It’s that time of year again. Many of our new JET Programme participants have departed for Japan.
The JET Programme, which began in 1987, aims to foster mutual understanding between the people of Japan and the rest of the world. Thanks to over three decades of excellent work and positive attitudes from participants, the JET Programme has grown into one of the world’s largest international exchange programs, earning an outstanding reputation both in Japan and overseas.
This year, 114 new participants from Australia and 66 from New Zealand will join us. They will live and work across Japan’s diverse climates, from the northern reaches of Hokkaido Prefecture to the southern tip of Okinawa Prefecture. JET participants bring their own cultural backgrounds into play, enriching their communities and deepening their understanding of Japanese culture.
At the same time, living in Japan provides a valuable opportunity for participants to gain a new perspective on their home countries. By experiencing Japan’s lifestyle and customs, national character, and social systems, such as its education system, participants can develop a deeper understanding of their own countries in contrast. Additionally, learning how their home countries are perceived abroad can offer fresh insights. This is something I have strongly felt after living in Australia for two years.
We hope our participants will make the most of their time in the JET Programme, gaining many exciting and unique experiences that they will cherish long after they leave. We are confident that they will all thrive in Japan.
If you are interested in the JET Programme, please see below for more information.
