JETAA Singapore announces new Board
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Via JETAA Singapore’s website:
“Thanks for your votes at AGM/Elections. We are pleased to present the 6 elected members of JETAA SG Board 2013-2014!”
(LtoR) Anne Tan, Nathalie Ng, Sheryna Yip, Tee Yiting, Eugene Neubronner, Wong Hung Shane
JETAANY announces new Executive Board
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2013 JETAA New York Executive Board
President – Monica Yuki
Vice President – Pamela Kavalam
Secretary – Wendy Ikemoto
Treasurer – Tommy Zhou
Membership – Ann Chow
JETAA DC elects new officers
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Via the JETAA DC Google Group:
We would like to thank everyone who voted at elections during our general business meeting last night at the Embassy of Japan. Congratulations to the following individuals who will comprise the 2013-2014 JETAADC Board:
- President – Leigh Ann Mastrini
- Vice-President – Becky Solem
- Treasurer – Ryan Bedford
- Secretary: – Joanna Blatchly
- Social – Sara Haider & Joel Zara
- Volunteer – Paul Schuble
- Outreach – Joy Young
- JET Ambassadors – Sarah Lyons & Sarah Tillotson
- Online – Brandon Wright
- Returnee Handbook – Chrissie Skodon
- Thought Leadership: Shana Tischler
- Newsletter – TBD
JETAA Chicago White Day Dinner
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JETAA Chicago recently held a White Day Dinner. How cool is that? No write-up to share, but just wanted to share the concept perhaps for other chapters to try out in the future. Maybe it’ll even catch on in the US?
Video: JET alum Australian professionals on why they love Japan
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Posted recently to the JETAA New South Wales Facebook group by Sharon Van Etten. Sugoi, NSW!
Check out these interviews with former JETs on JAMS.TV from the recent Shaberanaito event:
Japan For Me 01: The Tohoku Region: http://www.youtube.com/
Japan For Me 02: Sendai to Kagoshima: http://www.youtube.com/
Japan For Me 03: Powder Snow and Onsen: http://www.youtube.com/
Thanks to everyone who participated.
JETAA UK Annual General Meeting 2013
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Theodore Genba Bigby (Yamagata 2008-12) walks you through some of the highlights from JET alumni associations across the globe. Genba currently serves as the JETAA UK Webmaster and on the JETAA Midlands committee.
The JETAA UK national AGM was held earlier this month at the Japan Local Government Centre (JLGC) in Whitehall, London, with a lot of hope and enthusiasm for the coming year.
This year’s meeting featured alumni who had recently returned from Japan, alumni who have decided to make the UK their home and those who had returned to the UK as long ago as 20 years. The 20 delegates involved came from all over the UK and included representatives from the Embassy of Japan and JLGC. During the two day meeting held on the 10th and 11th of March, the small but dedicated group eagerly shared new ideas and planned for the future of JETAA in the UK. The varied viewpoints made for an extremely productive meeting and is something that should be valued in an organisation dedicated to internationalisation.
Several key developments emerged from the AGM:
JETAA UK Careers and Information Day
In order to build on recent successes at the Careers and Information Day (CID), plans were made to alter the format for future events. The main change proposed includes holding several talks or networking events for different industries over the course of the year, instead of a single careers day. They are currently seeking the assistance of alumni to support his initiative and would like to hear from members who work at companies interested in hosting a networking event and those who would be interested in giving a presentation about what its like to work in their industry. Please contact cid@jetaa.org.uk to become involved.
UK Expansion
As well as attempting to revive the Midlands chapter, there are also plans afoot for a new chapter in the South East of England.
Japanese Olympic Bid
As alumni may already know, Japan are bidding to host the Olympics in 2020 and JETAA UK are keen to support the bid in whatever way they can.
Changes were also made to the national committee which saw Vanessa Villalobos make way for Fiona Steele in the chair position and the addition of a vice chair role. The CID coordinator role has become that of national careers & networking coordinator and the marketing liaison has been tweaked slightly to become a marketing coordinator. Let’s take a look at the UK committee along with other positions the members hold in JETAA.
National Committee 2013-2014
Chair: Fiona Steele (Consultant, JETAA London) chair@jetaa.org.uk
Vice-Chair: Emily McBride (Vice Chair, JETAA London) vicechair@jetaa.org.uk
Secretary: Jess Brown secretary@jetaa.org.uk
Treasurer: Wes Jones (Treasurer, JETAA Midlands) treasurer@jetaa.org.uk
National Careers & Networking Coordinator: Sarah Parsons (Provisional committee member, JETAA Midlands) and Ting Ting Li (joint Chair, JETAA London) cid@jetaa.org.uk
Web Editor: Josephine Audigier (joint Chair, JETAA London) webeditor@jetaa.org.uk
Marketing Coordinator: Daniella Holland
Web Master: Martin McCloud and Theodore ‘Genba’ Bigby (Provisional committee member, JETAA Midlands) webmaster@jetaa.org
Here’s to another successful year for JETAA UK!
JETAA Chapter Beat 18th March 2013
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Welcome to JETAA Chapter Beat. Theodore Genba Bigby (Yamagata 2008-12) walks you through some of the highlights from JET alumni associations across the globe. Genba currently serves as the JETAA UK Webmaster and on the JETAA Midlands committee.
Although JETAA Chapter Beat has been absent recently, the hearts of JET alumni have been going strong. Let’s take a look at some highlights for the next four weeks.
2012-2013 JETAA Tokyo Mentor Program
Kanto
JETAA Tokyo have announced that they intended to run a mentor programme with the aim of developing the careers of local alumni. As part of the programme, which is currently under way, alumni are offered the opportunity to be mentored by experienced alumni who have successfully established themselves as working professionals in the Tokyo area. It is hoped that this personal advice and insight will prove valuable to the development of their careers.
Mentees can expect the following resources:
- Monthly contact with their mentor through face-to-face meetings, telephone, Skype, Facebook or email (although mentees are responsible for initiating contact).
- Advice and suggestions on researching career opportunities in the Tokyo area.
- Feedback on job search materials (résumé, rirekisho, letters of recommendation, etc).
- If possible, attendance to the JETAA Tokyo Mentor Program Kick-off and the Program Finale.
Although internships are not officially offered as a part of the initiative, there is an opportunity for mentors and mentees to discuss future opportunities on a personal basis. This is an extremely interesting project and if it proves to be successful, it may be replicated by other chapters across the globe.
Middle Tennessee Anime Convention (MTAC)
Friday 29th March 2013, 12am – Monday 1st April, 12am
Nashville, Tennessee
During this year’s MTAC, the JET Programme will be hosting its own table! People wishing to volunteer are urged to contact John Gale, JET Program Coordinator at the Consulate-General of Japan, jet@nv.mofa.go.jp or 615-340-4300. It would be a great opportunity to connect with the many university students who are expected to attend who have a strong interest in Japan. Why not come down and tell them about your experiences in Japan whilst enjoying the largest anime convention in Tennessee?
Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
23rd March 2013, 10 am
Nashville, Tennessee
See here for more information: http://nashvillecherryblossomfestival.org/
Why not get down to the 2013 Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival? JETAAMC are also looking for volunteers to staff the table and speak to the public about their JET experience. To volunteer, please contact John Gale at jet@nv.mofa.go.jp. It must be noted that this event is imminent, so even if you can’t volunteer, please show some support!
Spring Hike to Breakneck Ridge
14th April 2013
Beacon, New York
http://jetaany.org/2013/03/15/spring-hike-breakneck-ridge/
JETAA NY at Breakneck Ridge.
If you’re tired of being cooped up all winter, why not have a nice relaxing walk along Breakneck Ridge? Reliably reported to be the best hike in the Tristate area, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of New York state.
“While no advanced hiking skill is needed, please note that the first part of this hike is strenuous with some rock scrambling. Please wear shoes with a good tread and comfortable clothing. We will be going very slowly and spotting each other.”
See the link above for details.
April Book Club: The Hare with the Amber Eyes
16th April 2013 – 7 pm – 9 pm
Flatiron Building, New York, New York
http://jetaany.org/2013/02/27/416-april-book-club-hare-amber-eyes/
Written by Edmund de Waal, April’s book will be The Hare with Amber Eyes: A Hidden Inheritance. Meeting on the 14th floor of the iconic Flatiron building, this is a must.
Registration is required in order to attend this event, so please click on the link above and follow the instructions.
Midlands Meetup
13th April 2013 12:30pm
Woktastic, Birmingham, Midlands
http://www.jetaa.org.uk/events/jetaa-midlands-meetup/
JETAA Midlands is now in the process of re-invigorating the group. Starting with this initial meeting, they are inviting not only alumni, but friends of Japan with a view to starting regular meetings and establishing a new committee.
March Networking Mixer
27th March, 5:00pm – 7:30pm
St. Paul, Minnesota
Be sure not to miss this great chance to network with other alumni. This session will be held at Barrio Tequila Bar. Don’t forget to bring your meishi !
Social Evening
5th April 2013 7:30pm
The Basement Bar, Edinburgh, Scotland
JETAA Scotland is starts its monthly social meetings again this April and continue on the first Friday of every month. All comers are welcome!
Mid-South JETAA changes name to jetaaNOLA
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Originally posted to jetaaNOLA’s Facebook page by Flora Williams:
Welcome to the Facebook page for jetaaNOLA, formerly Mid-South JETAA. Any and all JET alumni living in Arkansas, Louisiana, or Mississippi, this is the group for you! Friends and supporters of Japan are also welcome!
jetaaNOLA’s mission is to help foster positive US-Japan relations, to raise awareness locally of Japan-related issues, and to support the success of the JET Program.
Here’s the new jetaaNOLA Facebook page new address: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jetaaNOLA
CLAIR Magazine “JET Plaza” Series: Jessyca Wilcox Livingston (Hokkaido)
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Each month, current and former JET participants are featured in the “JET Plaza” section of the CLAIR Forum magazine. The March 2012 edition includes an article by JET alumn Jessyca Wilcox. Posted by Celine Castex (Chiba-ken, 2006-11), currently programme coordinator at CLAIR Tokyo.
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“The fact that the people of Japan are wonderful has only been confirmed with every return visit and every new friend I meet. This is the power of grass roots internationalization and this is the power of the JET Program.”
As the daughter of parents in the State Department, Jessyca (Wilcox) Livingston (Hokkaido, 2003-06) spent her early childhood years immersed in Japan and most of the rest of her youth abroad. After graduating from Rutgers University she worked as a Park Ranger/Ecologist with the National Park Service. Her affinity for Japan led her to return as a JET Program participant. Jessyca spent three years as an ALT in Urahoro-cho, an experience which deepened her love for Japan and its people. Upon returning the USA, she quickly got involved in her local JETAA chapter in the Rocky Mountain region and secured a job at the Consulate General of Japan in Denver as the JET Program Coordinator. Jessyca served as treasurer of RMJETAA from 2008-10, then served two terms as a JETAA USA Country Representative from 2010-2012. She has participated in several conferences ranging from regional to international during her service with JETAA. Jessyca currently serves on the JETAA USA Advisory Board to help to guide and ensure the success of JETAA USA at the national level.
Once a JET, Always a JET
My love affair with Japan started at age one when my family moved to the coastal town of Hayama in Kanagawa Prefecture. My father worked on the nearby navy base and my mother settled into domestic life in Japan while I ran around with the neighborhood kids. I learned Japanese, they learned that there were more than just one kind of people in the world and we all learned that having fun together didn’t depend on what you looked like or what language you spoke. Friendship transcended all of that. That was my first experience with grass-roots internationalization. It was years before the JET Program would be established.
My family moved on to live in other countries, but I was able to return to Japan on several happy occasions. My Japanese language abilities fluctuated, but my Japanese friends remained steadfast. I experienced both the rewards of articulating myself well and the embarrassment of stumbling through sentences and making ungraceful mistakes. Through it all, Japan remained a common thread in my studies and personal life. I studied Japanese in school because I understood it was a vehicle to stay connected to the people and place I loved.
I found the JET Program in a school hallway in the form of a poster. I wrote down the information and filed it away for my future. I knew it had a place in my life. When the time was right, I submitted my application, and waited. Read More
Check out the JETAA Ottawa Newsletter
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Posted by Gemma Villanueva (Fukushima-ken, 2008-11), editor for the JETAA Ottawa Newsletter. Written and photo submissions are always welcome. Please contact us at newsletter[at]jetaaottawa[dot]ca.
Hello, readers!
JETAA Ottawa is pleased to release the latest newsletter!
Please download here (16 pages – Acrobat Adobe PDF, 808kB).
Adobe Acrobat Reader: Go the “View” menu at the top; then, click “Page Display –> Two-Up Continuous” for optimal viewing.
Happy reading!
In this issue:
1. An exclusive message from His Excellency Kaoru Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to Canada.
2. Remembering Tohoku: As the two-year anniversary of the March 11 disaster approaches, current and former Tohoku JETs reflect upon their experiences.
Fukushima JETs proudly wear their “akabeko” tees
– Catherine Lefrancois profiles “Eyes 4 Fukushima,” a non-profit organization spearheaded by her peers.
– Estelle Hebert helped launch “Brighter Than Tomorrow,” a fundraising campaign supporting a small fishing village in Miyagi which had been affected by the tsunami.
– Gemma Villanueva, a Fukushima JET alumna and the current JETAA Ottawa Newsletter Editor, shares how the quake changed her school.
3. Where Are They Now?: JETAA Ottawa catches up with Rigor Maglaya, who puts his own spin on the JET phrase: “ESID. Every situation is different.”
4. Getting to know the 2013-14 JETAA Ottawa Board of Directors. (Contact list available – PDF, 84KB).
… And much more!
JETAA Wisconsin Subchapter reboot and NPR event
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From JETAA Wisconsin Subchapter rep Joette Bump:
Hi Everyone, I’m the lead contact for JETAA WI Subchapter. We have an existing Facebook Group, “JETAA WI Subchapter” Unfortunately, when Facebook did their update to groups, our members disappeared!ugh! PLEASE JOIN: JETAA WI Subchapter. To eliminate duplicates, we’ll delete the Badger State Subchapter group. To be added to our email & evite lists, send your email address to me. Thank you.
Also, info about a great event from super-genki Joette:
Hi Chicago JETAA! If you have dug out of the snow by saturday, please join JETAA WI Subchapter in Madison for the airing of NPR’s fabulous “What D’ya Know Show”. tickets are $10 at the door. Meet us at 9:30. Who knows, we could even get a mention on the show if we wear JET or Japanese clothes or write a great question for Michael Feldman!
After the show, we are having our meeting at 1pm at Takumi Restaurant, 4222 E Towne Blvd Madison, WI 53704 Let me know if you are coming so we can sit as a group.
2013 JETAA Tokyo Mentor Program
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A request from Christian Tsuji (Miyazaki-ken, 2004-08), current JETAA Tokyo Career Chair. Originally posted on the JETAA Tokyo Facebook group. Posted by Celine Castex (Chiba-ken 2006-11).
Hi everyone,
I am proud to announce the kick-off of the 2013 Mentor Program.
The purpose of the program is to provide current JETs from all parts of Japan and new alumni with a resource for developing their careers in Tokyo. We are looking for mentors from all walks of life with (in principle) five years work experience post-JET and two years in Tokyo. This is a chance for you to build your own resume and leadership skills while giving back to the JET community. As a mentor, we would expect the following contributions:
– Monthly contact with your mentee through face-to-face meetings, telephone, Skype, Facebook or email
– Advice and suggestions on researching career opportunities in the Tokyo area
– Feedback on job search materials (resume, rirekisho, letters of recommendation, etc.)
– If possible, attendance to the JETAA Tokyo Mentor Program Kick-off in February/March (TBD) and the Program Finale in June/July (TBA)
If you think other resources would benefit your mentee, we encourage you to offer those as you see fit. Please note that you will NOT be expected to offer internships to your mentee. The deadline for mentor sign-ups is February 28th, 2013. We plan to assign mentors and mentees within two weeks of that date. This year we are turning the tables and advertising this to ALL current JETs nationally. Thus we are expecting quite an interest. If you know anyone who like to be a Mentor, please pass this information along. Thank you for your attention and support.
To sign up, please go here!
New Facebook groups for Wisconsin and Indiana JETAA subchapters
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Originally posted by JETAA Chicago President Rob Corder to the JETAA Chicago Facebook group:
Hi everybody! As most of you all know, JETAA Chicago serves not only the Chicago region, but all of Illinois as well as Indiana and Wisconsin. In our ongoing effort to reach out and grow the JETAA community, two new Facebook groups have been set up: JETAA Chicago Badger State Subchapter and JETAA Chicago Hoosier Subchapter. If you live in Wisconsin or Indiana and are interested in connecting with other JET Alums in your area, check them out. The hope is that these communities will grow and that we will be able to do some events in Wisconsin and Indiana.
Wisconsin: JETAA Chicago Badger State Subchapter
http://www.facebook.com/groups/329244980520254/
Indiana: JETAA Chicago Hoosier Subchapter
http://www.facebook.com/groups/410478425701096/
NEW JETAA Chicago “Daily Life In Japan” 2013 Calendars!
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NEW JETAA Chicago “Daily Life In Japan” 2013 Calendars!
Exclusive this year, JETAA Chicago is showcasing the amazing photos submitted by the community for our charity event, “Daily Life in Japan – Photos for Soma,” in a 12-month wall calendar. Every image is a celebration of Japan’s natural beauty and rich culture. Share your love of Japan with friends and family while supporting a great cause; all proceeds benefit the Soma City Tsunami Orphan Scholarship Fund.
Here’s the link to purchase a calendar: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=SLGJQUHFXYPU6
2013 Career & Networking Forum: University of San Francisco Center for the Pacific Rim Master of Arts in Asia Pacific Studies
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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.
University of San Francisco McLaren Conference Center
2130 Fulton St
San Francisco, CA 94117
Friday, February 22, 2013 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (PST)
Details here: https://2013cnf.eventbrite.com/
