In practice, many CIRs help with international events and other internationalisation efforts while, at the same time, most ALTs spend a fair amount of time engaged in language education.

Yes, CIRs often teach English (or another language). The work duties of each CIR will be adjusted to fit the needs of each contracting organisation, and while these needs will vary greatly, most will include teaching English to some degree, be it infrequent seminars or daily school visits.

In terms of numbers, just over 90% of all JET participants are ALTs. Rather than basing your application on language ability it is better to think about what you would like to do. Many times, even those participants who speak very high levels of Japanese prefer to be ALTs and work in schools and boards of education as opposed to working in an office, like most CIRs do.

SEAs (Sports Exchange Advisors) are placed in local authorities engaged in sports-related activities and are involved in internationalisation activities through the instruction of specific sports.