Posted by Gemma Villanueva (Fukushima, 2008-11) on behalf of fellow JET alum Vinnie Burns.
JET alum Vinnie Burns is doing a critical study for his masters programme. His topic is on the motivation and job satisfaction of ALTs on the JET Programme. His particular interest will be to investigate what school leaders and managers can do to improve the motivation and job satisfaction of ALTs.
If you are interested in participating in his study, he has two different questionnaires — one for current ALTs and one for former ALTs. You only need to fill out the one which applies to you.
Former ALTs: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1nLXFph_DFKldFPP0vmqtXg-lrOVjNp6ptSFbeHxzj6k/viewform
Current ALTs: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-die2kh_-THKKTqlI6ofGxmx3_DwRFPkMSi9vB8bETk/viewform
Sister City Ties Ep #1: ALTs of the JET Program
Anecdote Article, Cultural Outreach, Japan Local, Return on JET-vestment, Sister City, Video 
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Eliot Honda (Ehime-ken, 2009-2012) has started a unique video series on Sister City Ties in which he interviews current and former JETs:
I’ll Make It Myself!: Localizing Big Boy
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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. A recent returnee, 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.
New Rice Cooker Chronicles submissions always welcome. Just e-mail it to jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
…During a work conference in Chiba that first fall, I ended up out for a quick lunch at Big Boy, which is essentially a hamburger-and-standard-”American”-fare family restaurant in the US. In Japan, as with most “Western food” family restaurants, Big Boy has been cleverly localized. There are no hamburgers, only hamburg plates.
JQ Magazine: JETerations — How Alumni Touch New Generations of JETs
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Clare Grady and William Collazo representing fifteen years of JET at the Pre-Departure Orientation, Florida, 2012. (Courtesy of William Collazo)
By Bahia Simons-Lane (Gunma-ken, 2005-07) for JQ magazine. Bahia is the president of the Florida JET Alumni Association.
As a high school Japanese teacher in Deerfield Beach, Florida, WIlliam Collazo teaches his students about his time on JET along with his language lessons. Little did he know he would inspire a student to pursue JET years after she left his classroom.
Collazo said that JET was instrumental in deciding to become a Japanese teacher. He has a BA in Asian studies and religious studies, and he also studied Japanese language at Cornell University in New York. After JET, Collazo earned an MA in East Asian studies from Washington University in St. Louis, where he turned his academic interests to studying language pedagogy.
When he applied to the JET Program, he thought he would enjoy the work since he had some high school teaching experience, but mostly he was hoping to enhance his understanding of Japanese culture by living and working there. Instead, his two years on JET from 1997-99 in Hiroshima Prefecture were life-changing. “I didn’t think I would actually become a teacher of Japanese before going,” Collazo explained, “but my experience was so profound that I felt compelled to come home to Florida and share what I had learned in public education.”
His former student Clare Grady graduated from the University of Florida with a BA in Chinese and departed to Northern Gifu on the JET Program last year. It was Collazo’s stories of JET that inspired Grady to apply for the JET Program. It might seem surprising that Grady majored in Chinese and not Japanese, but by the time Grady entered university she already had considerable Japanese capability under her belt due to the Deerfield Beach International Baccalaureate (IB) program. She started studying Japanese when she entered high school, but after completing all the Japanese classes offered at her school she began teaching herself Chinese—earning her the nickname “Kanji Master.”
Job: Liquor Sales for Japanese trading company (Bergen County, NJ)
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Thanks to JET alum Stacy Smith for putting this company in touch with me when they indicated they wanted to reach out to the JET alum community to try and fill this JET-relevant position. If you apply, please make sure to mention that you learned of the listing via JETwit.
New York Mutual Trading Company is an importer and distributor of Japanese food, sake, and kitchenware located in New Jersey. We have been looking for the sales position who will be asked to increase sake/liquor sales in East Coast. Here is the descriptions:
Company: New York Mutual Trading, Inc.
Mutual Trading Company is the premier Japanese food, alcohol beverage, and restaurant supply specialist since 1926. We are the Japanese food authority – true to the heart in upholding genuine Japanese food traditions, and progressive in exploring new ways to provide innovative restaurant supplies and services. Mutual Trading imports, exports, distributes and manufactures the top brands for our retailer and foodservice customers.
Position: Liquor Sales (Japanese sake, shochu, and beer) Read More
Akita mushroom curry
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Tom Baker (Chiba, 1989-91) is writing a 47-part weekly series of posts on his Tokyo Tom Baker blog, in which he samples and comments on a curry from a different prefecture each week. Here’s an excerpt from his sixth installment, about Akita Prefecture.
I would have identified the mushrooms in this curry as shimeji—a standard item at any Japanese supermarket—but the ingredient label described them more specifically as buna-shimeji, or beech shimeji…
So it’s appropriate that I washed the curry down with some Buna no Mori (beech forest) beer, made with wild yeast originally collected in the forest. This 5-percent beer was slightly darker than a typical mass-produced Japanese lager, and had a flavor that was rich and strong…
Job: Director, Stanford Program in Kyoto
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Thanks to JETAANY Board Member Clara Solomon for sharing this posting. Posted by Kim ‘Kay’ Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Director, Stanford Program in Kyoto
Posted by: Stanford University
Type: Full Time
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Salary: N/A
Start Date: Target of November 1, 2013, or sooner
Overview:
The Bing Overseas Studies Program at Stanford University is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Director for its program in Kyoto, Japan. Applicants are encouraged to respond promptly. This is an immediate opening with a target start date of November 1, 2013, or sooner.
Stanford University is one of the world’s leading research and teaching institutions and is known for its entrepreneurial character and its relationship to Silicon Valley. Areas of excellence range from the humanities to social sciences to engineering and the sciences.
The Stanford Bing Overseas Studies Program offers study abroad programs for Stanford undergraduates to enhance their overall educational experience. Now in its 54th year, the program sends about 50 percent of each graduating class abroad during their time as undergraduates.
The Stanford Program in Kyoto was founded in collaboration with the School of Engineering, and has since provided students of engineering and other disciplines the opportunity to fit language immersion and practical classroom experience into their busy schedules. The program welcomes students in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The program is hosted on the Doshisha University campus, located at the heart of Kyoto. Doshisha is one of Japan’s leading private universities with over 25,000 students and a diversity of programs. Read More
Job: ESL student services coordinator position – Kansas State University
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Posted by Kim ‘Kay’ Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Student Services Program Support Coordinator
Posted by: KSU Office of International Programs
Type: N/A
Location: Manhattan, KS
Salary: $32,000-$34,000 based on education and experience
Start Date: Tentative: August 2013
Overview:
Kansas State University, Office of International Programs, invites applicants for the position of Student Services Program Support Coordinator. This position reports to the Assistant Director in the English Language Program.
Job Responsibilities: Student Service Coordination (80%)
•Assist in pre-placement and placement meetings; assist with academic advising of students; and assist with the teacher and student appeals of placement (internal to the ELP).
•Improve retention by advising the probation/dismissed/reinstated students (internal to the ELP).
•Assist students in special non-life-threatening situations such as traffic tickets, housing problems, roommate problems.
•Help students with issues that affect their academic success such as study habits, absences and cultural adaptation.
•Help identify learning opportunities outside the ESL classroom, such as conversation partners, volunteer activities and auditing classes.
•Conduct follow-up interviews with students to determine if their needs have been met. Read More
Job: Actus – Business Development Coordinator @NPO (Midtown NY)
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Via Actus Consulting. Posted by Kim ‘Kay’ Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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**Note: If you apply, please make sure to mention that you learned of the listing via JETwit.**
Position: Business Development Coordinator
Posted by: Actus Consulting
Type: N/A
Location: Midtown, NY
Salary: $37K
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
A non-profit Japanese government related organization that promotes trade and investment opportunities for business and companies in the United States and Japan. Provide clients with vital market entry information and a strong support system in order to help them successfully expand their operations overseas. Helped an array of US companies successfully launch their business in Japan, and help business succeed overseas. Read More
Job: Job opening up at the Consulate General of Japan (San Francisco)
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Thanks to JET alum Alexander Peterson (Miyazaki-ken, 2009-12) for sharing this posting. Posted by Kim ‘Kay’ Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Cultural Affairs Coordinator
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan
Type: N/A
Location: San Francisco
Salary: Starting salary is commensurate with experience
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
The Japan Information Center (JIC) is the educational, cultural and public affairs division of the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco serving Northern California, Central California and Nevada. Its primary role is to promote a better understanding and deeper appreciation of Japan and its culture by providing information and educational programs to the public. JIC facilities include an internal research library, multimedia archive, conference space and display area for Japanese cultural artifacts and artwork by Bay Area and Japanese artists. Read More
Job: Language Center Director (Teaneck, NJ)
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Via Indeed.com. Posted by Kim ‘Kay’ Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Language Center Director
Posted by: ELS
Type: Full-Time/Part-Time
Location: Teaneck, NJ
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
If you are looking to make a difference in students’ lives, join our team at ELS! Over the past 50 years, ELS has helped one million students meet their English language study goals by providing a unique experience and intensive English immersion programs of the highest caliber. ELS English programs are offered for students who wish to attend a college or university in the USA or Canada, need Business English to further their career or simply want to explore. With over 60 locations across North America, ELS allows our students to select the study environment and program that is right for them. Read More
Job: Director of ESL/PALS (NJ)
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Via Indeed.com. Posted by Kim ‘Kay’ Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Director of ESL/PALS
Posted by: Rutgers University
Type: N/A
Location: Newark, NJ
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
Reporting to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, directs the Program in American Language Studies (PALS), which provides English language instruction and services as necessary to approximately 400 intensive ESL students enrolled annually in PALS and, as needed, to the approximately 1000 international students enrolled at Rutgers-Newark. This position supervises a Program Coordinator and Program Assistant who assist with program administration. This position manages all PALS academic, administrative, financial, and personnel operations. As Director of a financially self-supporting academic unit, this position develops and implements marketing strategies, actively engages in recruitment, and seeks and develops new program opportunities that meet the instructional needs of internal and external stakeholders and that generate new sources of revenue. The position oversees the successful delivery of services to students; fosters and maintains communication with partners within and external to the University. This position oversees TOEFL and IELTS test administration; coordinates English language proficiency testing of undergraduate and graduate students in coordination with academic units. This position is responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training instructional and support staff; ensures professional treatment of staff; regularly evaluates staff and instructor performance. Read More
Job: CFR 2014–2015 International Affairs Fellowship in Japan, sponsored by Hitachi, Ltd.
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Posted at the request of the Council on Foreign Relations:
CFR 2014–2015 International Affairs Fellowship in Japan, sponsored by Hitachi, Ltd.
Program
Founded in 1997, the International Affairs Fellowship in Japan (IAF-J), sponsored by Hitachi, Ltd., seeks to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between the rising generations of leaders in the United States and Japan. The program provides a selected group of mid-career U.S. citizens the opportunity to expand their professional horizons by spending a period of research or other professional activity in Japan. Fellows are drawn from academia, business, government, media, NGOs, and think tanks. In cooperation with the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), the program’s sponsor, Hitachi, Ltd., assists fellows in finding suitable host organizations in Japan. CFR awards approximately three to five fellowships annually.
Eligibility Read More
Heather Wilson Tomoyasu (ALT Ibaraki-ken, 2004-06), previously Manager of Public Relations at the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, is now a newly established work-at-home mom – owner of Miny Moe (selling diaper & nursing pad samplers), “Expert Mom” for the app Mommy Nearest, and blogging in Brooklyn on her site US-Japan Fam.
No, He’s Not Adopted!: My husband is Japanese and I’m your standard run of the mill white American. As soon as we got pregnant, everyone was all “You are gonna have the cutest baby EVER!!!” which was fun to hear (a million times!) but how do you respond to that? “Thanks”? “I hope so”? We were riddled with a mixture of curiosity and anxiety over what our lil’ munchkin would look like… <CONTINUE>
Giveaway: Diapers, Nursing Pads, & Wipes!!: If you are expecting, have a little one at home, or have a friend’s baby shower coming up, I hope you’ll enter my giveaway this week! We’re offering 1 Miny Moe Newborn Diaper Sampler (5 diapers from each of 6 brands), 1 Miny Moe Disposable Nursing Pad Sampler (1 pair from each of 3 brands), and 1 Diono Travel Wipes.
Go to the blog to see more posts!!
Comments on entries are always appreciated, and guest bloggers are welcome to use the contact form on the blog site to submit ideas!
JETwit note: CLICK HERE to join the JET Alumni Parents group on Facebook.
BBC: Fukushima schools rebuild after disaster
Earthquake Tsunami, Japan Local, Japan Trends Comments Off on BBC: Fukushima schools rebuild after disaster
It would be interesting to hear any comments or perspectives from Fukushima JETs or alums about what they describe in this BBC article. (Thanks to Eden Law of JETAA New South Wales for posting it to their Facebook group.)
Fukushima’s Schools Rebuild After Disaster
“How do you re-build an education system destroyed by a disaster? The OECD’s Andreas Schleicher describes the efforts in Japan, two years after the nuclear accident in Fukushima.”
Link to full article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21576192
