The Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program invites young college and university graduates from overseas to participate in international exchange and foreign language education throughout Japan as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs). The program is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology; the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications and local governments throughout Japan, in cooperation with the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR). Begun in 1987 with fewer than 1,000 participants, the JET Program has grown tremendously. Today, the program is one the world’s largest international exchange programs, with over 5,500 participants taking part in the program this year from 44 different countries. Nearly half of these participants are from the United States. Participants are invited to Japan as representatives of their home countries, and play an important role in promoting mutual understanding between nations. Although no prior teaching experience and no prior Japanese language skills are necessary (for the ALT position), successful JET Program applicants must have a strong sense of responsibility, a genuine interest in learning about Japan, and must be able to adapt to a different culture and new situations. Applications for the 2007 JET Program will become available in early October 2006. To request information or to be placed on the application mailing list for the 2007 JET Program, please contact the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco at jet@cgjsf.org or (415) 356-2462.