Government of Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET) 2023 for Young Leaders (Fully-funded)

 The Government of Japan is calling for applications from young South Africans who would like to spend at least one year in Japan as Assistant Language Instructors (ALTs) under a highly successful international exchange programme for university graduates.

Application Deadline: 29th October 2022

Eligible Countries: South Africa

To Be Taken At (Country): Japan

About the Award: The Japan Exchange and Teaching 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 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).

The Programme started in 1987 with cooperation from governments of participating countries. Since then, over 70,000 people from 75 countries have participated in the Programme.

As the Programme has achieved an excellent reputation over the last 35 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.

Generally, Participants are appointed by prefectures, municipalities, and private schools, etc. as a member of staff for a 1-year period of participation on the Programme. The cost of transportation from the Participant’s origin to Japan, as well as remuneration, will be funded by the tax payers of Japan via the Contracting Organisation where the Participant is appointed. Because Participants serve as civil servants and private school staff members of their Contracting Organisations, they are required to observe rules and behave responsibly.

Withdrawal from the Programme after receipt of assignment or early termination of participation should be avoided as it causes numerous problems for Contracting Organisations, in addition to severely impacting the administration of the Programme itself.

Type: Training

Eligibility: As part of the general criteria, applicants must:

• Be interested in Japan and be willing to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Japan after their arrival; be motivated to participate in and initiate international exchange activities in the local community; make effort to study or continue studying the Japanese language prior to and after arriving in Japan.
•  Be both mentally and physically healthy.
  (3) Be willing and able to adapt to living and working in Japan, and be determined to responsibly complete their period of participation.
  (4) Applicants for the ALT position must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher, or obtain such qualifications by the designated arrival date (applicants for the ALT position may alternatively hold a certification of completion of a 3-year course to teach at primary/elementary or secondary schools or obtain such qualification(s) by the designated arrival date).
  (5) Be a national (not just a permanent resident) of the country where the recruitment and selection procedures take place by the time they submit their application form. Furthermore, thosewho possess Japanese nationality must have submitted their applications to renounce theirJapanese nationality before submitting their Reply Form. Applicants who possess multiple nationalities with countries other than Japan may only apply as a national of one of those countries.
  (6) Be adept in contemporary standard pronunciation, rhythm and intonation in the designated language (see Note 4) and possess excellent language ability that can be applied accurately and appropriately; have the ability to form sentences in a comprehensive and logical manner.

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Award: The cost of transportation from the participant’s origin to Japan, as well as remuneration, will be funded by the tax payers of Japan via the contracting organisation where the participant is appointed. Because participants serve as civil servants of their contracting organisations, they are required to uphold behaviour befitting civil servants.

Duration of Programme: Generally, participants are appointed by a contracting organisation for a one-year period. 

How to Apply:

• Application Guidelines(PDF)(408KB)
• Chart Sheet(PDF)(295KB)
• Application Form Instructions(PDF)(453KB)
• Application Form(PDF)(601KB)
• Self-Report of Medical Condition(PDF)(778KB)
• Statement of Physician(PDF)(708KB)
• Certificate of Health(PDF)(739KB)

PLEASE COURIER (WITH A TRACKING NUMBER) OR HAND DELIVER YOUR COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE TO: 
EMBASSY OF JAPAN
JET PROGRAMME
259 BAINES STREET
GROENKLOOF
PRETORIA
0181

Visit Programme Webpage for Details