MidTESOL Matters
Spring 2001
A Publication of Mid-America Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Job Opportunities 

Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program 

Established in 1987, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET) offers several ways for interested participants to work for a year in Japan. Positions are available as Coordinators of International Relations and Sports Exchange Advisors, but 90% of JET participants work as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs). ALTs' duties include assisting local teachers in public schools with classroom instruction, materials development, and language-related extracurricular activities. Participants receive transportation to Japan and compensation of about 3,600,000 yen per year.  

Requirements for participants include that they must hold a bachelor's degree, be a citizen of the U.S., and "be willing to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of [Japan] after arrival." It is preferred that they be under 35 years of age. Proficiency in Japanese is not required, but participants are expected to work on their Japanese language skills before and during their stay. 

Applications are reviewed in January for positions that begin in July. Pre-departure and post-arrival orientation sessions are provided. The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), a sponsor and coordinator of the JET program, offers support services for participants during their stay.  

For further information, contact the Consulate-General of Japan in Kansas City (the only location in the MidTESOL region) or the embassy in Washington, D.C. 

Kansas City, MO

Consulate General of Japan

Phone: (816) 471-0111,

Fax: (816) 472-4248 

Washington, D.C.

Embassy of Japan, JET Office

Phone: (202) 238-6772-3 

Source: "The JET Programme." Brochure. Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, 1999. 
 

American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) Training Program 

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) Training Program provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students from the U.S. to work on a short-term basis in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden. While most positions are in scientific fields, there are a few openings for EFL instructors in Finland. Participants receive a stipend to cover living expenses. 

Participants must be over 21 and be American. There is no language requirement.  

The application deadline for EFL positions is February 1, 2001. An application and further information may be obtained from: 

The American-Scandinavian Foundation Exchange Division

58 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10016

Phone: 212-879-9779

Fax: 212-249-3444

E-mail: trainscan@amscan.org

http://www.amscan.org 

Source: "The ASF's Training Program: U.S. to Scandinavia." Brochure. The American-Scandinavian Foundation, 2000.