WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.
Every year Japan picks the top 10 buzzwords for the year, out of an initial pool of 50 nominated phrases. You can find the list and explanation of selections in Japanese here, and below I will break them down as well. The annual grand prize was awarded to ダメよ~ダメダメ (dame yo, dame dame), a phrase popularized by the female comedy duo Nippon Erekiteru Rengo, and 集団的自衛権 (shuudanteki jieiken), or the right to collective self-defense. The former is a way of lightly turning someone down, particularly when you are asked to do something you aren’t able to do but can’t completely refuse. The latter highlights the controversial decision by Prime Minister Abe’s Cabinet to change the government’s interpretation of the pacifist Constitution to enable Japan to engage in collective self-defense. The remaining eight picks can be found below, so why not incorporate some into your conversations to impress Japanese friends?
• カープ女子 (Carp joshi): female fans of the Hiroshima Carp baseball team
• レジェンド (rejendo): refers to veteran ski jumper Noriaki Kasai, who by Read More
Job: Study Abroad Advisor at University of Texas at Arlington
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Posted by Sean Pavlik (Fukui-ken, 2010-12), International Programs Officer for the DC-based Congressional Study Group on Japan. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
The University of Texas at Arlington has a position opening for a Study Abroad Advisor (International Education Advisor I). This full-time position within the Office of International Education is a new position, added to support a growing number of students studying abroad and a commitment to increasing international opportunities for students.
In addition to providing comprehensive support and advising for students before, during, and after their experience abroad, the Study Abroad Advisor will contribute to marketing and outreach initiatives through presentations, events, and promotion through social media. Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree and 1 year of working experience in international education and/or overseas living, working, or study experience.
For a more detailed job description and to apply, please visit: https://uta.service-now.com/jobs/recruiting_job_posting_detail.do?sysparm_document_key=u_recruiting_job_posting,475ce63a6fa8b5009f15cccc5d3ee46e (Job Posting JOBPOST0010480).
Job: Director of Operations, Global Engagement Office – Santa Clara University
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Posted by Sean Pavlik (Fukui-ken, 2010-12), International Programs Officer for the DC-based Congressional Study Group on Japan. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Reporting to the Associate Provost for International Programs, the Director of Operations oversees financial and administrative functions of the Global Engagement Office (GEO). The Director of Operations will ensure the operational effectiveness of GEO by providing leadership for major administrative areas including budget and financial operations, facilities management, workflow systems, physical space and the implementation of organizational strategies, practices and policies.
In 2011, Santa Clara University adopted a strategic plan that prioritized “Global Understanding and Engagement”. In 2012, the new Global Engagement Office (GEO) was created. The Director of Operations will play a key role in the continued development of foundational infrastructure to support global learning both within GEO and throughout the University. Please refer to the full posting: https://jobs.scu.edu/postings/2286
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Oversees the basic administrative operations of the Global Engagement Office Read More
Job: CIEE Resident Director, Santo Domingo Study Center
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Posted by Sean Pavlik (Fukui-ken, 2010-12), International Programs Officer for the DC-based Congressional Study Group on Japan. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
CIEE, Council on International Education Exchange, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to helping people acquire knowledge and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Founded in 1947, CIEE is a worldwide leader in international education and exchange programs operating across 41 countries.
CIEE is currently recruiting a Resident Director for their Santo Domingo, DR Study Center to coordinate all aspects of in-country operations and long-range planning, program evaluation, and development. The position is responsible for ensuring the highest levels of program quality, success of programs, and customer satisfaction.
You must hold a Master’s degree or above with hands on managerial experience in Study Abroad, international education exchange or a higher education institutional setting with Latin America region exposure. Fluency in Spanish and English required.
Interested candidates can view the comprehensive job description and apply at: http://www.ciee.org/how/
Job: University of Connecticut – International Advisor
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Posted by Sean Pavlik (Fukui-ken, 2010-12), International Programs Officer for the DC-based Congressional Study Group on Japan. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
The University of Connecticut seeks applicants for the position of International Advisor for Regional Campuses (Program Specialist I –ID #: 2014631). The position is based at the main campus in Storrs and also serves the University’s statewide regional campuses. Applications will be accepted until January 10th.
For further details and to apply, please go to: http://www.jobs.uconn.edu/
Job: California State University Intl Programs – Study Abroad Program Advisor
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Posted by Sean Pavlik (Fukui-ken, 2010-12), International Programs Officer for the DC-based Congressional Study Group on Japan. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking a Senior Program Advisor to support and promote CSU International Programs (CSU IP). This will include establishing and maintaining professional relationships with campus study abroad advisors and international partners, as well as providing students with information about study abroad opportunities available through CSU IP. The incumbent will take a lead role in coordinating the application, selection and orientation processes using the online application software (currently TDS). The incumbent will also be responsible for collecting, maintaining and reporting data in support of the recruitment, selection and enrollment of students in the programs. The incumbent will assist in the development of materials (recruitment, pre-departure and assessment) as well marketing and outreach to campuses and students.
http://careers.calstate.edu/Detail.aspx?pid=43643
Job: Southern Illinois University Carbondale – Study Abroad Advisor
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Posted by Sean Pavlik (Fukui-ken, 2010-12), International Programs Officer for the DC-based Congressional Study Group on Japan. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
The Center for International Education, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is currently seeking a study abroad advisor (Academic Advisor title). This individual will report to the Associate Director for Study Abroad and Exchanges.
The primary duties of this position will be to recruit, advise and orient students seeking an international academic experience. Please see the position listing for a complete description, requirements and application details, http://affact.siu.edu/jobs/pvc232.html.
Applications are due December 12 with an anticipated start date in January 2015.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a comprehensive, public research university with approximately 18,000 students and a long tradition of international activity.
SIU Carbondale is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans that strives to enhance its ability to develop a diverse faculty and staff and to increase its potential to serve a diverse student population. All applications are welcomed and encouraged and will receive consideration.
Job: Campus life coordinators for U of Iowa study abroad program (Italy)
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Thanks to Amelia Hagen (Fukuoka-ken, 2008-13) who works for the program for passing along this great post-JET opportunity. Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-2014), Community Manager for Be Social Change, the largest social impact community and professional development hub in New York City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Campus Life Coordinators
Posted by: University of Iowa Study Abroad Program
Location: Italy
Interested in earning your MBA while working in Italy? We are now hiring Campus Life Coordinators at the University of Iowa-sponsored, business-focused CIMBA Italy study abroad program.
The CLCs are part-time MBA students and work full-time as a coordinator for the undergraduate study abroad program. The MBA is non-traditional as it focuses on leadership and personal development. The primary function of the Campus Life Coordinators is to lead the operations of the CIMBA program while embracing CIMBA’s basic beliefs, including the neuroscience of leadership and its applications in the context of a study abroad program. Read More
I’ll Make It Myself!: Slow-Cooker Vegetable Stock (from Vegetable Scraps)
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L.M. (CIR Ishikawa-ken, Anamizu, 2009-11) is the editor of The Ishikawa JET Kitchen: Cooking in Japan Without a Fight. Ze works in international student exchange; writes I’ll Make It Myself!, a blog about food culture in Japan and the US; curates The Rice Cooker Chronicles, a series of essays by JETs and JET alumni on the theme of cooking/eating and being alone in Japan; and admins The JET Alumni Culinary Group on LinkedIn.
Save those vegetable scraps, readers! We’re making vegan stock, and it’s as easy as saving and freezing clean vegetable peels, food scraps, and herb stems.
Slow cookers (surô kukkâ, スロークッカー) are available in Japan, and are a good investment if you like to do sauces and soups that don’t work in rice cooker. Amazon.co.jp prices seem to be around 6000 yen (lower on sale); electronic / home goods stores tend to stock them, too.
Job: ESL Instructor (NYC)
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Thanks to JET alum Zach Piper, who is the Center Director for Embassy’s NYC location, for sharing this opening at his company. Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-2014), Community Manager for Be Social Change, the largest social impact community and professional development hub in New York City.. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: ESL Instructor
Posted by: Embassy English
Location: Chelsea, NYC
Embassy English, a world leader in English language education, is looking for dynamic and resourceful teachers for our main school in Midtown Manhattan.
Teachers are responsible for delivering innovative lessons in English-language skills using our established curriculum to students of all ages. Our teachers receive ongoing training in the latest ESL methodologies, technologies and practices. Read More
Job: Intern opportunity for undergraduate/graduate students with CULCON & USJBF (D.C.)
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Thanks to JET alum Laurel Lukaszewski of the Japan-US Friendship Commission for sharing this JET-relevant opportunity. Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-2014), Community Manager for Be Social Change, the largest social impact community and professional development hub in New York City.. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Intern opportunity for undergraduate/graduate students
Posted by: CULCON & USJBF
Location: Washington, D.C.
Type: Internship
CULCON, the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission and the U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation are deeply committed and proud to offer a joint internship program. We offer substantive and interesting work, a friendly work environment, encouragement to attend outside related events, reimbursement of transportation costs and excellent networking opportunities. Read More
Job: Japanese Speaking Tour Guide – Segway of Hawaii (
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Via JETAA Hawaii FB group. Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-2014), Community Manager for Be Social Change, the largest social impact community and professional development hub in New York City.. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Outreach Coordinator for Japan Information Center
Posted by: Segway of Hawaii
Location: Honolulu, HI
JQ Magazine: JQ&A with Laurel Lukaszewski, JETAA Initiative Project Director
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“I believe very strongly that a national organization will strengthen the network and relationships between both chapters and individual alumni, as well as elevate the status and recognition of the JET Programme and its alumni in the greater U.S.-Japan arena.” (Courtesy of Laurel Lukaszewski)
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By Eden Law (Fukushima-ken, 2010-11) for JQ magazine. Eden currently serves on the JETAA New South Wales committee in Sydney, Australia as the online social media, webmaster and occasional editor. Got feedback? Leave a comment below.
In 2013, the JETAA Initiative project was launched by the United States-Japan Bridging Foundation (USJBF), with funding provided by the The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP). The first phase of the project was to assess the feasibility of a national JETAA organization, with the next phases dealing with the structure, duties and objectives of the new organization.
The first phase (feasibility study) has now wrapped up and its findings presented at the September 2014 National JETAA USA Conference, and the next phase is currently underway. JQ spoke with Laurel Lukaszewski (Kagoshima-ken, 1990-92), JETAA Initiative project director (who is also a highly noted, Washington D.C.-based ceramic artist in her own right), who kindly gave her time to discuss the JETAA Initiative, the findings and next steps for the project.
How did you come to be selected for the role of project director of the JETAA Initiative?
I applied for the position after I saw the job announcement posted in a number of different places. I work as an artist full-time, but my schedule is flexible and I thought this would be an exciting project. In my previous career, I was the executive director of the Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C. Before that, I worked for the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington in Seattle as their program director. I’ve also been part of the JET selection process for over 15 years (reviewing applications, interviewing, working at the embassy as the review committee liaison for two seasons). I have also been a board member of the National Cherry Blossom Festival since 2002 and have served on a number of arts-related nonprofit boards and committees over the years. I was also the secretary, then president, of the JETAA Pacific Northwest chapter in Seattle in the late ’90s, so JETAA is near and dear to my heart.
It’s been a year since your appointment. What were the main challenges you faced as a director?
While not exactly a challenge, it has been paramount to reach out to all 19 chapters in the U.S. to give them an understanding of what we are doing and why we think creating a national organization is necessary. To do this, both [JETAA co-founder] Paige Cottingham-Streater (Mie-ken, 1988-89) and I have attended national and regional conferences to give presentations and speak with alumni to garner their support. We have also made site visits to chapters in Kansas City, Atlanta and Denver to find out what challenges exist at the local level. It was also imperative to show the progress we made over the first year to our funder, The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, so that we could continue.
Why was there a need to examine to conduct a feasibility study on whether a national organization was required?
The only way a national organization will be successful is if the JET alumni community wants it. This is being created for them. I believe very strongly that a national organization will strengthen the network and relationships between both chapters and individual alumni, as well as elevate the status and recognition of the JET Programme and its alumni in the greater U.S.-Japan arena, but the JET alumni community needs to believe this, too. We hope that the national organization will provide much needed support to smaller chapters and give alumni who live outside of large cities a way to connect to the broader JETAA community.
Writer Graham Shelby (Fukushima 1994-97) recently teamed up with The Butcher’s Apron Radio Show to produce this full-on audio story (music, sound EFX, the whole thing) about a distinctly JET experience.
“The Asakawa Christmas Party” tells the true story of a complicated Christmas party Graham and a few other American JETs attended at a Japanese elementary school. It was complicated because…
a.) it took place on the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.
and…
b.) the teachers asked them to teach “a traditional American Christmas dance.” (FYI – there aren’t any).
How’d it turn out? Doozo.
The story was produced as part of Selfridge and Co’s Reasons to Believe series of original Christmas tales. Graham has a few more Japan stories here.
WIT Life #279: 東京家族
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WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.
I can’t believe I haven’t posted here in over a month, though I think I know part of the reason why. Last month TV Japan offered a free two-week viewing period of its programming for non-subscribers. During this time I got used to watching this 24-hour Japanese channel, particularly its wide array of news shows that are really useful for learning vocabulary for interpreting. The service is through NHK Cosmomedia America, and will be very familiar to those of you who followed NHK’s programming in Japan. There are multiple daily news shows, including internationally focused ones and one I really like called Today’s Close-Up (現代クロースアップ) which takes a deep dive into a particular subject. For $25 a month you can be immersed in the world of Japan, so I immediately became a subscriber when the trial period ended (TV Japan is offering a $50 rebate if you sign up before the end of the year and maintain your subscription for at least three months!). I’ve not only been studying via the news but also getting back into Read More
