JET and the Rotary Peace Fellow connection: William Nealy, Jr.
Academic, Graduate School, LifeAfterJET 
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By Mark Flanigan (Nagasaki, 2000-04), Program Director at the Japan ICU Foundation in New York City and former Rotary Peace Fellow in Tokyo.
As a Business Development Manager at Impact Japan, William Nealy, Jr. (Oita, 1994-97) works with mainly ‘gaishikei’ (non-Japanese) companies in Japan to understand their leadership and team development needs. William works in partnership with these companies to design effective solutions to “future-proof” their operations in Japan. He’s passionate about finding ways to help Japanese and foreign clients to align their people development strategies with their overall business strategy, and he loves the rush and satisfaction of helping clients achieve their goals. He is also multilingual- speaking English, Japanese and Spanish. In the Q&A below, William explains more about his own JET and Rotary Peace Fellow experiences in Japan, and how they have literally changed his life.
1) Thanks for answering our questions, William! Where and when were you a JET?
Sure thing! I was in Oita City from 1994-97.
2) What was your role? (ALT, CIR, SEA)
I was a Ken ALT, mainly based at Oginodai High School, with regular visits to a few junior high schools.
3) Did you have any previous background in Asian languages and cultures?
I had studied Japanese at university for four years, so I had a decent head start. But realized pretty quickly when I actually got to Japan that I had a lot of room for improvement in my Japanese skills. But living in Oita, as opposed to a place like Osaka or Tokyo, I was relatively immersed in the culture and language.
4) What did you do following your JET service?
Although I had traveled within the US before JET, my time on the JET Program was my first time abroad. It really opened up a whole world for me, and was the catalyst for me wanting to live, breathe and experience more of the world. Living in Japan, in relatively rural Oita, triggered my curiosity for seeing the world. I also felt deeply that I wanted to continue to develop a career with a global scope and somehow contribute to developing people. So after JET, I set out Read More
JETAA Northern California Career & Networking Forum – Eventbrite
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Posted by 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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The JET Alumni Association and the University of San Francisco Center for the Pacific Rim will host the 2013 Career and Networking Forum. JET Alumni and MAPS graduates are invited to attend the event, network with their peers and meet organizations looking for employees, interns and volunteers.
For more information please visit: https://2013cnf.eventbrite.com/
The English Language Fellow Program – The Department of State
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Posted by 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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English Language Fellow Program is currently accepting new applications for teaching in 120 countries…
Overview:
The EL Fellow Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) within the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Office of English Language Programs, and is administered by the Center for Intercultural Education and Development (CIED) at Georgetown University, Washington, DC.
The English Language (EL) Fellow Program promotes English language learning around the world and fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries. It places talented, highly qualified U.S. educators with Master’s degrees with a focus in TEFL/TESL or Applied Linguistics in all regions of the world. Through U.S. embassy projects, EL Fellows share their expertise, hone their skills, gain international experience, and learn other cultures. Upon returning to the United States, they share their experiences and acquired knowledge with their communities and professional colleagues. Today, the EL Fellow Program is more vital than ever. As a premier, competitive opportunity to work on TESL/TEFL projects in developing countries, the EL Fellow Program has an impact not only on the institutions that host EL Fellows, but also within the wider academic community. Teachers at the host institution receive professional tools from the EL Fellow that promote educational effectiveness and expand their ability to provide English instruction for a wider variety of student populations in a larger number of educational Read More
Grant application for study in Japan due Feb 10th!
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Thanks to JETAA North Carolina. Posted by 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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CALL FOR PROPOSALS: RESEARCH TRAVEL GRANTS, SPRING DEADLINE – FEBRUARY 10
The TCJS provides grants to Duke, NCSU, and UNC faculty and graduate students to help defray the costs of research-related travel to Japan.
GRANT AMOUNT: up to $2,500 for travel and accommodation. Please note that the Japan Foundation, which funds this award, asks us to adhere to the following split: $100 for travel in the US, $900 for international airfare,$250 for local travel within Japan, and $1250 for accommodation and meals in Japan. Some small divergence from these amounts is allowed, but no more than 20%.
PRIORITY GIVEN TO: TCJS faculty members; faculty who have not received travel support from the TCJS recently; junior faculty members
DEADLINES: The spring application deadline is February 10. Travel must be completed, and all reimbursement paperwork submitted through your home department, by August 20. Read More
Good analysis of the LDP return to power from The Monkey Cage
Academic, Japan Trends Comments Off on Good analysis of the LDP return to power from The Monkey Cage
This post from The Monkey Cage by political science professor Joshua Tucker citing Christina Davis is the most in-depth and current piece I’ve seen explaining what the LDP re-election is really all about and putting Japan’s current situation in perspective.
Here are some excerpts:
Despite electoral victory, the LDP did not receive a strong mandate. In a post-election poll conducted by the Asahi Shimbun, respondents asked to explain the LDP victory cited “disappointment of the DPJ government” (81 percent) rather than “support for the LDP’s policies” (7 percent).
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In what could be seen as a profile in courage or political suicide, Prime Minister Noda made a deal with the LDP in August that in exchange for their support to pass an unpopular tax increase, he would agree to call for an early election.
The DPJ’s ability to allocate pork barrel policies as the incumbent party made it hard for the LDP to differentiate itself on bread and butter issues, and it instead had to rely on nationalism to mobilize a new policy frame.
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Going forward, it is probable that the LDP will deliver what Noda could not and bring Japan into the TPP negotiations. Despite the party’s tepid stance toward the trade talks during the election, in order to deliver on its promise to revitalize the economy the party cannot only cater to rural interests in protection.
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China has viewed the election with alarm as sign of movement toward resurgent nationalism and anti-China sentiment in Japan. This fear is misplaced given that the electoral politics reflected rejection of DPJ more than endorsement of LDP…… Chinese leaders are equally committed to economic growth and must recognize that efforts to coerce Japan through economic policies may backfire as did the embargo on rare earth mineral exports imposed in October 2010. The key will be to avoid misunderstandings and accidents through clear diplomacy on both sides to assure that posturing for domestic audiences does not aggravate relations.
CLICK HERE to read the full article.
Via Pasona NA. Posted by JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (Kobe-shi, 2001 -02). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Full-time boy’s dormitory supervisor
Location: Westchester, NY
Duties:
– Responsible for the management and daily operations of campus residence dormitories
– Build good relationships with co-workers and students
– Other duties as needed
Qualifications: Must have bachelor’s degree. Must reside on campus. Several years of experience at educational institutions preferred. Education background is a plus.
Compensation: Salary commensurate with education and experience. Health Insurance, 403B Pension Plan benefits for full-time position.
Starting Date: ASAP
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Please mail resume and cover letter to mtakemura[at]pasona.com.
JET alum Asia Security Expert Michael Auslin in the Wall Street Journal
Academic, Article/Journalism, JETs in the News, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment, Writers Comments Off on JET alum Asia Security Expert Michael Auslin in the Wall Street Journal
Here’s a recent article in the Wall Street Journal by JET alum Michael Auslin, Director of Japan Studies at the American Enterprise Institute:
Michael Auslin: Asian Pivot, Take Two
President Barack Obama is celebrating his re-election by trying to make good on his promised pivot to Asia. Not only is the President in the region for the East Asian Summit in Cambodia—he has also dispatched his Secretaries of State and Defense on extended visits as well.
Showing up may constitute 90% of diplomacy. But at a time of numerous territorial disputes and leadership upheavals, Mr. Obama may have bitten off more than he can chew over the next four years.
The Administration’s agenda this month is an unusual start. Unlike traditional trips that include old allies like Japan or …
Click here to read the article (subscription required).
JET alum seeks help contacting Japanese Antarctica residents for research project
Academic Comments Off on JET alum seeks help contacting Japanese Antarctica residents for research project
New Zealand JET alum Jacinta McKenzie is working on a research project (see details below) and is seeking help from anyone who can help her get in touch with Japanese people who have been to Antarctica, especially to Showa Base. Jacinta says:
Individual Project Proposal – Group adaptation and individual adjustment of (prolonged) isolation of Japanese people in Antarctica
はじめまして。私はジェシンタ・マッケンジと申しまして、現在ニュージランドのカンタベリ大学で日本語と南極を専門にしている大学院生です。
私は日本人と南極との関係について非常に深い興味を持っており、カンタベリ大学で南極の研究をしています。私は現在、南極における日本人の文化人類学と社会学に関するプロジェクトを行っており、「南極の厳しい自然と孤独な生活に対する日本人の集団的、あるいは個人的順応について」というタイトルの研究論文を書いています。私のこの論文のためにあるデータが必要であり、そのデータを集めるために、南極（昭和基地）で滞在している、あるいはしたことのある日本人と連絡をして、アンケートを行いたいと思っています。
そちらの研究所所属の研究者で南極に行ったことのある（あるいは今現在滞在している）日本人の連絡先（電子メールアドレスなど）を教えていただくことはできませんか？ もしくは、私がそちらにアンケートを電子メールで送信するので私のアンケートに協力して頂けそうな人に転送していただけませんか？
アンケートの内容は、丸かバツで答えるものがいくつかと、自分の経験を短く書いて頂く簡単なもので、20分ほどで終わると思います。ご迷惑をおかけしますが、宜しくお願いいたします。
Jacinta McKenzie jacy19@gmail.com
http://www.anta.canterbury.ac.nz/courses/gcas/
My name is Jacinta McKenzie and I am a student at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand studying Japanese Language and Antarctic Studies. I am very interested in Japans relationship between the polar regions, hence I am taking an Antarctic Studies course at Canterbury University.
I am currently do my individual project which concentrates on anthropology and sociocultural aspect of being in Antarctica, titled Group adaptation and individual adjustment of (prolonged) isolation of Japanese people in Antarctica.
I am seeking to get in touch with the Japanese people currently down at Showa Base or have been in the past, in order to do a survey regarding this topic.
Is there any one at the Institute of Polar Research who has been to Antarctica and would be willing to take part in my research survey? The survey will be a series of yes and no questions with a few places to write down your experience.
Any information would be much appreciated.
Kind Regards
Jacinta McKenzie jacy19@gmail.com
http://www.anta.canterbury.ac.nz/courses/gcas/
Be a Host School for the Japanese Language Education Assistant Program (J-LEAP)
Academic, Uncategorized Comments Off on Be a Host School for the Japanese Language Education Assistant Program (J-LEAP)
Thanks to JET alum Stephen Smith for sharing this information. Posted by 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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Applications to be a host school for the Japanese Language Education Assistant Program (J-LEAP) are now available online. This program seeks K-12 Japanese language teachers to apply to become supervisors to young, native Japanese teaching assistants who have studied Japanese language pedagogy. In addition to receiving a teaching assistant for two years, selected schools will be provided with a $1,000 stipend to purchase teaching materials for the Japanese language classroom.
Please not that J-LEAP teaching assistants cannot serve as independent teachers in the classroom. They are not certified and need to be supervised by a certified teacher.
Please click on the link below and scroll down to the J-LEAP section. You will find links to downloadable program prospectus and application on the right. (Deadline: all application materials need to be submitted by January 31.)
http://www.laurasian.org/Programs.htm
New academic research published: “Promoting Japan: One JET at a time”
Academic, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment Comments Off on New academic research published: “Promoting Japan: One JET at a time”
JET alum Professor Emily Metzgar (Courtesy of Indiana University)
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A little over a year ago, we posted a request to the JET alumni community by JET alum Emily Metzgar, Assistant Professor at Indiana University’s School of Journalism, to take part in a survey as part of her research on the impact of the JET Program. (See the original post on JETwit.) Here are the results of Emily’s survey in her paper titled:
“Promoting Japan: One JET at a time” (PDF)
The paper is about trying to measure Return On JET-vestment. In its own words, it “attempts to identify various ways in which participation in JET has affected the lives of alumni and the ways in which this influence may be of benefit to Japan in the medium- to long-term.”
Also, for those interested, there’s a review of Emily’s paper by Dr. Robert Banks on the University of Southern California’s Center on Public Diplomacy website.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey and helped in other ways. For anyone who reads the paper, please feel free to share thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
Here’s the URL for the paper: http://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/publications/perspectives/CPD_Perspectives_Paper_3_2012.pdf
2013 Japanese Government Scholarships 04.19.12
Academic, Language Study, Uncategorized Comments Off on 2013 Japanese Government Scholarships 04.19.12
Via JETAA Pacific Northwest. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle is now accepting applications for the following 2013 Japanese Government Scholarships for studying in Japan.
U.S. citizens living in the states of Washington, Montana, and Northern Idaho are eligible to apply at our office.
The application forms are available on our website at: http://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/ Read More
JCAW Symposium: Global Opportunities through Japanese Language 03.23.12
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Thanks to JETAA DC Secretary Leigh Ann Mastrini. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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On April 7, 2012, the Japan Commerce Association of Washington, DC (JCAW) will be hosting a symposium on “Global Opportunities through Japanese Language” – The purpose of the Symposium is to provide a networking opportunity for students of Japanese language who want to pursue related careers, and corporations or government agencies interested in hiring American students who speak Japanese and understand Japanese culture.
Please see the link and introduction below for more information and more importantly, to register by 03.23.12!
http://www.jcawf. org/japanese/ program/cherry_ blossom_centenni al/education/ symposium/ Read More
Doshisha Global MBA Program: Kyoto, Japan (via, pnwjetaa) 03.22.12
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Discover the Doshisha Global MBA – Designed for the 21st century
– Build your own program from courses in General Business Management or our innovative focus areas: Business in Asia, Green Business, and Culture and Creativity. – Gain a global perspective through an international student body, overseas study options, and classes taught by experts from around the world. – Scholarships available for all international students. – Career opportunities in Japan and with Japanese companies seeking global talent. – A strong focus on the Social Responsibility of business. – Opportunities to learn Japanese and take classes in our sister Japanese MBA program. – Looking to advance your career, and help make the world a better place? Come and join us at Doshisha Business School.
The University
Doshisha University is widely recognized as one of Japan’s top comprehensive universities, with 15 Faculties and Centers and 15 Graduate Schools. Founded in 1875, it has a distinguished history of education based on the founder’s philosophy of education guided by conscience. Doshisha is one of the top four prestigious private universities in the Kansai (Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto) region, and is one of 13 universities selected by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology for the Global 30 Project for Establishing Core Universities for Internationalization. Doshisha Business School’s English-language Global MBA is a flagship program for the university’s Global 30 participation. Read More
JET alum recommends Meiji University “Law in Japan Program”
Academic, Career, Graduate School Comments Off on JET alum recommends Meiji University “Law in Japan Program”
Seattle-based JET alum Regina Durr (Shimane-ken, 2008-10) got in touch to let JETs and JET alums know about the Meiji University “Law in Japan Program.” Here’s what she has to say:
I participated in the 2010 Law in Japan program at Meiji University between my JET tenure and returning to the States… and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it! There was a mix of JETs current and exiting, U.S.A. MBA students, French Master in Law students, interpreters, and ad hoc foreigners who enjoy getting out of their box and into an academic setting.
The Meiji Law in Japan Program was the perfect dive back into academia and the professional career lifestyle immediately after JET. The days are filled with lectures and trips to places such as the Supreme Court, the former Ministry of Justice, a local prison, and even enables you networking opportunities with top, international law firms in Tokyo. I took the course as a cheaper alternative of finding out whether or not I would want to specialize in Japanese Law back in the States. With a brief overview from top experts (even flown in from Washington, D.C.!), I am now finding myself applying to Law School to formalize the training began through this program.
A little background info about me: I am currently a Project Coordinator at the global headquarters of a high-tech consulting company located just outside Seattle, WA. I am active in the Pacific Northwest JET Alumni Association chapter and continue to mentor high school exchange students in the community, while also playing volleyball and completing triathlons.
About the Meiji University “Law in Japan Program”
“Law in Japan Program” is an introductory course for studying Japanese laws, at Meiji University, a private university in Tokyo.
2012 ONLINE APPLICATION FORM is NOW OPEN.
- The 2012 Summer intensive program is from July 23 to August 3, 2012. http://www.meiji.ac.jp/cip/english/programs/law/applications.html (*Application deadline to be extended; to late April*)
- For the 2011 results, please check the Past programs page. http://www.meiji.ac.jp/cip/english/programs/law/past.html
- URL: http://www.meiji.ac.jp/cip/english/programs/law/index.html
- Law in Japan PR Video: http://www.meiji.ac.jp/cip/english/programs/law/index.html
Meiji University Law in Japan Program 2012
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Law in Japan Program
Meiji University School of Law
1-1 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo, Japan 101-8301
E-mail: law_jp@kisc.meiji.ac.jp
Note: Do you have a post-JET program that you’d like to recommend to other JETs and alums? E-mail jetwit [at] jetwit.com and tell us about it.
JET Alum Lee-Sean Huang’s article in Fast Co.Exist on social innovation in Brazil
Academic, Article/Journalism, Career, Notable JET Alums Comments Off on JET Alum Lee-Sean Huang’s article in Fast Co.Exist on social innovation in Brazil
JET alum and JETwit webmaster Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, Nakatsu-shi, 2003-2006) has published a new article about Social Innovation in Brazil. Lee-Sean is a member of JETAA New York, but is currently working in Brazil for a few months. He credits his JET experience as an invaluable resource for his current field of design for social innovation, where he works with cross-cultural communities to create social, cultural, and civic value.
Here is a preview of the article:
Brazil is known for its supermodels, but what about its social innovation models? Besides the economic boom, the country is finding a new groove in the field of digital collaboration and activism.
Last year, I moved from New York to Rio de Janeiro, where Purpose has opened its first overseas office. I have met with local innovators and interacted with all kinds of people on the streets, at the beach, and in botequins (informal bars). These experiences have all enriched my work in social innovation. Besides stimulating my creativity, immersion in a different culture and working in a foreign language have heightened my sense of mindfulness and empathy, reminded me of the virtue of humility, and taught me a few things about what it means to innovate.
Read the rest of the article at Fast Co.Exist.
How has your JET experience helped open doors to other cultures (besides your home culture and Japanese culture)? Are there any other JET alumni out there living in Brazil? Any other JET alumni working in the field of social innovation? Drop us a line in the comments, we would love to hear from you.
