A representative of the JET programme visited LJMU recently to give aspiring travellers to Japan a taste of what the scheme has to offer. If you’ve missed it, but like the sound of getting paid to live and work in Japan after graduation, we have provided a handy summary of the key points of the programme below.

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme is an official Japanese government scheme aimed at promoting international understanding and improving foreign language teaching in Japanese schools. Japan is welcoming an increasing number of international tourists and is going to host a number of high-profile international sports events in the next few years, such as the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Olympics.

UK graduates can choose between two positions on the JET programme: Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) and Coordinator for International Relations (CIR). The UK JET programme sends over 100 ALTs and up to 10 CIRs to Japan each year. Please check the JET UK website for further information about eligibility. CIRs need to have a strong, functional command of the Japanese language, but ALTs do not need any Japanese language skills.

Applicants interested in the ALT role do not need to be qualified teachers, as JETs are team-teaching with experienced teachers, and teaching materials and resources will be provided. Teaching positions are available in elementary and high schools, and JETs may also become involved in English clubs and coaching students for speech contests. Positions are available throughout Japan – the speaker emphasised that Japan is a country with a diverse geography, so make sure that you do your research to make an informed choice if you’re stating a location preference on the application form. There may actually be fewer positions available in bigger cities, because these are quite international already, and your money will go much further away from the big places.

In addition to receiving a competitive salary, other benefits include paid-for flight to and from Japan, support with getting a work visa, orientations and training, assistance with accommodation, accident and health insurance, as well as grants for TEFL courses or Japanese study. Any cultural barriers or homesickness are quickly overcome with the help of the staff in your school and the support from a strong network of other JETs.

The JET website provides in-depth information about the programme and the most in-depth FAQ section imaginable! If you can still think of any additional questions, the JET desk in the Japanese embassy in London is happy to help.

Applications for the 2019 programme close on 22^nd November and both graduates and current final-year/postgraduate students are eligible to apply. There’s quite a detailed application pack to prepare, so get your skates on if you want to be eating your sushi in Japan next year!

There are plenty of international work and study opportunities out there, so check out our working abroad guide for further ideas. Did you know that LJMU has a number of exciting partnerships for working and studying abroad and offers financial assistance to students interested in gaining international experience? Check out the Go Global team’s website for further information and you may soon be jetting off on an international adventure!