Looking for a challenge? Do you want to help your fellow JETs and make improvements in the JET Programme? Then run for a position on the AJET National Council! The AJET National Council consists of both elected and appointed positions. The elections and positions are open to all current JETs, not just AJET members. National AJET will be holding elections for the 2010-2011 JET year. Applicants should be current JETs who are reliable, have excellent time management skills, and are re-contracting for the 2010-2011 JET year. Those wishing to run, should contact the current holder of your desired position and submit a platform to by February 9, 2010. For more information, please click here or on the elections banner. Elections for the 2010-2011 National AJET Council will be held online from February 12-26, 2010.

Visit our election page for more details.

The Elections are Closed! Check out the results!

Do you know an inspirational, exceptional, and motivational Japanese teacher of a second language? Or, do you know someone who deserves special recognition for their dedication to increasing international awareness within their community?

National AJET's Teaching Awards Programme (TAP) recognises the exceptional language teachers with whom JETs work, and the Internationalisation Awards Programme (IAP) seeks to acknowledge members of the Japanese community who work to promote International Awareness in Japan. Nominations and inquiries for (TAP) should be sent to , and those for (IAP) should go to .

The AJET Awards Programme recognizes the outstanding contributions that have been made in the last year to local communities by AJET members. Nominations and inquiries for this should go to .

Nominations for all three Award Programmes can be made by JET Programme participants, from 2nd February to 2nd April 2010.  Further information and nomination forms can be found below or in the “Services” section of the main menu at the top of our website.

Winners will be announced on the 16th of April 2010.

Please take the time to recognise the achievements of exceptional citizens within your community!

Dear JETs,

National AJET would like to invite you to take the "Making the Most of Your Time on JET" Survey! This Survey will be used to gather data on the JETs' work experience during slow periods. It will be used in the future to give JETs greater opportunities to participate in community outreach, career development and internationalisation projects during hours unoccupied with work duties. Your input is vital to us, so please take 5 mintues out of your day to respond.

• Making the Most of your Time on JET (English) or (Japanese)

"CLAIR Publications - Digital or Paper?"

CLAIR is thinking about going eco by digitalising some of their publications. Please take a look at this survey and let us and CLAIR know what you think. It will only take a few minutes.

Thank you so much for supporting National AJET! Your input is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your time and contribution!

Got thoughts on how to change the JET Programme?
Twice a year, CLAIR gives the JET community a valuable opportunity to present its ideas and concerns on how to improve the JET Programme. The best way to be a part of this important process and to ensure your voice is heard is by participating in the AJET surveys. Each survey should only take 5-10 minutes of your time and will be invaluable in the preparation of reports.

All personally identifying information will be kept strictly confidential.
For any questions or comments regarding the AJET surveys and reports, please contact Jennifer Park at .

To take the surveys, click on the corresponding links below.

• Evaluation of 2009-2010 Mid-year Seminars/Conferences

Want to expand your readership or think it deserves recognition? National AJET is in the process of creating more support for prefectural magazines (online and/or published). If you are interested in getting more readership or are lacking resources to expand or improve upon it, let us know.

Email Jennifer Park at . If you think your prefectural magazine/newsletter is outstanding and deserves recognition, nominate it for an AJET Award.

Staying with friends is nothing new, but with AJET Tatami Timeshare (TTS) it gets a lot easier. Established in 1998, the TTS has evolved into a directory of JETs who allow fellow TTS members to stay at their homes for free while travelling all over Japan. That's right, a directory of potentially thousands of instant friends from Okinawa to Hokkaido!

Tatami Timeshare is now online. Tatami Timeshare is an optional service that lasts for the entirety of your JET contract. To sign up please visit http://www.ajet.net/profile and enter your details. If you have already signed up, please enter your preferences at the same site. Accommodation can be expensive so don't miss this fantastic opportunity to reduce your travel costs and meet interesting people from all over Japan and the world!

When JETs choose to join TTS they select several options to accommodate their preferences. These choices help both the host and the guest to have a successful experience.

Save money whilst travelling around Japan with AJET Tatami Timeshare.