THE NEW JET SCHEME

There is a new JET scheme being introduced into Japan, for most part it will not take affect until the next intakes in August. 

To be honest it's not really a new scheme... It's more of alterations to the current scheme.

Currently a JET has the benefits of ¥300,000 a month, they are exempt from tax and are sometimes offered cheaper teacher housing. 

however, because the government has had to make cut backs and the fact that most larger BoE are preferring other companies, the JET system hasn't been doing as well as in previous years.

Some of the government want to fade it out, others what to keep it, for most part they are unsure what to do with it...the original idea was to encourage foreigners into the country and to enable school children to actually meet, interface and learn other cultures from a real foreigner... In some areas Japanese people may have only seen a foreigner once or twice in their life...I have met a few Japanese people whereby I'm the first foreign they have met in person.

Anyway... Some of the changes are similar to the Korean program whereby the first year your salary is lower and each year you chose to stay, the salary increases... They are unsure of what the salary will be, but talks are suggesting maybe ¥250,000. It is unsure of whether they will consider previous experience to determine the cost.

Also all JETs will be required to pay tax... Definately from August although there are talks to put in place for the new tax year that starts in march. 

a lot of JETs also use to have the option of home stay for the first year... Again they are considering in dropping this.

Furthermore, a lot of positions for JET are usually with smaller BoE in rural areas or small towns... Gradually other companies, such as interac and joy talk, are winning contracts in the bigger cities.

Please note that this information might change and I cannot guarantee that it's 100% accurate but it came from a person high up the management line who worked for JET and still has a lot of contacts and dealings with JET personnels

• jet
• government
• BoE
• alt
• Asia
• teaching
• contracts