Placement in Japan

How are placements allocated?

The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) considers the requests of both contracting organisations and participants. CLAIR then submits their proposals to the Special Mediator Committee consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and local governments. This committee makes the final decisions on participant placements.

What weight are participant placement requests given?

All requests are considered but due to the varying needs of each contracting organisation it is difficult to satisfy every request. In all cases, the JET Programme cannot guarantee any placement requests.

I have lived in Japan in the past. Is it possible to be posted to the place where I used to live?

Applicants are encouraged to indicate on the application if they have any placement requests. However, the JET Programme cannot guarantee any requests.

If both my husband and I apply to the JET Programme, can we be posted to the same place?

All applicants are considered as individuals during the selection process. However, the JET Programme does try to place couples in the same area but cannot guarantee placement together.

What is the possibility of teaching in universities/colleges?

There have been no participants teaching at the university/college level since 1992. The purpose of the JET Programme is to enrich foreign language education primarily in Japanese junior and senior high schools.

Is there any possibility of teaching at a private company?

No, there is no possibility.

Before departing for Japan can participants change their placements?

No, under no circumstances can participants change their placements.

Why is placement and working condition information not given to participants when they receive their offer of a position on the JET Programme?

Placements are not decided until after successful candidates have been chosen and agree to accept a position with the program.

After receiving the notice of placement and contracting organisation information can the participant make changes?

No, under no circumstances can participants change their placement or contracting organisation.

How can I get information regarding the area in which I will be placed and my working conditions?

Your contracting organisation will give you this information.

After arriving in Japan, can I change my placement?

Generally you cannot change your placement after arriving in Japan. However, under extraordinary circumstances placement changes may be considered.