Established in 1987, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme has sent Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), Sports Education Advisors (SEAs), and Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) to Japan from all over the world, establishing international and intercultural relations as well as supporting English language education in the country. In general, participants in the JET Programme are known as JETs, and are usually placed in elementary, junior high, or high schools, although some also work with children in preschools or with language classes for adults. The JET Programme is one of the world's largest exchange programs, with over 75,000 people who have participated from more than 77 different countries. Sponsored by the Japanese government, the JET Programme is administered through the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR).