CLAIR Magazine “JET Plaza” series: Penelope Fox (Saga)
Life As a JET, Return on JET-vestment, Uncategorized 
Comments Off on CLAIR Magazine “JET Plaza” series: Penelope Fox (Saga)
Each month, current and former JET participants are featured in the “JET Plaza” section of the CLAIR Forum magazine. The October 2013 edition includes an article by current JET participant Penelope Fox. Posted by Celine Castex (Chiba-ken, 2006-11), currently programme coordinator at CLAIR Tokyo.
***********
“Aside from the wonderful opportunity to live and teach in a country I love, I thank the JET Programme and all its participants I have had contact with for making me think more about the world I live in and how I can make a difference.”
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Penelope Fox (Saga-ken, Shiroishi-cho, 2009-14) developed an interest for Japan at the age of four while accompanying her father on a business trip there. She started studying Japanese in elementary school and, after graduating from university, embarked on a career in Human Resources while dreaming of going to live in Japan one day. Several years and a graduate degree in Education later, she joined the JET Programme and was sent to rural Saga. She has been teaching elementary school children for almost five years and, actively involved in AJET at the local and national level, has been an invaluable member of the JET community since then.
A change of perspective via the JET Programme
Like many people coming on the JET Programme, I was super excited to come to Japan and embrace its culture and language head-on. In fact, for me personally, the JET Programme represented the realisation of a long-term dream: to live in Japan for an extended period and combine my love of teaching, children and Japanese language, and experience ‘real’ Japanese life in the countryside.
While I tried to come to Japan with very few expectations, I would have to say that the JET Programme has been everything I hoped it would be and more: my schools (I have worked at a total of 15 different kindergartens, elementary schools and junior high schools over the past four years) have all be fantastic, each in their own way; my co-workers have generally been very welcoming and accepting of me; my supervisors have been kind; and my communities have embraced having a foreigner in their midst.
For my first placement, I worked in a small ‘city’ of 20,000 people surrounded by mountains. Coming from a dry, mostly flat continent like Australia, the beauty and vividness of the greenery I could constantly see around me that first summer never ceased to amaze me. Having requested a ‘rural’ placement on JET, I was thrilled. At first, my focus was on my work and understanding what it meant to be an ALT. In fact, I believe it took me almost two years to feel like I was really able to contribute to my full potential in classes and at school. As time went by, I cemented personal and professional relationships, and came to love my quiet country life in Japan; perhaps even more so than that first ‘honeymoon’ phase.
At the end of my third year, unable to secure a new contract with a cost-cutting BOE, yet not wanting to return home yet, I was lucky enough to be granted a transfer to a neighbouring city in the same prefecture. Though my surroundings have since changed to a flat landscape and the constant smell of onions and renkon (the two specialties of the area), plus a suite of new schools, the people around me again have made the difference in making me feel at home. My neighbours and co-workers epitomise what I believe to be one of Japan’s core strengths– the friendliness of the people. Again I am reminded how lucky I am to have this experience that has exceeded all my expectations.
Justin’s Japan: Japan Goes to the Oscars
Article/Journalism, Film, Justin's Japan Comments Off on Justin’s Japan: Japan Goes to the Oscars
Click image to read story
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Shukan NY Seikatsu. Visit his Examiner.com Japanese culture page here for related stories.
Fans of Japan-themed cinema were delighted when candidates for this year’s Academy Awards were announced Jan. 16, as Cutie and the Boxer was nominated for Best Documentary Feature and The Wind Rises received the nod for Best Animated Feature Film.
A 2013 Sundance Film Festival entry (and award winner for director Zachary Heinzerling), Cutie and the Boxer captures the stormy 40-year marriage of painter Ushio Shinohara and his wife Noriko, a budding artist in her own right. Shot over five years in New York, the film is a raw and sometimes unpleasant look at how egotism and the desire to create can bend personal relationships to the breaking point. It will be released on Blu-ray and DVD Feb. 4.
On the animated front is The Wind Rises, the latest work from Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli fame. Based on the life of wartime aeronautical engineer Jiro Horikoshi, it was the top-grossing film in Japan last year and is the third Oscar nominee for Miyazaki (he previously won for 2001’s Spirited Away). It could also be his last, as he announced his retirement in September. The film receives a domestic theatrical release Feb. 21, and marks a bold new thematic direction for the maestro.
The 86th annual Academy Awards will be broadcast live on March 2. For more information on the nominees, visit www.oscar.go.com.
Job: Student Life International Student Manager – CUNY – New York, NY
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Student Life International Student Manager – CUNY – New York, NY
Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Student Life International Student Manager
Posted by: CUNY
Location: New York NY
Type: full-time
Job Duties:
- Manage and coordinate services to support the success of international students.
- Creates goals and objectives that reflect Campus objectives, and evaluates performance and success
- Supervises staff and develops office policy to ensure efficient service delivery
- Drafts, recommends and implements policies and procedures on a variety of international student issues, such as admissions, health insurance, resident tuition, and English proficiency for international students
- Collaborating with student affairs colleagues, provides leadership in the development of international and diversity student activities and programs; serves as an advisor/mentor to international student organizations.
- Produces and presents relevant communications to international students, such as a handbook and orientation programs
- Oversees required activities in matters pertaining to government agencies and compliance, such as the US Department of Justice, the US Department of State, and the Internal Revenue Service
- Maintains relationships with College community, faculty and staff to provide additional support and to inform students of resources available to them.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Job: Senior Coordinator at Embassy of Japan (UK)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Senior Coordinator at Embassy of Japan (UK)
Closing Date: 7 February, 18:00. Thanks to JET alum Dipika Soni who works at the Embassy for passing this on. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Senior Coordinator, Administrative Section
Posted By: Embassy of Japan
Type: Full-time
Salary: According to qualification and experience (24K to 29K)
Overview:
Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 to 18:00 (lunch hour: 12:45 to 13:45) with the possibility of overtime work
Commencing: March 2014
- Assist general administrative duties in the Embassy
- Assist human resource management of locally hired staff of the Embassy
- Undertake ad hoc research on administrative issues
- Assist with coordination between departments internally, and with other institutions such as the FCO, for VIP visits and major events hosted by the Embassy
【RocketNews24】10 everyday English words that were originally Japanese
Article/Journalism, Writers Comments Off on 【RocketNews24】10 everyday English words that were originally Japanese
Michelle Lynn Dinh (Shimane-ken, Chibu-mura, 2010–13) is an editor and writer for RocketNews24, a Japan-based site dedicated to bringing fun and quirky news from Asia to English speaking audiences.
While Japan’s bank of English loan words has grown to the point where “context” and even “paradigm” can be understood by most people, there seems to be only a handful of Japanese words that have been sprinkled into the modern English vocabulary. Of course, there’s things like “manga”, “sushi,” and “karate,” which English speakers can instantly recognize as comics, a Japanese food, and a way to kick ass (in that respective order), but there are also some sleeper agent Japanese words traipsing about our English conversations. Let’s take a look at Japanese words, like “honcho” (as in “head honcho”) and “tycoon” (as in “oil tycoon”), that we use in English.
JETAA British Columbia Newsletter – January 2014
Article/Journalism, JETAA Chapters Comments Off on JETAA British Columbia Newsletter – January 2014
The latest issue of the JETAABC (JETAA British Columbia) Newsletter is now available. In this issue, they talk about the JET Returnees’ Reception and Career Development Seminar, a year-end summary from the Vancouver Island subgroup, how to get mobile data when travelling in Japan, how to eat gluten-free in Japan, and much more!
- PDF: http://www.jetaabc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/NewsletterV18N3.pdf
- Online viewer version on Issuu.com at http://issuu.com/jetaabc/docs/newsletterv18n3
Job: International Trade Openings (Seattle)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: International Trade Openings (Seattle)
Via Pacific Northwest JETAA. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
————————————————————————————————————
[Special note from Liz Sheffield:
Job: International Student Advisor – International Division, Berkeley College (NYC)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: International Student Advisor – International Division, Berkeley College (NYC)
Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: International Student Advisor
Posted by: International Division, Berkeley College
Location: New York City, NY
Type: full-time
Overview:
- Serve as DSO for F-1 sponsored studentsProvide excellent customer service to students and campus communityBe able to respond knowledgably to the needs of both short and long term international students
- Respond to immigration inquiries and provides immigration advising, information about health insurance, social security number, housing questions basic academic procedures,
- etc.Maintains paper and electronic files/recordsManagement of student informationWork in coordination with staff and students to implement cultural programs and continuing information workshopsParticipates and assists in planning and implementing initial orientation programs for new international students
- Willingness to work collaboratively and respectfully with other team membersServes as resource for international student services staff and other campus units working with international studentsBe an advocate for international students on campus
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree/Master’s degree(preferred)Interest in international educationFamiliar with non-immigrant regulations and its implementationSensitive to other cultures
- Has organizational skills, team player and the ability to work collaboratively
- Must have technological skills
Salary:Commensurate with experience
STARTING DATE: Anticipated start by March 2014
SEND LETTER & RESUME: Ms. Nori Jaffer, naj@berkeleycollege.edu
Job: Associate, Japan Client Services (New York)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Associate, Japan Client Services (New York)
Saw this posted to the JETAADC google group. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Associate, Japan Client Services
Posted By: Eurasia Group
Location: New York
Overview:
Eurasia Group is seeking an organized and motivated business development associate for our Japan client portfolio. This position is located in the firm’s New York office.
In this position, you will be responsible for providing client management support to our existing Japanese corporate and government clients and proactively working to develop new business and drive sales. Responsibilities will include researching potential new clients and projects, as well as administration, project management, and coordination of the firm’s ongoing services in Japan, including both retainer-based relationships and tailored consulting projects. Read More
Teach First Careers Event in London
Jobs Comments Off on Teach First Careers Event in London
Date and Time: Wednesday, 29 January 2014, 18.30 – 20.30
Venue: Teach First, National Office & London Regional Office, 4 More London Riverside, London, SE1 2AU
Agenda: TBC, details will be published on jetaa.org.uk and emailed ASAP
JETAA will hold an information event with Teach First http://www.teachfirst.org.uk/, the social enterprise that aims to address educational disadvantage in England and Wales. It coordinates an employment-based teaching training programme whereby participants achieve Qualified Teacher Status through the participation in a two year training programme that involves the completion of a PGCE along with wider leadership skills training. Read More
Job: Japanese Garden Center Program Coordinator (Seattle)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Japanese Garden Center Program Coordinator (Seattle)
This posting closes January 20, 2014. Via Pacific Northwest JETAA. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Japanese Garden Center Program Coordinator
Type: Part-time
Overview:
Job: Programs Assistant – Towson University Study Abroad Office (Maryland)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Programs Assistant – Towson University Study Abroad Office (Maryland)
Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Programs Assistant
Posted by: Towson University Study Abroad Office
Location: Towson, MD
Type: full-time
Overview:
The Division of Academic Affairs at Towson University seeks a Programs Assistant to support the daily operations of the Study Abroad Office. The Programs Assistant will play a primary role in the administration and advising for faculty-led program applications, provide general office management support, assist with the international exchange student program, work with the staff to promote study abroad to the TU community, and coordinate activities for prospective study abroad students and alumni.
JQ Magazine: North American Alumni Regional Conference Advances JETAA Initiative
Article/Journalism, Events, JETAA Chapters, JQ Magazine Comments Off on JQ Magazine: North American Alumni Regional Conference Advances JETAA Initiative
Delegates to the 2014 JETAA Regional Conference at the Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies at Harvard University, Jan. 2014. (Courtesy of Tim Ogino)
By Tim Ogino (Akita-ken, 2011-13) for JQ magazine. Tim returned from Japan last summer and immediately became involved in NEJETAA as communications coordinator/webmaster. After spending two wonderful years in Tohoku, he returned to Boston to attend graduate school and is excited to remain involved with the Japanese community, looking forward to the day he can return to the land of festivals, kiritampo, and karaoke.
With New Year’s goals and resolutions firmly prepared, 34 JETAA delegates from 15 chapters across North America gathered for the 2014 JETAA Regional Conference at the Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA from Jan. 10-12 to discuss ways to improve their JETAA chapters. The New England JETAA chapter played host to this year’s conference and organized a series of discussions, workshops, and seminars under the theme of “Membership Management.”
The week preceding the conference was filled with anticipation about not only the content of the seminars and workshops, but also the weather in Boston. Stories about the week’s now infamous “polar-vortex” surely were intimidating to JET Alumni from warmer climates. Luckily, the temperatures recovered just in time for a comfortable and productive weekend for all in attendance.
The conference began on Friday night with a welcome reception graciously hosted by the Consul General of Japan in Boston, Akira Muto, which featured special guests Museum of Fine Arts Curator Dr. Anne Nishimura Morse and founding JETAA member Professor Ian Condry (Miyagi-ken, 1988-89) of MIT. Their kind remarks emphasized the importance of membership in JETAA as well as the presence of Japanese culture and art in America, setting an ambitious tone for the rest of the weekend.
Job: Coordinator of Education Abroad, Purchase College, SUNY (NY)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Coordinator of Education Abroad, Purchase College, SUNY (NY)
Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Coordinator of Education Abroad
Posted by: Purchase College (SUNY)
Location: New York, NY
Type: full-time
Overview:
Purchase College, SUNY has a position open for a Coordinator of Education Abroad in the Office of International Programs and Services.
Responsibilities: The Coordinator manages overseas program, exchange and SUNY education abroad marketing through coordinated advertising and recruitment strategies. S/he provides direct service to students from inquiry through application, orientation and re-entry. The Coordinator manages applicant and participant applications and databases and will edit and develop website and promotional materials. S/he collaborates with faculty and staff on short-term program development and implementation. S/he also assists students in finding appropriate scholarships/fellowships and will edit application essays. The Coordinator also assists with international student services including orientations.
Job: Education Abroad Advisor – Center for International Education at Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Education Abroad Advisor – Center for International Education at Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ)
Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Education Abroad Advisor
Posted by: Center for International Education at Northern Arizona University
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Type: full-time
Overview:
The Center for International Education at Northern Arizona University seeks an enthusiastic candidate with an interest and experience in international education and student affairs and development to work as an Education Abroad Advisor. The Education Abroad Advisor reports directly to the Director for Education Abroad and will have advisory responsibilities for a select number of programs in designated regions of the world. Applications must be submitted by January 20, 2014 and can be submitted herehttp://hr.nau.edu/apply_for_jobs. The Education Abroad Advisor will have responsibility for the following:
