SA grads jet off to teach in Japan

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The Embassy of Japan PR officer, Kota Toba, said that the programme aims to promote international exchange at the local level through the fostering of ties between Japanese teenagers and native English teachers from around the world, while enhancing foreign language education. While working as an Assistant English Teacher (ALT) at local authorities, as well as public and private pre-schools, primary and high schools in Japan, JET participants can learn a lot about Japan in a variety of ways.

Apply to teach in Japan

To apply for the JET Programme through the Embassy of Japan in South Africa, applicants should be South African citizens and have a bachelor’s degree in any field. Application forms for the 2020 Programme will become available during the month of September with the submission deadline being Friday, 8 November 2019. Participants will be shortlisted by April 2020, following a thorough selection process, which incorporates tests and face-to-face interviews in Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Departure to Japan is scheduled for September 2020.

Toba said that participants are usually appointed by a contracting organisation in Japan for a one-year period, which can be extended for up to five years with a yearly performance evaluation. “The cost of transport from the participant’s country of origin to Japan, as well as remuneration, is funded by Japan’s tax payers via the contracting organisation where the participant is appointed. The JET Programme has an excellent reputation and is fully backed by the Government of Japan."

Application forms for young people interested in applying for next year will be available on the Embassy of Japan website in September 2019 – http://www.za.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/jet_programme.html.