Types of Positions

Aspiring JETs

Types of Positions

Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)

ALTs are engaged in language instruction. ALTs are mainly assigned to local boards of education or elementary, junior high or senior high schools to carry out their duties as Assistant Language Teachers under the guidance of language teacher’s consultants or Japanese Teachers of English as specified by the supervisor at the board of education and/or the principal of the school. The following is a general outline of duties, though they may vary from one contracting organisation to another.

ALT duties may include:

  • 　Assisting English classes taught by Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs) in junior and senior high schools.
  • 　Assisting with English language training activities, etc. at primary/elementary schools.
  • 　Assisting in the preparation of materials for English language teaching.
  • 　Assisting in the language training of JTEs.
  • 　Assisting in organizing, coordinating and preparing activities for extracurricular activities and clubs (e.g English Club).
  • 　Providing information on language and other related subjects to Teachers’ Consultants and JTEs (e.g. word usage, pronunciations, etc.)
  • 　Assisting in English Language speech contests.
  • 　Engaging in local international exchange activities.
  • 　Other duties as specified by the contracting organisation.

Coordinators of International Relations (CIR)

CIRs are engaged in internationalisation activities. CIRs are placed in local government offices or related organisations. Participants are to carry out their duties as CIRs as specified by the supervisor at individual contracting organisations. CIRs must be fluent in the Japanese language (i.e. sufficient for daily work in a Japanese office environment – JLPT level N2 or N1 is recommended).

CIR duties may include:

  • Assisting in projects related to international activities carried out by the contracting organisation including editing, translating, and compiling brochures into English; assisting in planning, designing, and implementing international exchange programmes including international economic programmes; assisting in hosting official guests from abroad and interpreting at events for overseas visitors or for local foreign residents in the community.
  • Assisting in language instruction for employees of contracting organisations and local residents.
  • Assisting and participating in activities by local private groups or organisations engaging in international exchange.
  • Assisting in exchange activities (including school visits) related to local residents’ cross-cultural awareness and understanding as well as in supporting activities for foreign nationals residing in Japan.
  • Other duties as specified by the contracting organisation.

You may apply for either of these positions, but not both.