If you've been considering teaching abroad for any time, you may have come across something called the JET Programme. In this article, I'll explain what it exactly is and describe the pros and cons of the program.
The JET Programme (The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme) is a Japanese government program that recruits college graduates from other countries (mostly English speakers) to work as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) to work in their public schools.
It has been and remains as one of the biggest language exchange programs in the world and every year thousands of new teachers are recruited from throughout the world.
Pros:
* The JET Programme is run by the Japanese government and is very organized and stable.
* Competitive Salary and subsidized housing.
* You'll be part of a large international group of alumni.
* You'll be a part of the local Japanese community and experience Japan from the inside and not just as a visitor or tourist.
* Having been a participant in the JET Programme will look great on your resume.
Cons:
* The JET Programme attracts quite a large number of candidate teachers. Becoming a JET participant is a highly competitive process and there are no guarantees that you will be placed.
* You may not find out where in Japan you will be placed until the last minute. You don't have much choice about where in Japan you want to teach.
* Your housing expenses can be quite high depending on where you are placed.
* The JET Programme has set schedule for the hiring process as well as specific dates that the program starts and ends. There are no exceptions regardless of your situation.
If you're looking to teach English abroad, Japan is an excellent choice and the JET Programme is a wonderful option you'll want to explore. Keep in mind however that many other options exist in Japan and you'll want to learn about them as well before making a choice.
To find out more about the JET Programme or other teaching opportunities available in Japan, be sure to check out http://www.AllAboutTeachingAbroad.com