Deadline Extended: Survey of American Alumni of the JET Program
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Just received word from JET alum Emily Metzgar, Assistant Professor at Indiana University’s School of Journalism that given everything going on with the earthquake/tsunami in Japan, the deadline for the Survey of American Alumni of the JET Program has been extended to April 8 up until midnight. (Here’s the original post for the full explanation.) If you haven’t completed it yet, it would be greatly appreciated if you could as this info will have an impact on the future of the JET Program.
AMERICAN JET ALUMNI SURVEY
(URL: http://iujournalism.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_5hFAK01YxHtzqfO)
Survey of American Alumni of the JET Program
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Here is the link to the “Survey of American Alumni of the JET Program“:
AMERICAN JET ALUMNI SURVEY
(URL: http://iujournalism.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_5hFAK01YxHtzqfO)
The survey is being conducted by JET alum Emily Metzgar, Assistant Professor at Indiana University’s School of Journalism. Her research focuses on public diplomacy, political communication and social media. (Click here to read Emily’s bio.) The survey has been approved by Indiana University’s Institutional Review Board.
Note #1: This is the first attempt at a comprehensive survey of the JET alumni community. I completed the survey myself and it takes about 10 or 15 minutes. FYI, completing the survey is one more step you can take to help the future of JET.
Note #2: Although full participation in the survey is limited to Americans who participated in the JET Program, the link above also provides an opportunity for all interested parties to request updates about research.
Note #3: The above link will remain active until midnight (EST) March 9, 2011.
From Emily’s blog:
“I am happy to answer any questions about this research and would be delighted to keep you informed about the survey’s progress and eventual results. Please feel free to contact me through this contact page or via my page at Indiana University.”
Calling JETAA Teachers Interested In Student Pen Pal Exchanges (Canada)
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via JETAA Toronto. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for the following, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Calling JETAA Teachers Interested In Student Pen Pal Exchanges
The Consulate General of Japan would like to start a list of JET alumni who are now working as teachers in hopes of pairing them up with current JET participants in Japan who hope to establish pen pal relationships with students in Canada.
If you are interested in setting up a pen pal relationship, please indicate so in an e-mail with the following details:
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Send to E-mail: access@japancg-toronto.org
Subject Line: JETAA Pen Pals to Japan
Name: First and Last
E-mail:
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Link to JETAA Toronto website:
http://www.jetaatoronto.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57:student-pen-pal-exchanges&catid=6:bulletinboard&Itemid=6
Japanese Technical Translation Lecture
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via PNWJETAA. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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Japanese Technical Translation: Freelancing as a Career
When: Tuesday, Feb. 1 from 3:30-5:00pm
Where: UW Campus, Denny Hall 216
Learn about technical translation as a career. Mr. Barrett will help us understand what technical translation is and how it differs from interpretation and from non-technical translation. Aspects of this introductory discussion include: qualifications for entering the field, where to find work, translation issues, state of the industry, pay ranges, types of work, professional organizations, starting out, and what to expect from clients. He will also discuss machine translation and its potential impact on the future of the industry.
http://jsis.washington.edu/japan/events.shtml
Rotary Peace Fellowship now accepting applications
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via JET alum Mark Flanigan. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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The Rotary Foundation is now accepting applications for the world-competitive Rotary Peace Fellowship. The fellowship provides academic and practical training to prepare scholars for leadership roles in solving conflicts around the world.
Up to 100 fellows are selected every year in a globally competitive process based on personal, academic, and professional achievements. Fellows earn a master’s-level degree or a professional development certificate in peace and conflict studies at one of six Rotary Peace Centers at leading universities in Argentina, Australia, England, Japan, the United States and Thailand.”
Unlike other Japan-related Fellowships (Mansfield, Mombukagakusho), many former JETs don’t realize it is possible to study at ICU in Tokyo through this Rotary Peace Fellowship.
More info here: http://www.internationalpeaceandconflict.org/forum/topic/show?id=780588%3ATopic%3A353101&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_topic
Scholarship & Grant Opportunities (Aurora Foundation)
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via JETEAA Chicago. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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1. Aurora Japanese Language Scholarship
2. Aurora Challenge Grant
Japanese Language Scholarship Foundation, aka Aurora Foundation, is currently accepting applications for the year 2011 scholarship and Aurora Challenge Grant. The application forms can be downloaded at www.jlsf-aurora.org. For more details on the scholarship and grant, click “Read More”.
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Via Shinpai Deshou, an online resource to help Japanese Studies majors figure out how to make a living doing what they love:
Lots of great academic posts have been popping up lately on Shinpai Deshou, including:
- Lecturer in Japanese at University of Michigan
Deadline: Jan 30th - Associate Professor in International Exchange at Tokyo Gakugei University
Deadline: Feb 10 - The Takahashi Fellowship in Japanese Studies at the Walter H. Shorenstein
Asia-Pacific Research Center
Deadline: Position open until filled - Instructor for Manga and Animation at the IES Abroad Tokyo Center
Deadline: Position open until filled
Global MBA at Doshisha University (Kyoto)
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via Jet alum Dr. Andrew Staples (Fukuoka, 1996-99), Associate Professor at Doshisha Business School. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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The following information was submitted by Dr. Andy Staples, a visiting professor at Doshisha Business School, Kyoto, Japan. He would like to pass on details of significant funding opportunities that may be of interest to people considering enrolling on an MBA program in Japan. Please feel free to contact him directly if you have any questions astaples@mail.doshisha.ac.jp
The University and MBA
Based in the heart of Kyoto, Doshisha University is Japan’s second oldest private university with a long tradition of international exchange reinforced by institutional agreements with top-ranked institutions around the world including the University of Cambridge in the UK, Stanford in the USA and Peking University in China.
The university was designated as a ‘Global 30’ institution by the Japanese Ministry of Education in 2009 in recognition of its proactive internationalization strategy which includes the launch of a number of new undergraduate and postgraduate program delivered in English.
As part of this process the Graduate School of Business (Doshisha Business School, established 2004) launched the Global MBA in 2009. This is a two-year, full-time program delivered entirely in English by an international and research active faculty. 40 students representing 20 different nationalities are currently enrolled on the program reflecting the international, diverse and cosmopolitan nature of the degree.
The average Global MBA candidate is around 27 and has approximately 3 years of work experience. Many of our students have had previous experience of studying or working in Japan and some are seeking to develop a Japan based degree although all have joined the program for its content, structure and global outlook. Our mission is to educate young managers/executives willing to take the initiative in business and society as proactive leaders capable of seeking out business opportunities while at the same time making a contribution to the well-being of our society.
Applications
We currently have one former JET enrolled, (Shiga, 2006-2009) and believe that the program offers an excellent next step for JETs interested in developing an internationally focused career while remaining based in (or returning to) Japan. Significant funding opportunities exist for 2011 entry including scholarships, monthly stipends and fee waivers for outstanding international students and full details can be found on our webpage (http://gmba.doshisha.ac.jp/).
Applications are open now and early submissions are advised, particularly for those seeking funding. Potential applicants are encouraged to submit a CV/resume and personal statement outlining interest in the Global MBA and career ambition on a no-fee/consultative basis. Please also feel free to get in touch if you would like to informally correspond with a former JET enrolled on the program.
via Jet alum Naomi Basik (Shiga-ken, 2007-08). Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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The Global MBA program at Doshisha University will be hosting an information session on their Kyoto (Imadegawa) campus on Saturday, February 12th.
This event is designed for JETs who would like to learn more about the Global MBA program or who are considering submitting an application for 2011 entry.
The Global MBA, launched in September 2009, is taught entirely in English (although those with the requisite language skills may take a limited number of classes in Japanese) on a full-time basis over two years. This program offers an excellent opportunity to gain a high-quality MBA in English, while studying in Japan and is aimed at those interested in pursuing an internationally focused career.
Study in America via the Foreign Fulbright Student Program
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Stephanie Boegeman (ALT, Akita-ken, 2006-09) gets her kicks from finding fun crazy ways to see the world and getting paid to do it. She is constantly in search of job, internship, and travel ideas to add to her site Playing With Hire, in the hopes that more JET alumni and like-minded souls join her in her quest to find creative, inspiring, and unique ways to make ends meet.
JET alums who are interested in pursuing post-graduate work abroad may want to consider studying in America via the Foreign Fulbright Student Program (FFSP). Many of the participating countries also sponsor JETs, including but not limited to India, South Africa, Jamaica, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, Ireland, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Most programs start accepting applications in February. More info on the FFSP can be found here.
A New Year’s Resolution for Law Students: Organize.
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Matt Leichter (matt [dot] leichter [at] gmail [dot] com) (Saitama-ken 2003-05) is a renegade attorney who plays by his own rules. He operates a think tank of one, The Law School Tuition Bubble, where he archives, chronicles, and analyzes the rising cost and declining value of legal education in the United States. He also maintains the “Bankruptcy Legal Topics,” and, “Bankruptcy Billables,” sections for Steven Horowitz’s Bankruptcy Bill. For further reading regarding JETs and the law, he recommends JETs with J.D.s.
If you don’t know already, the New York Times ran a seven-page article in its business section detailing the crisis America’s legal education system faces. It even generously linked to The Law School Tuition Bubble. Yay! The whole article is worth the read, but towards the end it erred:
Today, American law schools are like factories that no force has the power to slow down — not even the timeless dictates of supply and demand.
There is one force that can stop these factories: law students. Find out why I think they should organize.
Op-ed on natural gas development by JET alum
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JET alums continue to make their voices heard. Here’s a recent opinion article by New York-based alum Sam Lederer (Shizuoka-ken, 2005-07), a Contributor at Americans for Energy Leadership, on the importance of better regulation over natural gas exploration in the U.S.
CLICK HERE to read some of Sam’s other writings on Japanese energy and environmental policy.
Sam can be reached via his LinkedIn profile and can be followed via Twitter @samlederer
Dialogue with an Affable Law School Dean, Part 1
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Matt Leichter (matt [dot] leichter [at] gmail [dot] com) (Saitama-ken 2003-05) is a renegade attorney who plays by his own rules. He operates a think tank of one, The Law School Tuition Bubble, where he archives, chronicles, and analyzes the rising cost and declining value of legal education in the United States. He also maintains the “Bankruptcy Legal Topics,” and, “Bankruptcy Billables,” sections for Steven Horowitz’s Bankruptcy Bill. For further reading regarding JETs and the law, he recommends JETs with J.D.s.
When you were on JET, did you ever have a refreshingly honest discussion about education with your kocho-sensei? I just had something similar. I received the distinct pleasure of discussing the state of legal education with the Devil’s advocate law school dean inhabiting my mind. A shrewd sparring partner, he’s surprisingly honest and appears to enjoy mandarin oranges. Find out why he doesn’t care that his law school isn’t transparent about its employment figures.
Boren Awards for International Language Study
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Stephanie Boegeman (ALT, Akita-ken, 2006-09) gets her kicks from finding fun crazy ways to see the world and getting paid to do it. She is constantly in search of job, internship, and travel ideas to add to her site Playing With Hire, in the hopes that more JET alumni and like-minded souls join her in her quest to find creative, inspiring, and unique ways to make ends meet.
Still honing your Japanese skills and looking for someone to subsidize your studies? American students who fit this description may want to look into the Boren award. There’s even a guaranteed government job waiting for you when you graduate. *Deadlines are in February*. More information on applicant criteria and other applicable languages is here.
Report: “Reinvigorating US-Japan Policy Dialogue and Study” and implications for JET
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There’s a very JET-relevant report just published by the Japan Center for International Exchange titled “Reinvigorating US-Japan Dialogue and Study.” (Notably, JET alum Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94), Executive Director for the US office of JCIE, was involved in the drafting of the report.)
Though the report only mentions the JET Program once (on page 33 of the report), it’s clear that the still largely untapped resource that is the JET alumni community of over 50,000 worldwide (25,000+ in the US) has the potential and the ability to play a significant role in US-Japan relations going forward given the decline in energy and resources devoted to US-Japan policy dialogue and study cited in the report.
The gist of the report is that “the institutional base of US-Japan policy dialogue and study has started to erode in recent years.” However, the report also “finds fertile ground to deepen bilateral dialogue and better leverage the extensive human networks that have developed between the two societies.”
The main obstacles to reversing this trend appear to be:
- a shrinking institutional base for US-Japan relations and failure to fully take advantage of available resources (e.g., the JET alum community);
- reduced funds available in Japan to support these activities (due in a large part to a down economy); and
- to some extent, increased interest in and focus on China
As JET alums, the above trends may be beyond our control. But we are a big part of that extensive human network that needs to be leveraged. And regardless of the obstacles, the ball is in our court to be part of the solution. Tough times call for innovative solutions.
Gambarimashou.
