 The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, now in its 24th year, is aimed at promoting grass-roots international exchange between Japan and other nations by inviting college or university graduates and young professionals to live and work in Japan. The number of countries sending participants has risen over the years, as has the number of participants. In 2010, the Program has welcomed 4,334 participants from 36 countries.
No matter where you go in Japan today, you will find JET participants developing strong relationships with their local communities through foreign language education and international exchange activities. After completing their time on the Program, many former JET participants use their experiences in Japan to continue enhancing relations between Japan and their home countries.
The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) administers the JET Program in cooperation with local government organisations; the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC); the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA); and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). CLAIR provides support for both JET Program participants and their Contracting Organizations* by arranging each JET participant's arrival, holding orientation seminars, as well as providing counselling and distributing a wide variety of essential resource materials and information.
 The JET Program has gained high acclaim both domestically and internationally for its role in advancing mutual understanding and for being one of the world's largest exchange programs. We hope many more individuals and regions will participate on the JET Program during the 21st century so that even more progress can be made in the internationalisation of our local communities.
In an effort to standardize information across the Consulates, the JET Office at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C., has establised an official website of the JET Program in the United States. This comprehensive site addresses all topics including requirements, job descriptions, detailed application information, the application timeline, an extensive FAQ section (compiled by the Consulate General of Japan in Miami), and much, much more.
The information contained on this page is specifically for prospective JETs, current applicants, and JET Alumni who live or work in our jurisdiction of Southern California (Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties) and the state of Arizona.
If you have questions about the JET Program not answered here or on the official U.S. website, and you reside in our jurisdiction, please contact the JET Program Coordinator by phone at (213) 617-6700 x332, or by email. If you are not a United States citizen, please click here to find and contact the Embassy of Japan in the country to which you hold citizenship for JET Program information. |
- 
There is life after JET! When you return to the United States, you can look forward to joining an organization filled with people who truly appreciate your experiences. JETAA is a support group and network for both recent returnees and JET alumni that have been back for a while. JETAA organizes social events, career informational and networking forums, and opportunities to assist the Consulate as speakers and interviewers with its recruitment and selection of new JETs. The networking is especially worthwhile since many of JETAA members work as educators and in many Japanese companies and organizations in Southen California.
for more information and to join!