JET Programme 2027: Apply to Teach English in Japan for at Least One Year as an Assistant Language Teacher

The Government of Japan is inviting applications from young South Africans interested in gaining international teaching and cultural exchange experience through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme 2027. The programme offers successful participants an opportunity to spend at least one year in Japan working as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) while contributing to internationalisation, foreign-language education, and people-to-people exchange at the local level.

Administered through a collaboration involving Japanese government ministries and agencies, the JET Programme is one of the world’s largest international exchange programmes. It brings university graduates from participating countries to Japan to work with local governments, schools, boards of education, and other organisations.

For South African graduates with an interest in education, language, Japanese culture, international relations, community engagement, and cross-cultural communication, the JET Programme provides an opportunity to live and work in Japan while developing professional and intercultural skills.

JET Programme 2027 Overview

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme was established to promote grassroots internationalisation in Japan. Participants work with local communities and educational institutions, helping strengthen understanding between Japan and other countries.

For the 2027 intake, the Embassy of Japan in South Africa is calling for applications from young South Africans who would like to spend at least one year in Japan as Assistant Language Teachers.

Key details

• Programme: Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
• 2027 Position: Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)
• Host country: Japan
• Recruiting country: South Africa
• Duration: Generally one year
• Target applicants: Young South African university graduates
• Work environment: Elementary, junior high and senior high schools, local boards of education and related institutions
• Application method: Courier with a tracking number or hand delivery
• Application deadline: 4:00 PM, 16 October 2026
• Application location: Embassy of Japan, 259 Baines Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria, 0181
• Selection notification: Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be contacted by email

What Is the JET Programme?

The JET Programme is an international exchange initiative administered through cooperation among several Japanese institutions, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR).

Its primary objective is to promote grassroots internationalisation at the local level.

Rather than focusing only on international exchange at the national or diplomatic level, the programme places participants directly within Japanese communities. Participants interact with students, teachers, local government employees and community members, allowing cultural exchange to take place through everyday professional and community activities.

The programme also seeks to create long-term international networks. Participants are expected to contribute positively to mutual understanding between Japan and their home countries while gaining a deeper understanding of Japanese society and culture.

JET Programme History and Global Reach

The JET Programme has developed considerably since its establishment in 1987.

According to the Embassy of Japan in South Africa, the programme began with participants from only four countries. Over the years, it has expanded to include participants from 54 countries, with 5,993 participants as of 2025.

Across the history of the programme, more than 80,000 people from 82 countries have participated.

This extensive international participation demonstrates the scale of the JET Programme and its emphasis on creating connections between Japan and communities around the world.

The programme has also developed a strong reputation both within Japan and internationally. Participants are regarded as representatives of their respective countries and are therefore expected to conduct themselves responsibly and contribute constructively to international understanding.

Assistant Language Teacher Position

The 2027 opportunity highlighted by the Embassy of Japan in South Africa is for applicants interested in serving as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs).

ALTs are primarily placed in educational settings, including:

• Local boards of education
• Elementary schools
• Junior high schools
• Senior high schools

Participants work under the guidance of language-teacher consultants, Japanese teachers of foreign languages, school principals, boards of education, or other designated supervisors.

The precise working environment and responsibilities can vary depending on the Contracting Organisation to which an individual is assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities of an ALT

The role is broader than simply standing in front of a classroom and teaching English. Participants can become involved in different educational and cultural activities depending on the needs of their school or Contracting Organisation.

Typical responsibilities may include the following.

1. Assisting with foreign-language classes

ALTs assist Japanese teachers with foreign-language lessons in elementary, junior high and senior high schools.

This can involve supporting classroom activities, language practice, communication exercises and other activities designed to help students develop their foreign-language abilities.

The exact nature of classroom involvement may depend on the school, teaching arrangements and instructions provided by the relevant supervisor.

2. Supporting foreign-language activities in elementary schools

Participants may also assist with foreign-language activities for younger learners.

This gives ALTs an opportunity to introduce language learning in engaging and accessible ways while interacting directly with Japanese pupils.

3. Helping prepare teaching materials

ALTs may contribute to the preparation of materials used for foreign-language education.

This could involve helping teachers develop language-learning resources or providing information and examples that support classroom instruction.

4. Supporting language training for teachers

Participants may assist with language training for Japanese teachers of foreign languages or other language-related activities.

Their perspective as international participants can be useful in providing practical language knowledge and insights into how English and other foreign languages are used.

5. Participating in extracurricular and club activities

The JET Programme can extend beyond formal classroom instruction.

ALTs may cooperate with extracurricular activities and school clubs, allowing them to interact with students in less formal educational environments.

6. Providing language-related information

Participants may provide information to teachers and language consultants on matters such as:

• Word usage
• Pronunciation
• Language expressions
• Other language-related subjects

This responsibility allows participants to contribute their knowledge of their own language and culture to the Japanese education system.

7. Supporting foreign-language speech contests

ALTs may also assist with foreign-language speech contests.

This could include helping students prepare, providing language-related guidance or supporting the organisation of such activities, depending on the requirements of the school or Contracting Organisation.

8. Supporting local international exchange activities

One of the most important elements of the JET Programme is international exchange.

Participants may cooperate in local international exchange activities, helping communities develop greater awareness and understanding of other countries and cultures.

9. Performing other duties as required

Participants may be assigned additional duties considered necessary by their supervisor or school principal.

Because assignments differ between Contracting Organisations, applicants should understand that the precise responsibilities of an ALT can vary.

Where Do JET Participants Work?

JET participants are generally appointed by Japanese prefectures, municipalities, private schools and other Contracting Organisations.

This means that successful applicants are not necessarily assigned to one specific city or region in Japan. Their eventual placement depends on the organisation to which they are appointed.

Participants can therefore expect their experience to be shaped partly by their assigned community, school and local working environment.

For someone interested in experiencing Japanese life beyond major tourist destinations, this aspect of the programme can be particularly significant because placements can connect participants with local communities and educational institutions.

One-Year Participation Period

Participants are generally appointed for a one-year period.

The programme is therefore designed as a substantial international experience rather than a short-term visit. Successful applicants should be prepared to live and work in Japan for the duration of their appointment.

The Embassy of Japan also emphasises that participants should avoid withdrawing from the programme after receiving an assignment or ending their participation early, as doing so can create significant difficulties for the Contracting Organisation and affect the administration of the programme.

Applicants should therefore consider the commitment carefully before applying.

Financial Support and Transportation

According to the Embassy of Japan’s information, the cost of transportation from the participant’s place of origin to Japan, as well as remuneration, is funded by Japanese taxpayers through the Contracting Organisation where the participant is appointed.

This means successful participants receive financial support connected to their participation and employment under the programme.

Because participants serve as staff members of their respective Contracting Organisations, they are expected to observe applicable rules and behave responsibly.

The financial arrangements therefore form part of a broader employment and public-service structure rather than being simply a study-abroad scholarship.

Professional and Personal Development Opportunities

The JET Programme can provide participants with an opportunity to develop skills that extend beyond language education.

Living and working in another country can expose participants to new professional environments, educational systems and cultural practices.

Participants can potentially develop experience in areas such as:

• Classroom support and education
• Public speaking and communication
• Cross-cultural communication
• Community engagement
• International relations
• Cultural exchange
• Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Interpersonal communication
• Working in a foreign professional environment
• Understanding Japanese society and culture

For graduates interested in careers involving international development, education, communications, diplomacy, international organisations, cultural exchange or global affairs, such experience can provide useful exposure.

Expectations of JET Participants

JET participants are regarded as representatives of their respective countries.

The Embassy of Japan therefore stresses the importance of responsible behaviour and mutual understanding.

Applicants should understand that the programme is not solely about travelling to Japan. Participants are expected to make a meaningful contribution to the communities in which they live and work.

The Embassy indicates that desirable participants should be:

• Adaptable
• Mentally capable of performing their duties
• Physically capable of performing their duties
• Deeply interested in Japan
• Responsible in their activities
• Committed to promoting mutual understanding between nations

Participants should therefore be prepared to adapt to a different cultural and professional environment.

Why the International Exchange Element Matters

International exchange is central to the JET Programme.

An ALT from South Africa, for example, does more than assist with language education. Their presence can give Japanese students and community members opportunities to learn about South Africa and interact with someone from a different cultural background.

At the same time, the participant gains first-hand exposure to Japanese culture and society.

This two-way exchange is one of the fundamental purposes of the programme.

Participants are encouraged to build relationships with the communities where they are placed, contributing to a broader international network that can continue beyond their period in Japan.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The opportunity is particularly relevant to young South African university graduates who are interested in combining professional experience with international cultural exchange.

Potentially suitable applicants may include graduates interested in:

• Teaching and education
• English-language education
• International exchange
• Japanese culture
• International development
• Global communication
• Community engagement
• Cross-cultural relations
• International careers

Applicants should also be comfortable with the responsibilities associated with representing their country in an international programme.

Application Deadline for JET Programme 2027

The deadline is 4:00 PM on 16 October 2026.

Importantly, applications must arrive at the Embassy of Japan by the deadline. Applicants should therefore not wait until the final day to send their documents.

The Embassy specifically instructs applicants to either courier their complete application package with a tracking number or hand deliver it to the designated address.

Application address

Embassy of Japan
JET Programme
259 Baines Street
Groenkloof
Pretoria
0181
South Africa

Applicants using courier services should allow sufficient time for the package to arrive before the stated deadline.

How to Apply for the JET Programme 2027

Applicants should carefully review the official JET Programme information and application documentation before preparing their submissions.

The basic submission process indicated by the Embassy is:

1. Review the official JET Programme information and application requirements.
2. Complete the required application documentation.
3. Prepare the complete application package.
4. Check that all required documents have been included.
5. Submit the package by courier with a tracking number or hand deliver it to the Embassy of Japan in Pretoria.
6. Ensure that the application arrives by 4:00 PM on 16 October 2026.
7. Wait for notification by email regarding the outcome of the application.

Applicants should ensure that their submissions are complete and comply with the instructions in the official application documentation.

Selection Results

The Embassy of Japan states that both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be contacted by email.

Applicants are specifically requested not to contact the Embassy to enquire about the outcome of their application.

It is therefore important for applicants to monitor the email address provided in their application after submission.

To APPLY download the application form HERE.

Important Considerations Before Applying

The JET Programme can be a major international and professional opportunity, but applicants should understand the commitment involved.

Before applying, prospective participants should consider whether they are prepared to:

• Live in Japan for at least one year.
• Adapt to a different cultural and social environment.
• Work within the Japanese education system.
• Follow the instructions of their supervisors and Contracting Organisations.
• Interact professionally with students, teachers and community members.
• Represent South Africa responsibly.
• Participate actively in international and cultural exchange.
• Accept the responsibilities associated with their assigned position.
• Commit to the programme rather than treating it simply as an opportunity for travel.

The programme is intended for individuals who can make a meaningful contribution while adapting to life and work in Japan.

Visit HERE to learn more about the JET Programme 2027.

Conclusion

The JET Programme 2027 offers young South African university graduates an opportunity to spend at least one year in Japan while working as Assistant Language Teachers and contributing to international exchange.

The programme combines language education, professional experience, community engagement and cultural exchange. Participants can work alongside Japanese teachers and educational authorities, support foreign-language classes, assist with teaching materials and extracurricular activities, contribute to speech contests and participate in local international exchange initiatives.

Beyond the professional responsibilities, the programme provides an opportunity to experience Japanese society from within a local community while helping Japanese students and residents learn more about South Africa and the wider world.

Interested South African graduates should begin preparing their applications well before the deadline. The complete application package must arrive at the Embassy of Japan in Pretoria no later than 4:00 PM on 16 October 2026.

For the official application instructions, detailed information and application forms, applicants should consult the Embassy of Japan in South Africa’s official JET Programme information before submitting their documents.

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