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The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme is operated by local authorities in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, along with the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR).

The program was started in 1987 with the purpose of increasing mutual understanding between the people of Japan and the people of other nations. It aims to promote internationalization in Japan's local communities by helping to improve foreign language education and developing international exchange at the community level. Now in its 20th year, the program has seen significant growth from its original 848 participants from 4 countries in 1987 to over 5,500 participants from 44 countries in 2006.

Participants are assigned to be either Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs), who work in communities on international exchange activities, Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), who provide language instruction in junior and senior high school classrooms, or Sport Exchange Advisors (SEAs), who promote international exchange through sports. Participants are placed with local authorities throughout Japan in every imaginable locality; from large cities to small and medium-sized towns to rural farming and fishing villages.

The JET Program, one of the world's largest international exchange programs, has an excellent reputation in Japan as well as abroad. The program is expected to greatly contribute to the building of a global society, as the people involved form an international network of relationships.

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The Role of CLAIR in the JET Programme

To ensure the smooth implementation of the JET Programme, the local authorities, the three ministries. CLAIR facilitates communication between these bodies, determines participant placement. guidance and support for contracting organisations.

CLAIR Sydney coordinates the JET Programme in collaboration with the Japanese Embassy and Consulate offices. For more information on the JET Programme click here, or contact your local Japanese Consulate Office or Japanese Embassy.

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What is JETAA?

The JET Alumni Association (JETAA) is an independent organization comprised primarily of former JET participants who have returned to their home countries. JETAA members draw on their experiences in Japan to assist with JET Program recruitment and promotion activities in their home countries as well as encouraging information exchange among members. The main goal of JETAA is to develop and maintain ties of friendship with Japan.

As of April 2004, JETAA has approximately 16,600 members in 48 chapters active in 14 countries, including 5 chapters in Australia and 3 in New Zealand. In support of their activities, CLAIR helps subsidise each chapters' activities as well as the annual JETAA International Conference and regional conferences.

For further information, go to http://www.jetalumni.org or to the links page for individual chapter details.

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