The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, now in its 26th year, is aimed at promoting grass-roots international exchange between Japan and other nations. The number of countries sending participants has risen over the years, as has the number of participants. In 2012, the Programme welcomed 4,360 participants from 40 countries. The JET Programme enables local authorities (prefectures, designated cities and other municipalities) to employ foreign youth for the purpose of improving foreign language education as well as promoting international exchange at the local level. CLAIR administers the JET Programme in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Three types of jobs are offered on the Programme: Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) who are assigned to local boards of education or schools (elementary, junior and senior high) and carry out their duties under the guidance of Japanese Teachers of foreign language. Coordinator for International Relations (CIRs) are placed in the offices of local authorities or related organisations and engage in internationalisation activities under the guidance of a contracting organisations. Sports Exchange Advisors (SEAs) are placed in local authorities engage in sports-related activities and are involved in internationalisation activities through the instruction of specific sports.