The Government of Japan has officially extended participation in the esteemed Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme to citizens of Saint Lucia for the 2026 cycle. This international initiative provides a unique professional pathway for qualified individuals to serve as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) within Japan’s educational system, specifically in the culturally rich Kagoshima Prefecture.
Beyond their primary instructional responsibilities, selected participants will undertake the significant role of cultural ambassadors. This dimension of the program entails actively sharing Saint Lucian heritage, traditions, and perspectives with local Japanese communities, thereby fostering a vibrant two-way cultural dialogue. The longstanding bilateral engagement, which commenced in 2003, has consistently enriched Japanese classrooms and substantially strengthened the bonds of friendship between the two nations.
The professional appointment is structured as an initial one-year contract, commencing in 2026. This term is subject to renewal for up to a maximum of three years, contingent upon satisfactory performance evaluations. In certain exceptional cases, participants may be eligible for an extension, potentially allowing for a stay of up to five years.
Prospective applicants are required to submit their complete application packages via email to culture@po.mofa.go.jp no later than the strict deadline of March 13, 2026. Furthermore, original supporting documents must be physically mailed to the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago, addressed to the JET Coordinator at 5 Hayes Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain. Comprehensive information regarding eligibility criteria, application procedures, and detailed program guidelines is available on the official embassy website.