Culture and Education

The Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville oversees the JET Program for residents and university students in Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program offers paid positions to new graduates and young professionals from around the world who wish to participate in international exchange and foreign language education in Japan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) co-sponsor the program. Here at the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, we work with the program sponsors and the Embassy of Japan to recruit, interview, select, and prepare participants for departure. Successful applicants are placed at various contracting organizations around Japan, from boards of education in rural Japan to urban government offices.

For complete information about the JET Program, visit https://JETProgramUSA.org. This site is by the Embassy of Japan in Washington DC and contains information applicable to all U.S. citizens. Please note that there are a number of unofficial websites about JET Program. While some may contain useful information, they may also contain inaccuracies.  As such, please refer to the Official JET Program website or contact us for accurate information.

Qualifications and Positions:

Eligibility criteria and positions are outlined in full on the JET Program application. Basic requirements for American applicants include an interest in Japan, the ability to adapt to life in Japan, and a willingness to study the Japanese language. Excellent English language skills and a bachelor’s degree are also required; all majors are welcome!

• Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) - Most participants are assigned to positions as ALTs in elementary, junior high, or high school. ALTs assist in classes taught by Japanese teachers of English. ALT duties can also include assisting with other aspects of English language training, visiting primary and elementary schools, and engaging in local international exchange activities. While Japanese language skills are not required for the ALT position, participants must commit to studying Japanese upon their acceptance.
• Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) - Approximately 10% of the American participants on the program are CIRs. Because CIRs are placed in Japanese government offices, they must have a functional command of the Japanese language. CIRs assist with various projects related to international activities. These activities can include editing and translating publications, hosting foreign guests, and interpreting at events for overseas visitors. CIRs may also provide language instruction, assist with private international exchange activities, and help raise cross-cultural awareness and understanding.
• Sports Education Advisors (SEAs) - SEAs engage in internationalization through the instruction of specific sports. Applications for the SEA position are accepted by invitation only.

Please visit Embassy of Japan’s JET Program Website to begin your application. The new application becomes available online each fall. Prospective applicants who become interested in the Program before the application is available are encouraged to get ahead by gathering supplemental application materials.

The following timetable is for general reference. Be sure to get exact dates for the JET year for which you are applying.
 

September-November	JET Program Recruitment: Info Sessions take place on university campuses and career fairs in the 5-state area of Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.  University personnel who are interested in hosting an information session should contact Tye Ebel, JET Program Coordinator.
Late September	Application available
Mid-November	APPLICATIONS DUE (Deadline varies from year to year)
November – January	The Embassy of Japan reviews applications.
January	Applicants are notified of their status.
January - February	Interview with those who passed the initial screening.
April	Interview results are released. Successful applicants are required to submit additional documents.
May/June	Successful candidates are notified of their placements.
June	Optional Question & Answer Session and other events are held by the Consulate and JET Alumni Associations.
July/August	The Consulate hosts a mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation in Nashville for participants who then depart for Japan the following day.
July/August	CLAIR hosts a mandatory Post-Arrival Orientation in Tokyo. Participants depart for contracting organizations.

 

Alumni who move into our area should contact the JET Program Coordinator so that we are aware of your presence.

JETAA Music City

JET participant returnees who reside in Tennessee and Kentucky are granted membership in the JETAA Music City Chapter. For more information on JETAA Music City, please contact president@jetaamc.org or visit the JETAA Music City Facebook page.

JETAA Mid-South

Those who reside in Louisiana, Arkansas, or Mississippi are granted membership in the JETAA Mid-South chapter. This chapter was previously known as JETAANOLA. For more information on JETAA Mid-South, please contact info@jetaanola.com or visit the Facebook page.

JETAA USA

A complete list of chapters in the USA can be found on the JETAA USA official website.

JETAA International

The JET Alumni Association International (JETAAi) is the umbrella organization overseeing the various associations around the world and is a valuable resource for applicants, current participants, participants’ parents, and returnees.

Tye Ebel - JET Program Coordinator
Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville
1801 West End, Suite 900
Nashville, TN 37203
Tel: +1 (615) 340-4300 ext. 171
Fax: +1 (615) 340-4312
E-Mail: jet@nv.mofa.go.jp