Jonathan Bissell (Chiba-ken, 1995-2000) is the author of Dream in Color, Think in Black & White: How to Get Unstuck and Fulfill Your Dreams and CEO of High Performance Impact, LLC, an executive coaching firm helping proven and emerging leaders to work happier by learning how to perform at their personal best. He blogs at www.jonathanbissell.com.
If you haven’t heard about them, pain letters are a brilliant way to reach inside an organization and show key decision makers that you understand their pains (the real problems they’re facing) and have the experience and skill set to help solve them.
Although it can be challenging as an outsider to identify the real problems facing an organization, it’s often just as difficult to articulate your own real pains as an insider. Trouble is, it’s easy to waste a lot of time, energy and money when you’re not sure what your real problems are.
So here’s what to do: Use the questions below as a guide, then quickly write yourself a bulleted pain letter describing your pains. You’ll gain tremendous clarity on the real problems you’re facing – and you’ll be better equipped to see your pain from the perspective of an outsider.
- Symptom or Cause? When you’re running from one thing to the next, it’s difficult to quickly diagnose whether your pain is a symptom or a cause. So ask yourself this question: If I take away this pain, will the problem still remain? If the answer is yes, then you’re dealing with a symptom – and you need to dig deeper to find the true source of your pain. On the other hand, if your solution eliminates the source of your pain and solves a few other pains as well, then you’re most likely dealing with a cause. Focus your attention on causal pains and you’ll eliminate many of the symptoms as well.
JETAA Chapter Beat 14th of November 2014


Welcome to JETAA Chapter Beat. Ashlie O’Neill (Hyogo 2013-present) puts a spotlight on JET alumni associations across the globe. O’Neill is a current JET as well as the current the Association for Japan Exchange and Teaching (AJET) Director of Alumni Relations and Block 6 Representative (Hyogo, Kyoto and Shiga)for the AJET National Council. She can be contacted at her email or on LinkedIn.
This month in the JETAA Chapter Beat networking and career advancement take the spotlight.
Heartland JETAA and Rocky Mountains JETAA
Career Advancement Seminar
14th November 2014
Plaza Library, near 4763 Main St, Kansas City, Missouri 64112
“During the JETAA USA National Conference RMJETAA expressed an interest in a joint event with HJETAA and this seminar, connected via internet, is our first foray into event sharing. Come join us for this historic occasion.
Whether you’re recently returned or looking for a better job, our speaker will give you information you can use.”
Pacific Northwest JETAA
Welcome Back Nomikai
November 14th 2014 (7-9pm)
Kushibar, 2319 2nd Ave, Seattle
“The November Nomikai is welcoming back new returnees from Japan, new people in the Pacific Northwest area, and of course, all the ‘old’ alumni who are seriously awesome.
Come out and join us for food, drinks, and everything cool! We’ve got a bigger crop of returnees this year, and hopefully, we’ll see some of them out and about with us on Friday!”
Southern California(and Arizona) JETAA
JLPT Study Session
4-5:30pm, 16th November 2014
85C Bakery Café, 1735 W Carson St, Torrance, California 90501
“JETAASC wanted to invite everyone to our second and final JLPT study session. Why don’t we make it a Nihongo Dake Day?
Please RSVP through the following link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZpnghsYTQeiX6gMss8IythvI1F7TwhN53JI13RKxOnI/edit?usp=sharing”
JETAA Toronto
JETAA Toronto Career Roundtable and Networking Event
6:30pm 20th November 2014
Wattpad HQ 36 Wellington Street East, Toronto, Ontario M5E
“The JETAA Career Roundtable is the central professional networking event of the fall calendar for JET Programme alumni. The goal of the event is to give newly-minted JET alumni the opportunity to meet with Toronto professionals from a number of fields, including other alumni who have gone on to great success in their fields.
We will be sharing more information about the industries that will be represented at the event on the JETAA Facebook group and website. This year’s roundtable will be hosted in the wonderful Wattpad Innovation Space on the 3rd floor of 36 Wellington Street East in downtown Toronto. Join us on Thursday November 20th at 6:30pm.
Please RSVP at http://guestli.st/295734
Event is free! Check out our website (http://www.jetaatoronto.ca/) for other information and to keep posted as we begin to post bios of some of our professionals”.
JETAA Tokyo
Drinks with JETAA Tokyo
8pm 19th November 2014
HUB Shibuya / 東京都渋谷区宇田川町3-10 ぽあんしぶや安保ビル B1F
“JETAA Tokyo would like to invite all members to join us for drinks at the HUB Shibuya on November 19th. This will be a very informal gathering starting from 8pm to promote networking with former and current JETs in the Tokyo area.”
Job: University of South Dakota – Intl Student Advisor


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 South Dakota is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of International Student Advisor. This position will support the University’s international student population and Center for Academic & Global Engagement. It serves as Designated School Official (DSO) for the F-1 program and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the Exchange Visitors Program (J-1), and will evaluate and address student issues with independent authority to advise on a case by case basis on their legal immigration status in the United State. This includes evaluating and processing all necessary documents and reporting as required by law. In addition, this position is responsible for developing, coordinating, promoting, implementing, and evaluating programs and activities that facilitate enhanced leadership, communication, community involvement, cross-cultural friendships, and adjustment to the US culture and USD campus life. This includes providing advice and assistance to international students on all aspects of their academic and cross-cultural experience. The position will also provide leadership in strategically important liaison roles, such as working with faculty and staff across campus, in supporting international students and the Center. This position will advocate and support students by making referrals to appropriate campus and community resources, implement programs designed to help students achieve academic success and intercultural competence, and serve as advisor to co-curricular programming for international and domestic students. It will also teach a first year experience program for international students.
A Bachelor’s degree is required, Master’s preferred in college student personnel, international studies, higher education administration, or related fields. Other required qualifications: immigration regulation knowledge, excellent communication skills, college student support (1-3 years) experience, developing and delivering programming for college students, professionalism, cultural awareness, assessment skills and problem-solving. U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency required as mandated by federal regulations. Must be able to hold a passport/travel internationally. Preferred Qualifications: Experience as a DSO.
Diversity and inclusiveness are values that are embraced and practiced at the University of South Dakota. Candidates who support these values are encouraged to apply.
A complete application will consist of a letter of application, a current resume, the names and contact information for three professional references, and a professional writing sample of 3 pages or less. Questions may be sent to Eric Leise, Assistant Director, Eric.Leise@usd.edu
First review date November 19, 2014. Open until filled. Job application available under University of South Dakota at http://yourfuture.sdbor.edu.
Job: New York Univ. (NYU) Temporary F-1 Advisor


- Advise F-1 and J-1 international students on opportunities, rights and responsibilities under the law and refer to other University departments, attorneys, or governmental agencies as appropriate.
- Counsel F-1 and J-1 international students clearly and accurately on immigration matters related to their stay.
- Assist as appropriate in review and issuance of US government documents for international students seeking to apply for employment authorization, travel abroad, extend their stay, or correct their status.
- Work directly as appropriate with the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, consular and immigration officials to resolve problems
- Liaise with faculty and staff as needed regarding F-1/J-1 regulations and OGS policies.
- Stay abreast of school policies and procedures as they affect international students.
- Evaluate complex regulations and apply to individual cases.
- Comply with SEVIS reporting and record keeping requirements.
- Assist as needed with planning and coordinating programs and events.
- Participate in regular OGS meetings and training sessions.
Please reply directly to Tom Sirinides and not to NYU HR nor to the entire List Serve.
Job: Office of Global Initiatives, Univ. of Maryland, Smith School of Business (2 Positions)


Two great positions for those interested in international business and education. 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.
Join the dynamic global team at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. The Center for International Business
Education and Research (CIBER) in the Office of Global Initiatives is hiring two people to fill the roles of Assistant Director and Coordinator.
The Assistant Director of CIBER (Center for International Business Education and Research) in the Office of Global Initiatives (OGI) manages the day-to-day, budget, and reporting activities of the Smith School CIBER grant that serves students, faculty, business executives, and members of other educational institutions from both the local area and across the United States. Under the direction of the Directors of CIBER and OGI, the assistant director executes specific programming initiatives detailed in the CIBER grant, including but not limited to major events and research symposia, case competitions, language institutes for business executives, student consulting projects, faculty grants and professional development opportunities, training workshops for faculty, etc. The incumbent is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships at the Smith School, within higher education, industry, nonprofit, and government for the support and success of these programs. S/he is responsible for carrying out all federal grant reporting responsibilities to the sponsoring agency/US Department of Education. The incumbent will represent the Smith School and the University of Maryland within the CIBER network and to external constituents.
Assistant director application link: https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/30694
The Coordinator will support the strategic operations of the Office of Global Initiatives and CIBER at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. The Coordinator will perform critical administrative, outreach, and marketing communications functions to support study abroad, on campus global programs, and faculty development/research opportunities. S/he will assist with budget coordination, event planning, travel planning, data processing, relationship management, grant reporting, student programming, story writing, and general office support. The incumbent will represent OGI/CIBER through e-mails, telephone calls, and meetings with internal and external constituencies as necessary.
Coordinator application link: https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/30693
Please apply directly through the UMD website.
Job: Colgate University Off-Campus Study Coordinator (NY)


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.
Colgate University has a job opening for an off-campus study coordinator with responsibility for administering a dynamic portfolio of semester-long and short-term faculty-led programs. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who requires minimal direction to achieve goals and who enjoys being part of a fast-paced, collaborative team. The position is also responsible for advising students throughout all stages of the off-campus study cycle (pre-departure, abroad/off-campus, re-entry). Master’s degree plus experience coordinating faculty-led programs abroad and advising students in an academic setting preferred.
A full position description
<https://careers.colgate.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/position/JobDetails_css.jsp?postingId=157023>
is available on the Colgate University website.
Job: Penn State Education Abroad Adviser


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 Directorate of Education Abroad at Penn State has a position open for an Education Abroad Adviser. A description of the job and a link to the job application are included for your reference. For priority consideration please apply by November 23rd. Please do not send direct inquiries.
Job Title: Education Program Associate 3 (Education Abroad Advisor)
As the locus for one of the University’s primary strategic goals, the University Office of Global Programs (UOGP) is an area of growth and opportunity for those seeking a career in the field of international education. An Education Abroad Adviser (EAA) provides guidance and information to students on the availability, value, and academic appropriateness of study-abroad programs within the designated geographical regions. The Directorate of Education Abroad (EA) is within the University Office of Global Programs, the EAA reports to the Executive Director of Education Abroad and works closely with the Associate Director of EA and the EA Records Team. The EAA is expected to be committed to the field of international education and to be comfortable with the use of information technology.
Responsibilities are varied and include a mix of the following: preparing and updating information on EA programs within StudioAbroad; advising students both in one-on-one and group sessions; organizing promotional strategies; addressing groups of students, parents, and faculty; coordinating student exchange programs; advising on financial aid policies and education abroad scholarships; responding to inquiries about study abroad; preparing pre-departure information and orientation sessions; assisting Associate Director with application review and student selection; collaborating with appropriate crisis response team members in the case of student emergencies abroad; maintaining supportive and constructive communication with students during the advising, application, study abroad, and return stages. Read More
Job: Emerson College, Boston Campus – Administrative Assistant


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.
Job Description
- Provide administrative support to the Offices of Internationalization and Global Engagement [IGE], International Study and External Programs [ISEP], and International Student Affairs [ISA].
- Serve as primary intake for all three offices and answer phones, supervise student workers, process time sheets, process purchase order requisitions, make travel arrangements, schedule appointments, order supplies and greet visitors to the office.
- Assists with applicant processing for ISEP programs, maintain and update internal applicant databases, wait lists, organize and maintain program files, generate student emails and correspondence.
- Process ISEP program deposits, payments, and fees and maintains accurate payment records.
- Processes International Student Identity Cards (ISIC).
- Work with colleagues in Los Angeles and in the Netherlands to keep them up to date with current student status and program information.
- Become Designated School Official (DSO) to assist ISA with processing immigration travel documents, SEVIS registration and other related matters.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Education (including hardware, software, and equipment)
Job: Berkeley College – International Admissions Advisor (NYC)


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.
Job Opening: International Admissions Advisor
Location: Berkeley College, New York City
Position Description: The International Admissions Advisor will work with international applicants and prospective students for all of Berkeley’s Locations. The advisor will be expected to respond to walk-in, phone and e-mail inquiries; meet with those requesting information, offer tours, and continuously work toward the growth of Berkeley’s International Student Population. The Advisor’s role will also involve file review and processing of acceptance packages. Local travel will be expected to ESL schools, college fairs, and high schools.
Candidates should have excellent customer service skills, experience studying or working internationally, attention to detail. Bachelor’s degree required and Master’s degree preferred.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Job: Voltage, Inc. – Game Translation (Remote)


Thanks to JET alum Alyssa Hoey of Voltage for letting us know that her company is looking to hire again. See below for details. Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-2014), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Bi-Lingual English/Japanese Advisor
Posted by: The Creative Group
Location: Remote
Voltage, Inc. is looking to expand its lineup of translated games and is in need of Japanese to English translators who have experience translating scripts for video games. Voltage is a pioneer in the field of romance simulation apps for a female audience in Japan and continues to lead the industry.
Japanese: http://koi-game.voltage.co.jp/
English: http://koi-game.voltage.co.jp/romance/index.html Read More
Job: Jobs @ Center for Applied Linguistics (D.C.)


A few openings at the Center for Applied Linguistics in DC. Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-2014), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Posted by: The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL)
Location: Washington D.C.
The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) currently has the following job vacancies:
Language Testing Specialist, Grades 6-8
Language Testing Specialist, K-12
Post Doctoral Psychometrician
Professional Development Specialist New
Test Development Assistant New
Test Development Assistant, WLIP (temporary) Read More
Let’s Talk Japan, Episode 26 – DISCO International Bilingual Recruiting


Let’s Talk Japan is a monthly, interview format podcast covering a wide range of Japan-related topics. Host Nick Harling (Mie-ken, 2001-03) lived in Japan from 2001 until 2005, including two great years as a JET Program participant in Mie-Ken. He practices law in Washington, D.C., and lives with his wife who patiently listens to him talk about Japan . . . a lot.
In this episode, Nick speaks with JET Program alumni Catherine Rackley (Chiba-ken 2005-06) of DISCO International, a human resources firm specializing in Japanese-English bilingual recruitment. Whether you’re currently job searching or just curious about bilingual employment possibilities, this episode is full of useful information.
If you have not already done so, be sure to follow the podcast on Twitter @letstalkjapan and leave a positive rating/review in iTunes.
Job: Bi-Lingual English/Japanese Advisor – The Creative Group(NJ)


Via Indeed. Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-2014), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Bi-Lingual English/Japanese Advisor
Posted by: The Creative Group
Location: Essex County, NJ
Type: Full-time
Job: Full-time Driver, Administrative Section – Japan Consulate (Chicago)


Via JETAA Chicago webletter. Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-2014), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Full-time Driver, Administrative Section
Posted by: Japanese Consulate at Chicago
Location: Chicago, IL
Type: Full-time
Responsibilities
Drive official car safely.
Other duties as assigned. Read More
Job: Assistant, Economic Affairs Section – Japan Consulate (Chicago)


Via JETAA Chicago webletter. Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-2014), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Assistant, Economic Affairs Section
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan at Chicago
Location: Chicago, IL
Type: Full-time
Key Responsibilities
・ Monitor economic developments in 10 Midwest states
・ Assist in an annual survey of Japanese companies in the Midwest
・ General office matters, including Japan-related inquiries and correspondence Read More