Set up in 1987, this programme employs predominantly young college graduates as native speaker Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in Japanese schools, Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) or Sports Education Advisors (SEAs). The programme is run by three ministries (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) in conjunction with local authorities. Administration of the programme is done by CLAIR, the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations.
As of 2003, roughly 6,000 foreigners were employed in Japan on this programme, making it the world's largest exchange teaching programme. Of that number, about half were from America, with Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand making up most of the remainder. Participants come from a total of about 40 countries. About 90% of the participants on the programme are ALTs, and the remaining 10% are divided between CIRs and SEAs.
Successful applicants to the programme are accepted from their home country, and placed with a local authority in Japan who becomes the employer. While applicants can specify a preferred location, they will not necessarily receive that choice.
Pay for the programme has not changed since its inception. Participants receive 3,600,000 yen, tax-free, per year. In addition to this, many participants receive subsidized housing and other benefits.
Participants sign a one-year contract, which can be renewed up to two times, for a maximum total of three years. Some positions now offer the option to work for more than three years.
A research effort into nuclear fusion is also called the JET Programme.