Education ​/ Teaching, Language Teacher, Elementary School

Position: Full-time | Contract
# JET Programme 2027 – Assistant Language Teacher Positions in Japan (South Africa Recruitment)
Government of Japan October 16, 2026 Posted September 16, 2026 Posted by David NDIZEYE---Active### Overview The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme is administered through the collaboration of Japan's local government authorities, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR).
Aiming primarily to promote grassroots internationalisation at the local level, the JET Programme invites young university graduates from around the world to participate in internationalisation initiatives and be involved in foreign language education at Japan's local government offices, boards of education, elementary schools, junior high schools, and senior high schools. The JET Programme has received high acclaim both domestically and overseas for being one of the world's largest international exchange programmes.
The Embassy of Japan in South Africa is now calling for applications from young South Africans who would like to spend at least one year in Japan as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs). This is a unique opportunity to live and work in Japan, immerse yourself in local communities, and build professional and cross-cultural skills while contributing to foreign language education and grassroots international exchange.

** About the JET Programme
** Since its start in 1987, the JET Programme has grown significantly, with participating countries increasing from four to 54 and participants rising from 848 to 5,993 as of 2025. More than 80,000 people from 82 countries have participated in the programme over the years.
Participants are invited to Japan as honoured representatives of their countries and are expected to be responsible in all their activities, especially those concerning the promotion of mutual understanding between nations. It is therefore desirable that participants be adaptable, mentally and physically capable of performing the job duties, and have a deep interest in Japan.

** Position and Duties
** Participants engaged in language instruction are known as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs). They are placed mainly in local boards of education, elementary schools, junior high schools, and senior high schools.
ALTs carry out their duties under the guidance of language teachers' consultants or Japanese teachers of the foreign language, as specified by the supervisor and/or principal of the board of education and/or school.
The general duties include assistance in foreign language classes taught in elementary, junior high, and senior high schools. ALTs also assist in foreign language activities in elementary schools and in the preparation of materials for teaching a foreign language.
Additional duties include assistance in language training for teachers of a foreign language and cooperation in extracurricular activities and club activities. ALTs may also provide information on language and other related subjects for people such as teachers' consultants and foreign language teachers, including guidance on word usage and pronunciation.
Further responsibilities include cooperation in foreign language speech contests and cooperation in local international exchange activities. ALTs may also be asked to perform other duties as deemed necessary by the supervisor or the school principal. The specific duties may vary from one Contracting Organisation to another.

** What the Programme Provides
** Participants are generally appointed by prefectures, municipalities, and private schools as members of staff for a one-year…