Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA)

What are SEAs?

SEAs are sports professionals whose role is to assist with sports training and the planning of sports related projects. SEAs work for local governments, coaching and promoting internationalization in Japan.

As an SEA you may tasked with:

Assisting sports instruction affairs at your Contracting Organization (e.g. cooperating or advising on planning, designing, and implementing sports projects).
Assisting sports training of promising local athletes
Assisting sports training of employees of your Contracting Organization and local residents
Advising and collaborating on sports activities of local private groups or organizations engaging in international exchange
Any other duties deemed necessary by your supervisor

Applications for Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA) positions are closed.

Calling all coaches! Are you interested in teaching your favorite sport abroad? In early winter, the JET Programme seeks qualified coaches to serve as Sport Exchange Advisors (SEA) in Japan! SEAs live and work in Japan, engaging with Japanese youths to promote cultural exchange through their sport. Japanese language skill is NOT required. All you need is your coaching credentials and your love for the sport!

In 2024, the JET Program USA filled SEA positions for volleyball, baseball, and basketball. In 2025, SEAs were not requested by contracting organizations in Japan, so no positions were filled. The JET Program USA office has not received word of positions for 2026. Please check back in February – March 2026 for an update.

APPLICATION PROCESS

When a position is announced, applicants are required to submit all applicable REQUIRED MATERIALS to the JET Program Office in Washington, D.C. via e-mail, regardless of their intended interview location.

REQUIRED MATERIALS


	JET Program Application (SEA) and Self-Report of Medical Conditions and prepare your Criminal History Record information. Criminal History Record: Before the application deadline, SEA applicants must apply to receive a copy of their Criminal History Record.
	Statement of Purpose In a Word document, you must submit an application statement of purpose / essay regarding your motivation for applying to the JET Program. Applicants should take this opportunity to address all of the following: Why you wish to go to Japan as a participant of the JET Program and why you are interested in the position What effect you hope to have on the Japanese community and internationally as a result of your participation in the JET Program. How your experiences, professional skills, and relevant interests will be useful to you as an SEA, and will further the objectives of the JET Program. What you hope to gain, both personally and professionally, from your JET experience if you are selected and how participation will assist you in your future career. Applicants should take this opportunity not only to explain their motivation for applying, but also to showcase their knowledge of standard conventions for proper American English grammar and spelling. Two pages double-spaced on letter-size paper (8.5×11) with one-inch margins and size 12 font. The two-page limit is strictly observed.
	Two (2) Letters of Recommendation Letters must be in either English or Japanese Reference letters should be academic or professional One of the letters should be from an individual at a relevant organization who can comment on your coaching experience Letters must be sent directly by letter writers to jetprogram@ws.mofa.go.jp.
	Certification of Graduation (optional) Certification of Graduation from a university, vocational college, etc.
	Coaching Certification (if any) Any recognized certifications or qualifications of coaching in one’s sport of expertise. If no certification is held, applicant must excel at and have at least 3 years of coaching experience in their sport of expertise.
	Proof of U.S. Citizenship Such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or completed naturalization papers. Accepted types of proof are limited to: scans of a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. Proof must be issued by a government organization such as a city, county, or state government
	Statement of Physician Applicants are required to obtain a Statement of Physician form under the following circumstances: If you are consulting a physician or other professional on more than one occasion regarding a physical/mental health issue. If you are taking medication to alleviate a condition, illness or injury such that the prescription is re-filled on one or more occasions. If you are undergoing hospitalization (including surgery) to alleviate a condition, illness or injury (not including dental surgery). If you answer yes to questions 1, 2a, 2b, or 3 as found on the Self-Report of Medical Conditions (SRMC) form

**When an application period is announced, please send all required documents (except for the Criminal History Records) as attachments* in an e-mail to jetprogram@ws.mofa.go.jp before the deadline.**

*If the total size of your attached documents exceeds 10MB, please send your documents across multiple emails so that no attachments exceed 10MB.

Please note, if accepted as a Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA):

The successful applicant will need to submit a Certificate of Health, following their acceptance, to the Washington, D.C. JET Program USA Office. This document will be shared by the JET Program Office and completed by a physician. Please keep this in mind if selected to interview for an SEA position.

PAST TIMELINE

Mid February Application Opened

Early April Application Closed

Mid to Late April Announcement of results of first stage of screening process (review of written applications)

Second stage of screening process (interviews)

Mid to Late May Notification of successful participant status and assignment of Contracting Organization for arrivals

June through July Pre-Departure Orientation, preparation, etc.

Late July / Early August Arrival in Japan