The Embassy of Japan and the Consulate-Generals of Japan at Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai have started to accept applications from Indian youth for the 2008 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme.

   The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme seeks to help enhance internationalization in Japan, by promoting mutual understanding between Japan and other nations. The Programme aims to enhance foreign language education in Japan, and to promote international exchange at the local level through fostering ties between Japanese youth and foreign youth.

   The JET Programme started in 1987 with the cooperation of the participating country governments. In FY2007, there are 5,119 participants in the Programme from 41 countries. The JET Programme has achieved an excellent reputation over the last 21 years and become one of the largest international exchange programmes in the world.

   The JET Programme offers highly qualified college/university graduates of Indian nationality the opportunity to work as Assistant Language Teachers (ALT) in elementary and secondary schools in Japan.

   This year, while only 1 (one) ALT position is so far confirmed to be available from all over India, there is a possibility that a few more ALT positions might open up at a later date. Applicants for the ALT position should, in principle, be under 40 years of age. They should hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or be qualified to teach at primary/elementary or secondary schools, by the time of the designated departure. Besides, they should have an advanced command of the English language (be an active or former English language teacher, or hold an English language teacher’s license, or have experience in teaching English to foreigners, or be a former international student or resident in an English-speaking country, etc.).

   Applicants can get more information on the JET Programme by visiting MOFA website http://www.mofa.go.jp/jet　and obtain applications from the website of the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi　http://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp

   To apply for the JET Programme from India, please download and read carefully THE 2008 JET PROGRAMME and INSTRUCTIONS FOR JET APPLICATION FORM 2008 to fill in APPLICATION FORM 2008, and send your duly-completed application to the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi, or the Consulate-Generals of Japan at Kolkata, Chennai, or Mumbai (see below), no later than 31st March 2008.

   Please note that the application forms should be complete in all respects, accompanied with the specified documents. Applications that are incomplete, or with any document missing, will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be called for the interviews.