Participants have a two-day orientation in Tokyo before beginning their work as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) of English in elementary, junior high and senior high schools across Japan, says the Embassy.

These 34 participants bring the total number of South African JET Programme participants since 1997 to 1023. At a pre-departure reception held at the Embassy of Japan on Friday, 24 July to celebrate this milestone, Ambassador SHIMIZU Fumio commended the achievement and encouraged this next wave of participants to represent South Africa proudly and enjoy their time in Japan. 

More than 80 000 people from 82 countries have participated in the JET Programme since it started in 1987. Eligible candidates need to be South African citizens, hold a bachelor's degree in any field, and have a strong interest in Japanese culture and education. 

According to the Embassy, the application process involves:  

  • submission of various documents
  • rigorous screening 
  • a selection of applicants is invited for an in-person interview 
  • shortlisted candidates are notified of their acceptance and placement, and
  • pre-departure orientation before officially departing for Japan around the end of July.

Applications for 2027 are expected to open during September 2026, concludes the Embassy.

For more information, visit www.za.emb-japan.go.jp. You can also follow the Embassy of Japan in South Africa on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor