CLAIR Magazine “JET Plaza” series: Ari Kaplan (Hyōgo)
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Each month, current and former JET participants are featured in the “JET Plaza” section of the CLAIR Forum magazine. The September 2013 edition includes an article by JET alumn Ari Kaplan. Posted by Celine Castex (Chiba-ken, 2006-11), currently programme coordinator at CLAIR Tokyo.
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“I still remember the ceremony […] held for departing JET participants when I left my position as an ALT. […] I distinctly recall advising the audience members that I was leaving so that I could return someday.”
Originally from the US, Ari Kaplan (Hyogo-ken, Suzurandai, 1993-94) came to Japan upon graduating from Boston University. He is now a business consultant in New York City and the author of Reinventing Professional Services: Building Your Business in the Digital Market Place (Wiley, 2011), which Akishobo recently released in Japan as ハスラー――プロフェッショナルたちの革新. Learn more at AriKaplanAdvisors.com.
JET Perspective
I still remember the ceremony that the Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education held for departing JET participants when I left my position as an ALT at Kobe Kohoku High School in 1994. The host asked each of us to line up facing the audience, pass a microphone to one another, and share our reason for leaving. I distinctly recall advising the audience members that I was leaving so that I could return someday.
When Akishobo translated my second book, Reinventing Professional Services: Building Your Business in the Digital Workplace (Wiley 2011), into Japanese and released it in Japan last fall, I felt like I had somehow kept my promise. I was also excited to have the opportunity to publicly dedicate it to the JET Programme and the Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education.
I was only 20 years old when in July 1993, following my graduation from Boston University, I took that Japan Airlines flight from New York to Tokyo. Jetlagged the day after I arrived, I went on an early-morning walk into the Tokyo Metro to explore and noticed that there were a few homeless individuals living in refrigerator boxes down below.
As a resident of a major metropolitan city, this sight in Shinjuku station did not surprise me. What struck me, however, was that outside of each box sat a pair of shoes, presumably worn by the occupant inside, highlighting the individual’s personal respect and the extraordinary nature of the place to which I had traveled. Read More
JETwit mentioned in Japan Times article “JET Alumni: Advocates for Japan”
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A great Return On JET-vestment article that ran today in the Japan Times:
JET alumni: Advocates for Japan
Program lauded for continuing to bear cultural fruit, friendships
BY AYAKO MIE
STAFF WRITER
Here’s the full article: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/09/03/national/jet-alumni-advocates-for-japan/#.UiaU_GRATv0
Here’s the quote:
Steven Horowitz, who was a JET in Aichi Prefecture from 1992 to 1994, likened his former colleagues to a global expat community of around 60,000 people in terms of their shared affection for Japan. “I think it is going to pay . . . dividends for years and years to come,” he said.
To consolidate the alumni network, Horowitz runs JETwit.com, a website that accumulates information about alumni and Japan-related jobs.
JQ Magazine: DVD Review – ‘From Up on Poppy Hill’
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“Studio Ghibli films are known for their fantastical animation and surrealistic landscapes. However, Poppy Hill lacks one other crucial element common to Ghibili films: an emotional depth of feeling.” (GKIDS)
By Lyle Sylvander (Yokohama-shi, 2001-02) for JQ magazine. Lyle is entering a master’s program at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University (MIA 2013) and has been writing for the JET Alumni Association since 2004. He is also the goalkeeper for FC Japan, a New York City-based soccer team.
From Up on Poppy Hill is the latest film to be released from Japan’s famed Studio Ghibli. Unlike its more prominent titles, this one is not directed by studio founder Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle) but rather by his son Goro Miyazaki. The father did, however, co-write the script (with Keiko Niwa), which was adapted from a manga published in the 1980s. Goro’s first film, Tales from Earthsea, was a commercial hit but received a very negative reception, even receiving “Worst Director” and “Worst Picture” designations from the Bunshun Raspberry Awards, given annually to the worst in cinema by the Bungeishunju Publishing Company. From Up on Poppy Hill received a much better reception (although many reviews were mixed) and became the highest grossing Japanese film of 2011 and won the 2012 Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year.
The story takes place in Yokohama in 1963, a pivotal point in Japan’s history as the country was preparing for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The nation was on the economic upswing and the Olympics were meant to showcase the “new” Japan as it pushed its postwar ruin firmly into the past. Within this context, Poppy Hill tells two stories, both of which deal with historical consciousness. The first concerns a high school student named Umi, who lives and works in her family’s boarding house. Her father was lost at sea during the Korean War and Umi flies nautical flags daily from her house in order to wish peace upon all sailors. The second story concerns a clubhouse (named the Latin Quarter), which has been slated for demolition to make way for an Olympics-related building. The building is adjacent to Umi’s high school and she meets Shun, the leader of the clubhouse, who also happens to have been decoding her nautical flags each morning. Umi leads an effort to clean up the clubhouse and soon starts to fall in love with Shun.
Job: Postings from Idealist.org 9.2.13
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Via Idealist.org. Posted by Geneva Marie (Niigata-ken 2008-09) Geneva is a contributor to both JETwit and JETAANY. Geneva is on a continuous (epic) search for Japanese-related jobs in the United States. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Associate Director
Posted by: City University of New York (CUNY)
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: $80,000-90,000
Application Deadline: October 7, 2013
he Language and Literacy Program provides educational programs to undereducated New York City adults, in English as a second language and adult literacy/preparation for the high school equivalency credential, serving 10,000 students a year at fourteen CUNY campuses. In concert with the Director, the Associate Director will have broad responsibilities in developing and implementing innovative programming, providing an incubator for new educational approaches; enhancing skills of literacy educators through professional development; maximizing the effectiveness of a range of educational technology applications; managing the programs in the Language & Literacy portfolio, including fiscal management and the assessment and evaluation of student outcomes.Minimum Master’s Degree in education, second language acquisition, public administration/policy, or related discipline, with at least six years relevant experience with immigrant and/or undereducated adult populations.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/tdpN6Xwg6bfP/
Program Development Officer
Posted by: The Eurasia Foundation
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: Not Specified
Application Deadline: September 15, 2013
The Program Development Officer is a key member of EF’s Program Development Department and is responsible for supporting EF’s new business efforts in the Eurasia and Asia regions. These countries include the countries of the former Soviet Union as well as select Asian countries, including China, Myanmar and Mongolia. The position will focus primarily on raising USG funds and will support the development of competitive proposals in EF’s core competency areas, including advocacy, NGO strengthening, citizen engagement, civic education and entrepreneurship. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/jfJT7FT8Jh8d/
NAWC Counselor (Prospect Park YMCA)
Posted by: YMCA of Greater New York
Type: Full-time
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Salary: Entry Level – $$13.51 P/H – $16.89 P/H
Application Deadline: Not Specified
The YMCA of Greater New York’s New Americans initiative, which serves New York City’ extraordinarily diverse, low-income immigrant and New Americans populations, is seeking an energetic and disciplined individual. This incumbent should be experienced in community outreach and counseling on Job Skills Training & Placement Assistance, Career Counseling and City-wide Services Information and Referrals. The counselor will report to the Program Coordinator of the Prospect Park YMCA New Americans Welcome Center and will be responsible for Community Outreach, Registration/In-Take Assessment and Follow-up, Database and Participant Case Management. Associate’s Degree; Bachelor’s preferred.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/m8cH2M7SGJNp/
(Click on the “Read More” link for more job descriptions)
AJET Survey: “Life After JET”
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To: All JET Alumni — Please take 15 seconds to complete the “Life After JET” survey that AJET has put together. AJET has done a great job with this year after year, and the results matter–to the JET Programme, to JETAA, and to the future of JET. See below from Yolanda Espiritu of the AJET National Council 2013-14:
I am pleased to inform you that the survey on “Life After JET” is now available. We ask all of our sempai to complete this survey and let us know about “Life After JET.”
“Life After JET” Survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LifeAfterJET
Job: Writer/Translator for RocketNews24 English (Online)
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See below for a very interesting writer/translator work opportunity from Michelle Lynn Dinh (Shimane-ken, Chibu-mura, 2010 – 2013), the editor for RocketNews24 English, a website specializing in quirky news from Japan and Asia. 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.
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Position: Writer/Translator
Posted by: RocketNews24 English
Type: Freelance
Salary: Calculated on a per article basis + incentive
Overview:
RocketNews24 English is looking to hire a few talented writers to help them grow! Thanks to a lot of hard work and its awesome readers, RockNews24 English is currently making plans to expand its website and increase our daily output. To this end, the site is looking for a couple of talented writers to join the team.
Requirements:
- be creative individuals who write regularly.
- enjoy keeping up to date with current events, trends and pop culture.
- speak/read Japanese well (equivalent to JLPT N2 or better)
- be able to produce five or more articles per week
They are also looking for speakers of Chinese, Korean or other Asian languages. Read More
Kitcher’s Café #002: Staying Connected
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Kitcher’s Café, a new series by Lana Kitcher (Yamanashi-ken, 2010-12) is an assortment of articles, topics and commentary written for the JET Alumni community. Lana currently serves as the Business Development Associate at Bridges to Japan, a New York-based cross-cultural consulting firm founded by JET alum Jennifer Jakubowski (Hokkaido, 1995-97).
Although it has been a full year since my return, I continue to enjoy sharing stories and experiences with my friends from and in Japan. Recently, one of my old colleagues from Yamanashi visited New York for the first time and contacted me through facebook to meet up. I took her and her travel partner to “Penelope,” a small restaurant on E 30th and Lexington Ave in New York. I was pleasantly surprised to see facebook photos of them going there for breakfast every day thereafter for the duration of their trip. It was a great and satisfying feeling to make these arrangements with her and be able to see the results.
As you are settling into a familiar state, maybe even feeling like your time in Japan was actually all a dream – you may wonder how it might be possible to keep up with your friends and colleagues that you met while in Japan. Thanks to social media, staying in touch has never been easier.
I’ll Make It Myself!: Kitchen Library, 2013.8.29: Japanese Food
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L.M. Zoller (CIR Ishikawa-ken, Anamizu, 2009-11) is the editor of The Ishikawa JET Kitchen: Cooking in Japan Without a Fight. The Japan and International Programs Coordinator for NorthWest Student Exchange, ze also 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.
Putting the focus on links about Japanese food, I submit for your approval adorable animal doughnuts, what is and isn’t healthy about “the Japanese diet,” wagashi, and more!
Image via Kotaku.
Job: Study Abroad Advisor – Trinity University International Programs Office (San Antonio, TX)
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Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Study Abroad Advisor
Posted by: International Programs Office, Trinity University
Location: San Antonio, TX
Applications will be received until position is filled.
Overview:
Trinity University is a small (@2400 students), private, primarily Liberal Arts university in San Antonio, Texas. Currently about 47% of the most recent graduating classes completed some part of the degree abroad. Trinity University seeks a Study Abroad Advisor to join the International Programs Office
Requirements:
- Excellent organizational skills
- Work well under pressure
- Have international or intercultural experience
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, Social Media expected
Job: Program Assistant – The Leitner Center for International Law and Justice at Fordham Law School (NYC)
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Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Program Assistant
Posted by: The Leitner Center for International Law and Justice at Fordham Law School (NYC)
Location: New York City
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Starting Date: ASAP
Overview:
The Leitner Center for International Law and Justice at Fordham Law School is seeking a full-time Program Assistant. The mission of the Leitner Center is to contribute to the promotion of social justice around the world by encouraging knowledge of and respect for international law and international human rights standards in particular. The Center pursues this goal by sponsoring education, scholarship, and human rights advocacy, and facilitating collaboration among law students, scholars, and human rights defenders in the United States and abroad.
Requirements:
- Bachelors Degree required
- The position calls for a self-starter able to handle numerous tasks simultaneously who can work independently as well as function as a member of a team.
- The candidate must have excellent writing, as well as organizational and communication skills.
- One to three year’s experience in outreach to media, design, or content management systems are especially encouraged to apply.
- Interest in international human rights and a great sense of humor is a plus
Job Responsibilities:
- Reports directly to the Executive Director of the Leitner Center and the Director of the Walter Leitner International Human Rights Clinic and provides comprehensive support for the Center.
- Coordinates Center events and opportunities including guest speakers, “brown bag” luncheons, film and panel events.
- Designs fliers and posters to promote the Center’s programs at the Law School.
- Maintains the Center’s website in conjunction with external webmaster.
- Provides substantive research and writing support as needed.
- Handles other responsibilities as may be assigned
- Provides general administrative support, including processes financial requests, files records, and process applications to student programs and fellowships.
Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit a cover letter and a resume by email to leitnercenter@law.fordham.edu .
Additional Information:
For more information please visit their website and Job Listing.
Job: Administrative Assistant: University of Queensland, North America Office (Washington D.C.)
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Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Administrative Assistant
Posted by: University of Queensland (Australia), North America Office
Type: Part-time
Location: Washington D.C.
Salary: monthly rate of US $2,000 based on 20 hours/week
Starting Date: October 2013 based on 12 month contract
Application deadline on September 20, 2013
Overview:
The UQ North America office is seeking an enthusiastic and extremely well‐organized person with effective communication skills to provide high‐level confidential administrative and secretarial support, including high‐level organizational skills for a range of projects in the advancement and international purviews of the University. The Incumbent will have responsibility for the day‐to‐day problem resolution and maintenance of administrative systems, and introduction of new systems and work processes within the UQ North America office. While reporting to the Director of Advancement (USA),the administrative assistant will work across the Associate Director‐Education (USA)’s portfolio.
Requirements:
- Completion of an undergraduate degree, along with significant relevant experience in executive administration or equivalent OR an equivalent combination of relevant experience and formal training.
- Extensive experience using online databases and the Internet,the MS Office suite of products in a higher education or business context.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Two or more years of experience in the field of international education
- Prior experience in a higher education setting working with study abroad programs
- Regional expertise with Asia
- Prior study and experience with a relevant second language
Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit a cover letter and a resume by email to northamerica@uq.edu.au by Sept 20, 2013.
Additional Information:
For more information please visit their website and Job Listing.
Job: Study Abroad Program Coordinator, Asia International Affairs: University of Oregon (Eugene)
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Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Study Abroad Program Coordinator, Asia International Affairs
Posted by: Office of International Programs: University of Oregon
Type: Full-time
Location: Eugene, OR
Salary: $37,000 – $41,000 (full time annual rate)
Application deadline on September 15, 2013
Overview:
The Study Abroad Program Coordinators are responsible for managing credit-bearing study abroad programs in an assigned geographic region. This involves managing the day-to-day activities of these programs, including student recruitment and program promotion, student advising, student selection, program orientations and program evaluations. These positions report to the Director or Associate Director of Study Abroad Programs and supervise a Graduate Assistant. The Coordinators work closely with UO faculty and administrative staff, program directors, advisory committees, off-campus sponsors and exchange partners.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in international education or a related field
- One year experience in the field of international education
- Prior experience in a higher education setting, advising, interviewing and orienting students
- Study, employment, travel, or residence abroad
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds, especially in a team setting
- Demonstrated effectiveness in oral and written communication
- Ability to successfully complete a criminal background check
Job: Study Abroad Coordinator for the Office of International Programs: San Francisco State University (San Francisco)
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Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Study Abroad Coordinator
Posted by: Office of International Programs: San Francisco State University (SFSU)
Type: Full-time
Location: San Francisco, CA
Salary: $4,373 – $4,667 per month ($52,476 – $56,004 annually)
Application deadline on September 4, 2013
Overview:
The Office of International Programs at San Francisco State University has is seeking a Coordinator of Study Abroad. The incumbent will coordinate all aspects of the study abroad program at SF State, including program development and promotion, student advising and selection, health/safety and liability management, pre-departure and re-entry. The incumbent will work across the full breadth of the SF State community and a large network of international partners to accomplish these objectives.
Justin’s Japan: Nippon in New York – Heritage at Citi Field, Hatsune Miku and the Joy of Sake
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The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York will perform at Citi Field’s fourth annual Japanese Heritage Night Aug. 28. (Courtesy of blog.janm.org)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.
As the summer winds fade to fall colors, the weeks ahead are shaping up with these exciting events, ready to be enjoyed both before and after Labor Day.
This month’s highlights include:
Wednesday, Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m.
New York Mets Fourth Annual Japanese Heritage Night
Citi Field, 123-01 Roosevelt Ave.
$23 Promenade Reserved/$37 Pepsi Porch/$63 Baseline Box Silver
Watch the Mets take on the Philadelphia Phillies with a special Japanese Heritage Night pre-game show featuring the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York, the Japanese Men’s Choir, taiko and fue master Kaoru Watanabe, and the Spirit Award presentations to important members of the community. Look for fun Japanese activities and games throughout the evening at the special Japanese Heritage Night tables! A portion of the proceeds of all ticket sales made through the special JHN ticket window and through online sales will be given to the Japanese American Association’s Committee on Aging Issues.
Saturday, Aug. 31, 2:00 p.m.
Hatsune Miku Magical Mirai 2013 premiere
Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Avenue
$20 general admission
In Japan, Hatsune Miku is a phenomenally successful virtual idol that grew out of fan-created songs. With a name meaning “first sound of the future,” she is based on an innovative singing synthesizer software character. This special theatrical release—her first in the U.S. in nearly two years—celebrates the pop Vocaloid’s sixth birthday of by capturing a special commemorative live concert at the Yokohama Area simulcast in both New York and Los Angeles. (For this Examiner’s review of Miku’s previous live film screening in Times Square, click here.)
Sunday, Sept. 1, 5:30 p.m.
J-Summit New York Benefit Concert
The Bowery Electric, 327 Bowery
$15 advance/$18 day of show
Offering a welcoming environment to enjoy music, dance, performance and fashion for all fans and artists, j-Summit New York has created a community focused on the connections and cultural exchanges between New York and Japan through electrifying events. Proceeds for this special benefit concert will contribute to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami relief fund. Bands for the night include Aki, Lust, Red, Iri, Nicole Oliva, Nafsi Groove, and Yuri Bear.
For the complete story, click here.
Job: Study Abroad Advisor for the International Studies & Program: Central Washington University (Washington)
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Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Study Abroad Advisor
Posted by: International Studies & Program: Central Washington University
Type: Full-time
Location: Ellensburg, WA
Salary: Dependent upon qualifications and experience
Start Date: September 23, 2013
Applications screening on September 3, 2013
Overview:
The Study Abroad Advisor (SAA)position is based in the Study Abroad and Exchange Programs (SAEP) section of the Global Services and Initiatives (GSI) area. Both areas are located under the Office of International Studies and Programs (OISP).
The SAA manages various study abroad programs assigned by the Assistant Director of GSI/SAEP. Provides advice and information to students, parents and others interested in study abroad; assists in promoting programs across campus; coordinates application processes and post acceptance services to students. Works with staff and faculty to provide high-quality experience for students abroad. This position supports CWU faculty-led programs under the guidelines of the Spheres of Distinction and helps in generating revenue for these programs by marketing and producing promotional materials for International Education Week and Study Abroad Fair.
