MANILA – The Japanese Embassy is now accepting applications for the highly competitive 2025 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program, which allows eligible Filipinos to work as assistant language teachers (ALTs) in Japan.
Filipinos accepted in the program will work in public or private schools or local boards of education as assistants in classes led by Japanese English teachers.
Alongside ALTs, also up for grabs are slots for the Coordinator for International Relations (CIRs) post.
CIRs are placed mainly in local governments across Japan and assists in the international exchange matters by translating documents; project planning designing, and implementation; oral and written communications with non-Japanese residents and communities; and other related tasks.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens, possess excellent English communication skills, physically and mentally fit to work abroad, and hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher, or be able to obtain such qualifications by the designated arrival date.
In addition to the above, applicants for the CIR position must possess Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N1 or its equivalent).
The application forms, and other requirements are available at the embassy website: https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000193_00001.html.
Submission is due on Nov. 6 for ALT applicants and on Dec. 6 for CIR applicants.
The JET program was introduced in 1987 to help deepen mutual understanding between the people of Japan and those of other countries through foreign language exchange and cultural immersion at the local level.
In 2024, more than 120 JET participants qualified from the Philippines, the largest batch in a single year, bringing the total number of participants from the Philippines to over 300. (PNA)