Japan opens application for JET program

MANILA, Philippines — The Japanese government has opened applications for assistant language teacher (ALT) under its Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program for 2020.

Applicants must be Filipino citizens, possess excellent English ability both oral and written, physically and mentally fit to work abroad, and hold a bachelor’s degree or higher or be able to obtain such qualifications by the designated arrival date.  

ALTs will work in public or private schools, or local boards of education in the prefecture or municipality where they will be assigned.

ALTs’ primary task is to assist in classes led by Japanese teachers of English.

The Japanese embassy in Manila has sent a total of 154 JET participants as ALTs or coordinator for international relations (CIRs) to Japan.

From just two ALTs in 2014, it has grown to 52 ALTs and one CIR for this year alone.

Introduced in 1987, the JET program aims to help deepen mutual understanding between the people of Japan and those of other countries through foreign language exchange and cultural immersion at the local level.

In 2019, there were 5,761 participants in the program from 57 countries, including the Philippines.

Interested parties may download application forms and check details on requirements from https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000147.html.

The deadline for applications is on Nov. 29 . Applications must be submitted personally or via courier to the Japan Information and Culture Center - Embassy of Japan in the Philippines at 2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300.