EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE

Q.

I would like to teach English at schools in Japan. Is there any program for a native English speaker to teach English at a japanese school.

A.

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, or "JET Program" , began in 1987 as a way to bring young people from other countries to Japan as assistant language teachers in secondary school foreign language (English, German, French) programs. Teachers come for periods of one year to a maximum of three. In 1995, a total of 4,628 came, more than half of whom (2,406) were from the United States. In 1996 about 2,450 of the total of the 5,000 scheduled to be invited will be from the United States.

In addition to assistant language teachers, the JET Program also invites "Coordinators for International Relations" to assist the international exchange programs of local communities.

The JET Program has been quite effective in enhancing foreign language education in Japan, contributing to international exchange at the community level. It has been highly praised in Japan and other participating countries.