JET: Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program

If you’re a senior and you’re considering applying for JET, take note: Their website—http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JET/—says that the 2011 application will be available on October 25th, 2010, but Japanese major Rebecca Rowe (GW ’10) says it’s available online now. Be sure to go to their website for all relevant information. The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) is the largest program for English instructors in Japan, sponsored by the Japanese government. Each year 800-1000 American young professionals are selected to teach English in Japanese public schools. A small percentage of our participants also work in local government offices on international relations projects. This past summer, the local Japanese embassy sent approximately 75 new participants from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, to join a total of nearly 5,000 participants throughout Japan. Be sure to check out their site if you are interested.

JET Kudos

Congratulations to Marissa Lubong and Ryan Buyco, graduating seniors and Japanese majors, for being accepted into the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme. Spencer Barnes, another graduating senior and Japanese major--incredibly, double majoring as a student from GW's School of Business--was selected as an alternate. If past history is any indication, there is a good chance he will get in too. I'd congratulate him too, but I don't want to jinx him.

Unfortunately, not all of our students who applied got in, as this program has become highly competitive recently, particularly with the dearth of job opportunities these days. But each was outstanding and qualified, and I have no doubt that they will find other opportunities soon. So keep pluggin' away. Your time will come.