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).

You might wonder why there are Swiss JETs, since English is not one of Switzerland's four official native languages. The first Swiss JET was sent to Japan as a CIR to promote relations between the two countries! Since then, Switzerland also sends ALTs to Japan, particularly to Myoko City in Niigata Prefecture due to its sister-city connection with the tourist town of Zermatt in the canton Valais. You'll find Swiss JET alumni who were placed in Niseko and Nara Prefecture as well.