As one of the longest running and most prestigious teacher exchange programs, the JET program offers a chance for citizens from around the world to live and work in Japan. As taken from their website,
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, now in its 24th year, is aimed at promoting grass-roots international exchange between Japan and other nations. The number of countries sending participants has risen over the years, as has the number of participants. In 2010, the Programme 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 Programme, 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 Programme 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 Programme participants and their Contracting Organisations 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 Programme 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 programmes. We hope many more individuals and regions will participate on the JET Programme during the 21st century so that even more progress can be made in the internationalisation of our local communities.
Coordinator for International Relations (CIR)/ 国際交流員
Although most participants on the JET Program are employed as Assistant Language Teachers, a certain number are selected to be a Coordinator for International Relations(CIR). CIRs must have a strong command of the Japanese language to be considered for the position, as they are required to work with local governments and organizations on a variety of subjects.
Although every location is different, a CIR's duties can include, but are not limited to-
・Event planning
・Newsletter articles,
・Translation, interpretation
・School visits
・Assisting international residents
Coordinator for International Relations in Seika/精華町の国際交流員
Seika Town has a long history with the JET program, and has employed a Coordinator for the past 16 years. Currently on the 9th CIR, Seika Town enforces a two year limit so that new international voices and opinions are constantly brought in.
The Seika town CIR's main duties include-
・Publication of the English Language News Journal "Ichigo"
・Writing an article for the town newsletter "Hanasou"
・Assiting International Residents
・Working with the Seika International Organization, Seika Global Net
・Elementary and Middle school visits
If you have any interest in the Jet Program or becoming a Coordinator for International Relations, please visit the JET program website
Jet Program Website (English)
Jet Program Website (Japanese)
Or contact me at : cir@town.seika.kyoto.jp
