Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme for Assistant Language Teacher (South Africa)

Deadline: 16-Oct-26

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET Programme) provides graduates with the opportunity to work as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in Japanese schools while promoting internationalisation, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. Assistant Language Teachers are placed with local boards of education and public or private elementary, junior high, and senior high schools across Japan. They assist with foreign language education, prepare teaching materials, support language training for teachers, participate in school and club activities, and contribute to local international exchange events. The programme also expects participants to serve as cultural ambassadors and actively engage with their host communities.

About the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme offers graduates an opportunity to gain professional teaching experience while living and working in Japan. As Assistant Language Teachers, participants contribute to foreign language education and help strengthen international understanding within Japanese schools and local communities. The programme combines language education with cultural exchange, allowing participants to introduce aspects of their home countries while learning about Japanese society and culture. What Do Assistant Language Teachers Do? Assistant Language Teachers work in Japanese educational institutions and support foreign language education in collaboration with local teachers.

Their responsibilities may include:

- Assisting with foreign language classes. - Preparing teaching materials. - Supporting language training for teachers. - Participating in school activities. - Participating in school club activities. - Contributing to local international exchange events. - Supporting internationalisation within schools and communities. - Serving as cultural ambassadors. - Actively engaging with their host communities. The exact placement and duties can vary depending on the local board of education or school. Where Are ALTs Placed? Assistant Language Teachers are placed across Japan.

Placements may be with:

- Local boards of education. - Public elementary schools. - Private elementary schools. - Public junior high schools. - Private junior high schools. - Public senior high schools. - Private senior high schools. This means participants may have the opportunity to work with students at different stages of school education. Promoting Internationalisation and Mutual Understanding A central purpose of the JET Programme is to promote internationalisation and mutual understanding. ALTs contribute not only to language education but also to cultural exchange. Their presence in schools and communities can provide students with opportunities to learn about different cultures and perspectives. Participants are therefore expected to take an active role as cultural ambassadors and engage with people in their host communities. Annual Remuneration JET Programme participants receive remuneration that increases according to the year of participation.

The approximate annual remuneration is:

- First year: ¥4,020,000 per annum.

- Second year: ¥4,140,000 per annum.

- Third year: ¥4,260,000 per annum.

Remuneration is paid monthly. The programme states that the remuneration is sufficient to cover average living expenses in Japan. Transportation to Japan Transportation from the participant’s place of origin to Japan is funded by the contracting organisation. This provides support for the participant’s initial travel to Japan for the programme. Taxes and Mandatory Contributions Although the remuneration is designed to cover average living expenses, participants are responsible for certain financial obligations.

These include applicable:

- Taxes. - Health insurance contributions. - Pension contributions. - Employment insurance contributions. Applicants should therefore consider these mandatory deductions and contributions when planning their finances during their stay in Japan. Who Can Apply? The programme is intended for graduates who meet the required educational, nationality, and programme participation conditions.

Applicants must:

- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent teaching qualification by the designated arrival date. - Be a national of the country where they apply. - Demonstrate strong interest in Japan. - Demonstrate strong interest in language education. Additional consideration is given to applicants who have relevant teaching experience or Japanese language ability. Educational Qualification Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent teaching qualification by the designated arrival date. This educational requirement is an important eligibility condition for applicants seeking to participate as Assistant Language Teachers. Nationality Requirement Applicants must be nationals of the country where they apply. Candidates should therefore apply through the JET Programme recruitment process applicable to their country of nationality. Interest in Japan and Language Education Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in Japan and language education. The programme seeks participants who are interested not only in teaching but also in cultural exchange and international understanding. Teaching Experience and Japanese Language Ability Teaching experience is not stated as an absolute requirement for all applicants, but additional consideration is given to candidates who have teaching experience. Applicants with Japanese language ability may also receive additional consideration. Relevant experience or language skills can therefore strengthen an application.

Participation Restrictions

Applicants must meet specific restrictions relating to previous participation in the JET Programme and residence in Japan.

Applicants must not:

- Have participated in the JET Programme since March 2024. - Have participated in the JET Programme for more than six years in total. - Have resided in Japan for six or more