The Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Programme

Applications closed. Reference only.

Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, or JET Programme, seeks to enhance internationalisation in Japan by promoting mutual understanding between the people of Japan and those of other nations. The Programme aims to enhance foreign language education and promote international exchange at the local level through the fostering of ties between Japanese youth and foreign youth alike.

The objectives of the Programme are being achieved by offering JET Programme participants the opportunity to serve in local authorities as well as public and private elementary, junior high and senior high schools in Japan. The Programme is implemented by local authorities and other organisations (or Contracting Organisations) who appoint Participants in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR).

Show more

The Programme started in 1987 with cooperation from governments of participating countries. In 2019, there were 5,761 participants on the Programme from 57 countries. As the Programme has achieved an excellent reputation over the last 34 years, it is of great importance that this reputation be maintained. Participants are invited to Japan as honoured representatives of their countries. As such, they are expected to be responsible in all their activities, especially those concerning the promotion of mutual understanding between nations. It is therefore desirable that Participants be adaptable, mentally and physically capable of performing the job duties and have a deep interest in Japan.

Applicants may apply for either the Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) position (CIR applicants may be considered for the ALT position if they are deemed suitable for the ALT position and provide consent). The bulk of the Programme (90%) are contracted as ALTs. The remainder consists of CIRs, or the Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA) positions.

Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) help the Japanese foreign language teachers in class, and assist in preparing teaching materials and class activities. They may assist in English language clubs and other extra-curricular activities. Knowledge of Japanese is not required to be an ALT.

Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) work in local government offices and are involved in international activities which might include editing publications, translation work, advising on the planning and implementation of exchange programmes, and interpreting at international events. A functional knowledge of written and spoken Japanese is required to be a CIR.

Sports Exchange Advisors (SEAs) promote international exchange activities through certain designated sports. SEAs are generally placed in sporting facilities or boards of education where they assist with sports training. See more details here.

General Enquiries

Questions relating to the JET Programme in New Zealand are welcome at any of the below Consular and Embassy offices, but all applications MUST be submitted to the Japan Information & Cultural Centre, Embassy of Japan in Wellington. Please feel free to contact the below offices with any JET Programme queries whatsoever.

AUCKLAND
Tel: (09) 303-4106 Email: info-cul@ac.mofa.go.jp

WELLINGTON
Japan Information & Cultural Centre, Embassy of Japan
Level 18 The Majestic Centre, 100 Willis Street
PO Box 6340, Marion Square, Wellington 6141
Attn: JET Officer Tel: (04) 495-8333 Email: jicc@wl.mofa.go.jp

CHRISTCHURCH
Tel: (03) 366-5680 Email: cultural.chc@wl.mofa.go.jp

2024 JET Programme New Zealand Information Sessions

All information sessions have finished.

However, there is a recorded online session available to view by sending an email to jicc@wl.mofa.go.jp

Duration: 1h 15min
Presenters: The JET Programme coordinator & a former JET participant

2024 NZ JET Programme Guidelines & Application Form
(For New Zealand Naturalised Citizens Only)

Applications closed. Reference only.

WARNING: Applications that do not adhere to the below instructions and guidelines may be disregarded.

Download the "2024 JET Programme Application Guidelines ". READ THROUGH THEM THOROUGHLY.
Download and complete the "2024 JET Programme Application Form " in the free Adobe Reader according to the " Instructions for Filling out the Application Form ".
- Do NOT use any PDF viewers or editors other than Adobe Reader
- Most questions on the Application Form are compulsory. If the required form highlight mode is not already visible, from the EDIT bar, choose PREFERENCES, then FORMS, then check "SHOW BORDER HOVER COLOR FOR FIELDS".
- Please ensure you use Adobe Reader version 10 or above to complete this form. Do NOT use 'Preview Mode' in an internet browser to complete the form. You will be unable to save your progress.
Save the PDF Application Form on to your computer, and send it as an e-mail attachment to " jicc@wl.mofa.go.jp " with "2024 JET Programme Application" as the subject. Do not use the "submit" function on the adobe form.
Please note that this digital Application Form does not require a signature at this stage.
Confirm that you receive an automated out-of-office response email. If you do not receive this email, please call (04) 495-8333.
Please note that submitting your PDF Application Form via email is only the first step of the application process, and all below steps must be completed in order to be considered as a finished application for the 2024 JET Programme!
Print out your completed Application Form PDF (single-sided), hand-sign it in pen, and follow further instructions as stated in the "2024 JET Programme Application Guidelines", pages 4, 10 & 11.
You will need to assemble your COMPLETE physical Application Pack in compliance with the Guidelines.
Make sure that you CAREFULLY read over "Application Procedures" (page 4 of the Guidelines) and "Applicants' Checklist" (pages 10 & 11 of the Guidelines) before you submit your Application Pack.
Please ensure all answers are clearly legible when printed out (i.e. that all text is contained within the borders of the answer boxes, and the font size is not too small).
All completed Application Packs MUST ARRIVE PHYSICALLY at the Japan Information and Cultural Centre, Embassy of Japan in Wellington, New Zealand by 5:00pm NZST, Tuesday 5 December 2023, either by post, courier, or hand-delivery.
This deadline will be STRICTLY OBSERVED, and late applications will NOT be accepted. Early applications are appreciated.

OTHER APPLICATION DOCUMENTS:

Statement of Physician - ONLY IF you currently have, or have ever had any physical or mental condition or illness.

2024 JET Programme New Zealand Calendar

Calendar Date	ALT/CIR
September 2023	Applications OPEN
5pm Tuesday 5th December 2023	APPLICATIONS CLOSE (All the required documents must be received at the Embassy)
December 2023-January 2024	First stage of screening process (written applications)
Mid January 2024	Notification of interview to the successful applicants at the first stage
15-19 January 2024	Interview - Second stage of screening process
March 2024	Announcement of status (short-list, reserve *1 or unsuccessful)
May 2024	Notification of successful placement/assignment
June-July 2024	Pre-departure orientation (COMPULSORY), Submission of passport for visa application
Late July - Early August 2024	Travel from New Zealand to Japan *2
Early August 2024	Start of contract and Tokyo Orientation

*1: Reserves (Alternates) for the JET Programme can receive notice of being upgraded to shortlist status at any time between May 2024 until early December 2024.
*2: Successful candidates for the Early Arrival Placement could travel to Japan in April onwards 2024. Warning: please refer to FAQ Q10 below!

2024 JET Programme Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: I haven't graduated yet! Can I still apply? Do I need to do anything special?

A: Yes to both questions! If you have not graduated yet, you CAN still apply! BUT: one of the references must be from someone related to your university (professor, lecturer, etc.). Finally, your degree MUST be conferred before your Japan departure date.

Q2: Is there an age limit for applying to the JET Programme?

A: No! There is no longer any age limit for applicants to the JET Programme! As long as you meet all of our eligibility criteria, you are welcome to apply. Because the JET Programme was originally conceived as a post-graduate youth employment exchange programme, the bulk of our participants tend to skew younger. The most important thing is understanding the aims and goals of the Programme, and applying equipped with the means to advance them!

Q3: I can't get all my classes on to my transcript because I'm not finished, can I still apply?

A: Yes! One thing people often struggle to get in on time is their transcripts. If you are still studying, we know that your academic transcript won't include this semester's grades — and that's not a problem! However, please apply for it ASAP (as it can take 2-3 weeks for the university to process it) and submit it with your course grades up until now by the deadline of 5:00pm NZST, 5 December 2023.

Q4: I'm a New Zealand citizen living outside of New Zealand, can I still apply from overseas?

A: Yes! New Zealanders living overseas are welcome to apply to the New Zealand JET Programme. However, keep in mind that all applicants to the New Zealand JET Programme, regardless of their current place of residence, MUST interview (and depart) from one of the three interview locations in New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. There is no opportunity for long-distance interviews or similar, or the option to change interview locations to another country.

Q5: Are digital transcripts/letters/degrees/testamurs okay to submit with my application?

A: The JET Programme ALWAYS requires official hard-copy documents from your university, or Justice of the Peace-certified copies of such. However, from 2019, JET Programme New Zealand will also accept MyeQuals-certified digital documents in a two-step process. As long as you also send the IDENTICAL digital copies of academic documents to the JET Programme New Zealand within the official MyeQuals New Zealand website, printed (unofficial) copies of those same academic documents may be submitted as part of your physical Application Pack. Please send through the "Share via Email" function with no expiry date set. If you are having any trouble obtaining these documents, please contact your Embassy or Consulate ASAP for assistance.

Q6: How do I submit digital transcripts/letters/degrees/testamurs for my application?

A: On the Official MyeQuals New Zealand website, send through the "Share via Email" function with no expiry date set. Remember that you MUST also submit IDENTICAL printed copies of ALL documents you have submitted digitally.

Q7: I have a great family member/friend, can I ask them for a reference letter?

A: No. A family member/friend is not an appropriate reference, and will be disregarded.

Q8: My referee is overseas, can I submit their scanned signature in my original packet?

A: No. All references must be original copies, and include a hand-signed signature (a scanned copy or electronic signature is NOT acceptable, so please allow time for your referee to post you the original).

Q9: Who else would be ideal as a referee?

A: In addition to someone who knows your academic background, it's a good idea to choose a previous/current manager and/or someone from a community organisation/group that you have been involved in. Ideally, they can give a personal assessment of your abilities as a participant in the JET Programme, (including your ability to adjust and adapt to a foreign culture as well as commenting on your ability to work with people, and your quality of work) and career aspirations that have motivated you to apply. They should also outline their relationship to you, and how long they have known you for. Additionally, we do not require references to be confidential (we encourage you to open and collate your reference letters), but require them to be on letterhead wherever applicable.

Q10: Question 26c. on the application asks if I want to be considered for an early placement. Going to Japan up to 3 months early sounds great! Is it a good option for me?

A: That depends! First, you should know that there are a very limited number of Early Placements available (less than 5% of total Kiwi JETs leave early). These vacancies tend to arise because, for an unknown reason, a JET Participant has not completed their contract, and the contracting organisation cannot wait until July/August to get a replacement. You will still go through the application and interview process at the same time as everyone else, but everything in March is quite rushed!

Regardless of selection, you will need to submit a physician-completed Certificate of Health, including a mandatory chest X-ray and a follow-up with your doctor to complete this on time (at their own cost), at the time of application in principal.
The number of available early placements is very limited. Less than 5% of total New Zealand JET participants.
Early vacancies are often because a JET Participant has not completed their contract. You would have little or NO handover from your predecessor. So it could be in a potentially tense situation, depending on the circumstances under which your predecessor left.
You would have no control over your placement, and any specific requests for such will not be considered. Couples applying together would not be placed in the same location.
You would arrive in Japan before most JET Participants, thus also will miss out on Q&A sessions, Pre-Departure Orientation, Language Workshops, and more, as well as the chance to meet other New Zealand JET Programme Participants.
You would be on stand-by to travel to Japan at some point after April, thus would have less than one month to prepare for departure (tricky for getting out of your job or flat!)
If you are selected and decline a placement, you cannot be considered for arrival later that year. In addition, you would not be able to apply for the JET Programme again for a minimum of 1 year.
You would be informed if your application is to be considered for an early placement in mid March. So the departure to Japan would be within a few weeks.

Think CAREFULLY about whether or not putting a 'Y' in the Q26c. box is the right option for you.

Voices from the JET participants

For more information about the JET programme

JET Programme New Zealand on Facebook

For worldwide general information: The worldwide JET Homepage

Jet Alumni Associations (Former JET participants can contact)
JETAA NZ	Kendra Sim (Country Representative) JETAA New Zealand www.facebook.com/JETAA-NEW-ZEALAND
Auckland	Horace Yeung (President) JETAA Auckland Email:president@aucklandjetaa.com http://aucklandjetaa.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/5022759207/
Wellington	Andreas Birzer (President) JETAA Wellington c/o Japan Information & Cultural Centre Embassy of Japan PO Box 6340 Marion Square Wellington 6141 Email:jetaawellington@gmail.com http://www.jetaawgtn.org.nz/ https://www.facebook.com/JETAAWellington/
South Island	Jacob Fagan (President) JETAA South Island PO Box 13 748 Christchurch 8141 Email: president@jetaasi.org https://www.facebook.com/JETAASouthIsland