Call For Volunteers: JETAASE Pre-Departure Q&A / Orientation

The time is quickly approaching for the annual JETAASE-sponsored Q&A session / orientation for newly departing 2015 JETs from the Southeast region of the country. The date is June 27th, 2015 (Saturday). 

We are in need of volunteers who would like to assist with the Q&A by providing presentations, workshops, and general feedback about their time on the JET Program. We are also looking for one volunteer to assist with logistics (timer, picture-taking, etc).

Note: This is a full-day event; speakers generally need to prepare a presentation and/or worksheet.

If you are interested, please sign up via the following link by May 29th.

JETAASE Q&A Sign-Up 

JETAASE 2015 Officer Nominations and Elections Notice

JETAASE is having its biannual officer elections for 2015. All JETAASE members are eligible to run for open positions. Whether you're interested in running or not, please carefully read and follow the election process as described below.

Open Positions

President:

  • The President shall be the chief executive officer of JETAASE, shall have general and active management of the operations of JETAASE, and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the board are carried into effect.
  • If there shall be no Chairman of the Board, the President shall preside at all meetings of the board.
  • The President shall have the authority and power to execute on behalf of JETAASE bonds, mortgages, notes, contracts, leases and other documents and instruments (whether or not requiring the seal of JETAASE) except where such documents or instruments are required by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the board to some other officer or agent of JETAASE.

Vice President:

  • The Vice-President provides both leadership and follow-through on projects, and makes sure that the chapter is fulfilling all its obligation.
  •  The Vice-President also takes on the duties of the president when the president is unavailable.

Treasurer

  • The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to JETAASE and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of JETAASE in such depositories as will be designated by the board.
  • The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of JETAASE as will be ordered by the board, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and the board, at its regular meetings, or when the board so requires, an account of all transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of JETAASE.
  • The Treasurer shall regularly review the financial policies and procedures of JETAASE with the board. 

Social Chair:

  • The Social Chair (in possible conjunction with a Social Committee) plans approximately one event per month, such as Happy Hours, the Returnee Events, and hanami parties.
  • The Social Chair is responsible for maintaining the invite lists and determining how many members are planning to attend.
  • The Social Chair works with the treasurer to make sure that everyone has paid for the event if there is a fee.

Education Coordinator

  • The Education Coordinator plans education-related activities the chapter is involved in, such as Japanese classes, etc.
  • The Education Coordinator assists with recruiting visits to schools and universities. 

Timeline of Election Process

March 29th, 2015: Self nominations will be due via email to jetaase@yahoo.com. Your nomination should include your reason(s) for running and a short self-bio relating to JET and Japan.
 
March 30th- April 5th, 2015 - JETAASE members will be able to submit ballots during the three day voting period. All JETAASE members will receive a voting form link by email. 

April 2015 - The election results will be posted in the JETAASE newsletter.
 

Volunteer Opportunity: Japan Academic Challenge @ KSU

Volunteer for the Japan Academic Challenge at KSUVolunteer Opportunity! The organizers of this year's Japan Academic Challenge are again looking for 1-2 JETAA volunteers to assist in judging the competitions. The commitment would be for a full day on Saturday, March 7 at Kennesaw State University.

The Japan Academic Challenge is a high school team competition which will challenge students’ knowledge of Japanese cultural aspects, including: history, geography, language, and current events. For more information, please visit this website: http://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JACJSP2015.html.

If you are interested and available, please contact Mellissa at mellissa.takeuchi@aa.mofa.go.jp.

New Japanese Restaurants in North Carolina

New Japanese Restaurants Opening in NCKyle Munn, a JET alumna living in North Carolina, notes several new or soon-to-be-opened restaurants in NC that are worth checking out.

Dashi
Dashi is a ramen shop and izakaya in downtown Durham. It is opening in early-January. I was lucky enough to go to a tasting a few weeks ago and the ramen in very good. Definitely not the instant soup stuff a lot of places around here try to pass off!
DashiRamen.com

Blue Kudzu Sake Company
A fellow JETAA told me about this place they checked out while in Asheville a couple months ago. A real live sake brewery in the mountains of NC. Between this place and the wasabi farm out there it's starting to turn into Little Japan.
BlueKudzuSake.com

Japanese Lessons at the NC Japan Center (Raleigh, NC)



The Japan Center is still accepting registrations for their spring Japanese lessons. Classes range from beginning level to JLPT preparation courses with classes for adults and children.

For more information, please visit NCSU.edu/NCJapanCenter/courses

We Are Tomodachi Autumn 2014 Edition

We Are Tomodachi Autumn 2014 EditionGreetings to all members of JET Alumni Association from the staff of the Prime Minister's Office of Japan

We hope you are well. Here in Tokyo the trees are taking on their autumnal hues as we move deeper into the autumn months.

We have just issued the Autumn 2014 edition of our We Are Tomodachi magazine and published it online. We hope you will take a look.

In this edition, we would like to once again share with you a broad variety of contents, from rich autumnal produce and colorful autumn leaves from around Japan, to the 50th anniversary of the Shinkansen, Japan’s contribution to infrastructure development in Myanmar and Palau, how Tokyo keeps tap water safe and delicious.

From November, the Japanese Government has started the full-fledged operation of its official English-language website, JapanGov (http://www.deliver.mofa.go.jp/c?c=1029&m=631&v=e884d83b), on which we have decided to publish We Are Tomodachi, starting with this edition.

The link to the webpage is as follows:

http://www.deliver.mofa.go.jp/c?c=1028&m=631&v=73f732ef

We strongly hope that as many people as possible find the time to read this magazine and deepen their understanding about Japan. We therefore ask that you please share this magazine widely with others, through social media and other means.

Please feel free to send us any comments.

We will continue to publish We are Tomodachi magazine to coincide with the changing seasons. Please also look forward for the next exciting and interesting articles.

Daily Yomiuri: Japanese government announces increase for JET Programme



According to a Daily Yomiuri article, the Japanese government plans to increase JET Programme participants by 2,300 between 2015 and 2019 with an eye towards eventually increasing the program to 20,000. This seems to be in line with LDP policies announced back in April.

Read an English version of the article over at Jetwit.com!

Announcement about IUC The Nippon Foundation Fellowship



Friendly Forward: Mr. Tatsuaki Kobayashi from The Nippon Foundation:

"[T]he IUC (Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies) is one of the leading Japanese language institute for highest level of Japanese. Since 2013, the Nippon Foundation has offered fellowships to 10 promising graduate students of Japan Studies doctorate courses in the US, who participated 10 months Japanese language training course in Yokohama.

The Nippon Foundation has decided to expand the number of grantees from 10 to 20, and also to extend the scope of the program from Japanese Studies to Professional Schools such as law, MBA, governmental officials, journalists and so on. This is a new initiative that will start from 2016, and IUC has recently made announcement for the application from potential candidates. I suppose that this program will be appealing to some of JETAA members who want to seek for their professional career paths that are related to Japan...

You may find more details about the program in the following website:

http://web.stanford.edu/dept/IUC/cgi-bin/programs/nippon-foundation.php

If you have any questions, please contact IUC secretariat: iucjapan@stanford.edu."

Plans announced to place ALT's in all primary schools in Japan!

The JET Program is expanding!
ALTs To Be Placed in All Primary Schools
(Via The Yomiuri Shimbun, JETWit.com)
The government has decided to increase the number of Assistant Language Teachers considerably over a five-year period, starting from the next school year, to strengthen English education at primary schools.

Aiming to create a system in which ALTs will be assigned to all public primary schools by the 2019 school year, the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry and the Foreign Ministry plan to increase the number of ALTs by about 2,300 over five years as a national project. Combined with ALTs who are hired independently by municipalities, the ministries intend to expand the total number of ALTs to 20,000, or 1.5 times the current level, by the 2019 school year.

The education ministry has decided to lower the starting age for English education from the current fifth year of primary school to the third year by the 2020 school year, and make it an official subject from the fifth year.

Experts have said it is important to secure a sufficient number of native English speakers, and utilize them to enhance the learning environments for students.

About 800 ALTs first came to Japan in 1987 when the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program was launched as a state international exchange project. As of 2002, the number of ALTs had increased to about 5,600, but it began to decrease after that due to financial problems. The current number is about 4,100.

Besides ALTs on the JET Program, about 8,000 ALTs hired independently by municipalities and other organizations have been dispatched to local primary and middle schools across the nation. In some cases, an ALT teaches at several schools.

According to experts, considerable disparity exists among the nation’s 21,000 public primary schools. While some schools have resident ALTs, some schools are visited by an ALT once about every six months.

The government therefore plans to increase the number of ALTs in the JET Program in stages. From the 2020 school year onward, English lessons will increase from the current once a week to three times a week for fifth-grade and sixth-grade students. Third-grade and fourth-grade students will have English lessons once or twice a week, and the education ministry plans to have ALTs frequently instruct students in English classes.

The budget for English education utilizing ALTs is expected to increase from about ¥30 billion this school year to about ¥50 billion a year eventually. The government also plans to launch a subsidy system for supporting municipalities that independently hire ALTs.

ALT

An ALT assists Japanese teachers in teaching foreign languages such as English at primary, middle and high schools. In addition to ALTs who come to Japan on the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, a state international exchange project, others are directly hired by municipalities or private organizations contracted to dispatch ALTs.

From the 2011 school year, foreign language studies became compulsory for fifth-grade and sixth-grade primary school students. The role of ALTs has expanded to include assisting with pronunciation and listening comprehension.

Job Opportunity at the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta

Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta
Employment Opportunity
Official Driver (Chauffeur)


Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta is seeking an Official driver for consulate staff.

Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. green card holder.

To apply for this position, please send your resume and a Driving History Report (MVR) to katsumi.isoda@mofa.go.jp

Limousine and/or chauffeur experience preferred.

If accepted for an interview, please be sure to bring your original documentation.

Once selected, candidates must be willing to submit to an FBI background check.

The Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. Wants to Hear from you!

The Embassy in DC has created a JET Alumni survey to collect feedback on everyone's experiences in the JET Program. It doesn't matter if you just returned home this year, or if you have been home for 10 years. If you have a few moments, please take the time to fill this out. We will be sending the data back to CLAIR in hopes of changing problems that may exist.

Share your thoughts below! 

Helping Disaster Victims in Hiroshima

 

Want to help aid Japanese disaster victims? JET Alumni Association of Northern California is recruiting people interested in helping to develop and administer a new JETAA-AJET Disaster Assistance program.

As the recent landslides in Hiroshima sadly attest, many natural disasters occur across Japan every year, including nearly 1,200 landslides. The program would mobilize in a simple way the over 50,000 JETs and JET alumni around the world (and their extended networks) to assist Japanese communities in their time of greatest need.

The process we envision is simple:
1. AJET contacts JETs who are near the disaster
2. Local JETs write up the request for assistance, including how people can donate and help
3. AJET broadcasts to JETs across Japan and JETAA broadcasts to alumni worldwide

Please fill out this simple contact form if you are interested in learning more about how you could get involved:

 
 

Want to do something right now?  

Donate to help disaster victims in Hiroshima!

The death toll from mudslides in the city of Hiroshima jumped to 71 last Wednesday, with at least 15 people still missing. Nearly 1,000 people out of about 1,300 evacuees are sheltered in nine local elementary schools.

Hiroshima Kenjin Kai of Southern California has formally joined the efforts of Hiroshima Prefecture and various Hiroshima-based NGOs and NPOs in the effort to raise funds in support of the victims of the disaster that befell the local community and residents of northern Hiroshima.

Anyone interested in joining in this effort, please send donations to:

Hiroshima Kenjin Kai of Southern California
(payable to Hiroshima Kenjin Kai of SC)
Attention: Mr. Takami Igawa - HKSC President
712 East First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

This fundraising drive will be carried through the end of September (September 30, 2014).

All funds collected in this drive will be sent to Japan Red Cross Hiroshima Office for distribution to the disaster victims.

For any inquiry, please contact Dr. Charles Igawa, HKSC Secretary via email at icigawa at gmail dot com.

AJET eConnect News August 2014

If you're not subscribed, here's the latest from AJET - natsukashii, ne!


Welcome to your home, new JETs! Now that you're settled in, AJET is here to help you with the next steps. Check out an awesome article by our own Verity Lane of Hokkaido on "how to ALT"! Be sure to read the After Tokyo section to learn what to do in your first month and beyond, too.

Credit for image and original article goes to Tofugu.

 

AJET-JALT Conference

AJET Block 3 is jointly hosting the JALT Conference in Nagano on August 30th and is inviting all of AJET to join them! As JET participants, we will all receive a 50% discount on the registration fee.

Can't make it to this event? No worries! Stay up to date with everything happening around Japan with the National AJET events calendar.

 

Your Representatives

Have you had a chance yet to learn about your National AJET representatives? Learn who your Block Representative is, and read about how they are serving our community on the AJET National Council by visiting the AJET website. 

They are always here to listen, so keep in touch and feel free to contact them if there's anything you need help with!

 

National AJET YouTube Channel

National AJET is proud to present a welcome video for new JETs, made in collaboration with AJET organizations across Japan. 

Subscribe for more exciting YouTube updates from National AJET as our channel kicks into gear. Upcoming videos include one for JETTeach, a series on ALT teaching, and an installment of the JETLife series, which deals with the common idiosyncrasies of life as a JET.

 

 

AJET National Council Goals for 2014-2015

  1. Increase financial transparency and sustainability
  2. Increase offers and discounts for JETs
  3. Build new and better resources for JETs
  4. Revamp website for improved accessibility
  5. Broadcast through an active and inclusive YouTube channel 
  6. Recreate Tatami Timeshare for travelling JETs
  7. Strengthen relationships with JETAA and JET alumni

If you have any inquiries about these, please feel free to contact AJET Chair Sandy Cheng.

 

What has AJET been up to?

 

Download the latest edition of Connect Magazine here!

 

 

Friendly Forward: NewJob Opportunities!

World Language Instructors

  • French
  • Latin
  • Spanish
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • German
  • American Sign Language

 

Georgia Virtual School is looking for a committed and exceptional language instructors to teach in our program. This link provides more information about the hiring process. 

 

New Opportunities at Georgia Virtual School

 

Georgia Virtual School instructors facilitate and support learning for students in virtual classrooms.  Students gain access to courses online.  These courses are taught by highly qualified teachers via a learning management system.  The course content is developed and reviewed by a team of expert staff.  More and more students throughout Georgia are choosing Georgia Virtual School as a solution to meet their individual learning needs and to fulfill their college and career readiness goals.  With continual growth on the horizon, the Georgia Virtual School is in need of innovative, passionate teachers who are reflective in practice, dedicated to student learning, willing to implement best practices in online education, and demonstrate a disposition indicative of a transformative educator.

 

Qualifications:

·         Current and valid Georgia Teaching Certificate

·         Candidates for mathematics instructors must be verified in their knowledge of Effective Online Teaching. This course is open and registration is free: https://www.openteachertraining.org/

 

Screen Shot 2014-08-22 at 12.24.05 PM.png

*Completion of the TOOL requires dedication and perseverance.  Serious candidates should consider beginning TOOL as soon as possible.

 

In addition, successful candidates must have:

·         Successful completion of a background check

·         Strong oral and written communication skills

·         Ability to work independently with support

·         Ability to work as part of a team

·         Effective multi-tasking and time management skills

·         Strong work ethic to achieve organization goals

·         Ability to motivate students in a distance-learning environment

·         An understanding of differentiation and strategies for differentiating in online environments

 

Screen Shot 2014-08-22 at 12.24.14 PM.png
 

Security Services Team Specialist

Bilingual in English and Japanese

Customer Services Team



Dell SecureWorks is a market leader in information security services with more than 3,600 customers worldwide spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim. Organizations of all sizes, across all industries rely on Dell SecureWorks to protect their assets, improve compliance and reduce costs. The combination of strong customer service, award-winning security technology and experienced security professionals makes Dell SecureWorks the premier provider of information security services for any organization. Positioned as a leader of the MSSP industry by several global industry analyst firms, Dell SecureWorks also has received SC Magazine’s “Best Managed Security Service” award and Frost & Sullivan’s North America Security Incident Mitigation and Response Customer Value Leadership Award, among others.


Role Overview


The Security Services Team Specialist is a critical individual contributor position with the Customer Services Team with high visibility supporting the Asia Pacific Japan region (APJ). 


Working in a 24X7 Security Operations Center, the Security Services Team Specialist answers inbound phone calls, addresses customer emails, triages service requests, and provides day to day support for the neighboring teams within Dell SecureWorks’ Security Operations Team.  Additional duties include, but are not limited to, assisting customers with issue resolution, updating customer records within a CRM ticketing system, escalating issues on the customer’s behalf to members of the sales and operations organization, and performing routine technical tasks related to the management and monitoring of the services that a customer receives.


Role Responsibilities


- Work in a shift-based schedule within a 24X7 Security operations Center- Be able to work a schedule that encompasses minimally working a weekend day in addition to being available during off-hours as required

- Take ownership of, triage, and update tickets generated by a CRM ticketing system

- Respond to inbound phone and electronic requests for technical assistance with SecureWorks products

- Manage all customer situations in a professional and courteous business manner with an emphasis on customer satisfaction. Assess and escalate to next level as needed

- Keep customers abreast of problem status, set clear expectations and provide timely follow-up to customers on a daily basis

- Meet service level agreements regarding response time and customer notification as it pertains to Dell SecureWorks’ Managed Security Services

- Respond to customer requests for assistance on the Dell SecureWorks portal in a timely manner

- Document all communications with customers and intradepartmental constituents related to outstanding technical issues in order to escalate to next level

- Utilize internal guidelines for effective call processing and escalation of reported problems

- Remotely assist with basic technical support related the management and monitoring of customer security devices; this support will include, but not be limited to, assisting customers with the replacement of defective security devices, setting up read-only accounts to 3rd party management consoles, modifying customer portal account views, etc

- Generate and update technical documentation as required.

- Demonstrate excellent communication and customer care skills by documenting all analysis work performed

- Manage, participate in, or directly work on any additional projects, assignments, or initiatives assigned by management


As a managed security provider, Dell SecureWorks expects its employees to understand and apply commonly known security practices and possess a working knowledge of applicable industry controls such as NIST 800-53.  Employees will be expected to acknowledge their security responsibilities in writing prior to gaining access to company systems.   Employees will be required to maintain a working knowledge of local security policies and execute general controls as assigned.


Requirements


- Fluent in English and Japanese language

- 4-6 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience; undergraduate degree and 0-2 years of relevant experience

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, time management and organizational skills

- Basic understanding of intrusion detection, firewall operations, and other general security practices, Unix/Linux OS and computer network fundamentals

- Working knowledge/experience of network systems, security principles, and applications

- Knowledge of client service principles and commitment to client service 

- Knowledge of general software and internet applications


Preferences


- Experience with a software company or ‘security’ specific previous role


Location


Atlanta, GA


Company Description


With more than 100,000 team members globally, we promote an environment that is rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit in which the company was founded. Dell’s team members are committed to serving our communities, regularly volunteering for over 1,500 non-profit organizations. The company has also received many accolades from employer of choice to energy conservation. Our team members follow an open approach to technology innovation and believe that technology is essential for human success.


Why work with us?


·         Life at Dell means collaborating with dedicated professionals with a passion for technology.

·         When we see something that could be improved, we get to work inventing the solution.

·         Our people demonstrate our winning culture through positive and meaningful relationships.

·         We invest in our people and offer a series of programs that enables them to pursue a career that fulfills their potential.

·         Our team members’ health and wellness is our priority as well as rewarding them for their hard work.


Interested candidates can apply via the Dell job board. 

 

Technical Support Engineer - Japanese Speaking

Red Hat Jobs ~ Job ID: 40483
Raleigh, NC
Remote: No
Technical Support

Apply now 

 

Company description

At Red Hat, we connect an innovative community of customers, partners, and contributors to deliver an open source stack of trusted, high-performing technologies that solve business problems. We’re a billion dollar S&P 500 company offering solutions from Linux to middleware, storage to cloud, together with award-winning global customer support, consulting, and implementation services.

 

Our engineering headquarters, located in Westford, MA, is where Red Hat software engineers collaborate on the development, implementation, and roadmap of our open source product portfolio.

Job summary

Our Global Support Services (GSS) team is seeking a highly skilled, Japanese-speaking Technical Support Engineer to provide dedicated phone and online support for our Japanese clients. In this role, you'll become an expert on Red Hat technologies, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and our storage and cloud solutions. You'll respond to support requests in Japanese, so an ability to communicate fluently is imperative.

Primary job responsibilities

  • Provide technical support to customers by taking incoming calls and responding to web-based inquiries
  • Investigate, troubleshoot, and develop solutions for customer issues
  • Exceed customer expectations with outstanding service
  • Develop relationships with in-house engineers and developers to reach creative solutions and improve customer satisfaction
  • Contribute to global Red Hat knowledge management system

Required skills

  • Demonstrated fluency in Japanese, both written and verbal, and excellent English language skills
  • 2+ years experience as a technical support or development engineer in an enterprise environment
  • Linux systems administration experience (installation, networking, firewall, security, clustering, web servers, and databases using Linux)
  • Excellent troubleshooting and debugging skills
  • A passion for problem solving and investigation
  • Quality customer service skills and prior help desk or customer-focused experience
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline, preferably in computer science; equivalent experience is also considered
  • Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) or other Linux certification considered a huge plus, as you'll need to earn RHCE within 60 days of start

 

Red Hat is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We review applications for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, military status or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.


APPLY NOW

 

 

JET Program: Fall 2014 Recruiting

Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta
August 13, 2014

Dear JET Alumni:

The Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta is currently seeking 23 dedicated JET Program alumni to assist us with making visits to universities and colleges in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to recruit for the 2015 JET Program.
 
In an analysis of the JET Program application done by the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC, it was found that former JET participants are our best source of promotion of the JET Program. We would like to ask for your assistance in getting the word out to current students and school alumni.

In particular, we are looking for JET alumni who can commit to representing the JET Program on behalf of the Consulate at the career fairs/study abroad fairs (especially those outside Georgia!!) listed here:


Additionally, we are looking for dedicated JETs to make visits to other campuses throughout the southeast. It is your choice which campus to visit, although we normally allow only one visit per campus per year by our recruiters. Your visit to area campuses can take one of several forms: 1) Information session 2) Booth on campus 3) Short visit to Japanese or education classes. Visits should be completed between September and mid-October in order to allow students enough time to complete their applications, which we expect will be due in early November.
 
We will pay an honorarium of $50 per visit to compensate you for travel expenses. We can also provide flyers to distribute at your visits and a PowerPoint presentation if you need it. We can also give you some advice on whom to contact on campus if you do not already have a contact at the university you wish to visit. For those going to career fairs or study abroad fairs, we will register on your behalf and send you copies of the registration materials.
 
If you are interested in volunteering, please reply to this email as soon as possible with your name, contact info, and name of school (s) you would like to visit, and if you are available to represent JET at one of the career/study abroad fairs.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions.
 
Thanks for your support!

 

Mellissa Takeuchi

JET Program Coordinator

August 2014 Newsletter

Hello JETAASE members:

Welcome to the August 2014 edition of the JETAASE newsletter!

We have some big events coming up over the next few months, including Japanese classes, film showings, Japanfest Atlanta, and a welcome back for the returning JETs.

Stay tuned to our blog for details concerning recruiting season, special discounts for Atlanta-area events and details regarding how *you* can volunteer for a spot at Japanfest Atlanta. (Send us an email if you can't wait to join us at the JETAASE table! Volunteers receive free entry and the scheduling flexibility to visit and enjoy other areas at the festival.)

If you have an idea for a monthly "Tanoshii Time" or potential social / networking event, please let us know.

Thanks, Emily Clanton, JETAASE Vice President

Contributions to the newsletter are welcome! Please send ideas and/or content to jetaase@yahoo.com







Good Luck to New JET Program Participants!


Once again the JET Alumni Association of the Southeast partnered with the Japanese Consulate in Atlanta to conduct the annual pre-departure orientation for new JET program participants as well as the send off reception.

See our photo albums for both events on our web page!

In addition, National AJET has taken to social media to welcome our friends to Japan. Don't miss their welcome video as well as photos from Tokyo Orientation.




Departing JETs Receive Award



In appreciation of JETs' contributions to Japan, and to show how much they value program participants, all 1,450 JETs leaving the JET Program this summer are being awarded with a "JET Kizuna Ambassador" certificate by the government. The certificates have been sent to each local government. In case that some JETs have already left, local governments will be sending them out to the JET.

At the end of July, 4 JETs were honored directly by the Minister at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) in Tokyo. The ceremony was covered by TV media.




Meet the New CULCON Chairman, Harry Hill

As we await news on the JETAA USA non-profit initiative*, JQ Magazine has shared an interview with the new the chairman of CULCON (and inaugural JET participant) Harry Hill.

"My advice to the JETs is, don't be afraid to take center stage and be memorable (of course in a respectful way), because these seemingly random relationships or encounters can be the source of great opportunity."

Learn more about The U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON).

* If you are unfamiliar, this online presentation will get you up to speed on the JETAA USA non-profit initiative and future organizational partnership opportunities with CULCON.




Upcoming Events Around the Southeast



(See the listings in the Calendar area.)

Departing JETs Receive Award

JET Kizuna Ambassadors

In appreciation of JETs' contributions to Japan, and to show how much they value us, all 1,450 JETs leaving the JET Program this summer are being awarded with a "JET Kizuna Ambassador" certificate by the government. The certificates have been sent to each local government. In case that some JETs have already left, local governments will be sending them out to the JET.

On Friday, 4 JETs were honored directly by the Minister at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) in Tokyo. The ceremony was covered by TV media.

See more here!

 

June 2014 Newsletter

Image Source: Flickr | Jimmy Baikovicius " Stone Mountain, Lasershow, Atlanta" (cc 2.0)

Image Source: Flickr | Jimmy Baikovicius " Stone Mountain, Lasershow, Atlanta" (cc 2.0)

We have some big events coming up over the next few months. As you can see, this month will be busy with a family friendly BBQ and undokai along with the 2014 Q&A Session for Departing JET Participants. After the JETs depart we will be working on Japanese classes, showing some films, getting ready for Japan Fest Atlanta, and a welcome back for the returning JETs! If you have an idea for a monthly "Tanoshii Time" or social / networking event please let us know.

 

Thanks, 

Stephen Haverfield
Yeu-Li Huang

(Contributions to the newsletter are welcome! Please send ideas and/or content to  jetaase@yahoo.com)

 

 

Joint JETAASE / JASG Annual Family BBQ Picnic and Undokai

Come help us welcome the summer season and join us for an afternoon of fun, good food, and friendship. We will gather at Kennesaw State University on Saturday, June 14th for a family cook-out and field day. If you are interested,  please register by Thursday, June 12th at the link below. $10 will cover all food, drinks, games, and special door prizes! All JASG, Young Professionals, Tomodachi Club, JETAASE members, Kennesaw State University Japan Club members, and your friends, family, and guests are welcome so please encourage your friends and family to come!

 

Date:  Saturday, June 14, 2014 (Rain-Out Day: Sunday, June 22, 2014)

 

Location:

Kennesaw State University (on the Green)

1000 Chastain RoadKennesaw, GA 30144

www.kennesaw.edu/alumnifriends_directions.shtml


Cost:  
ADULTS: $10

CHILDREN under 10: $5

 

Register atwww.jasgeorgia.org/register/form.php?id=36 

  

Schedule of Events:  

  • 10:30am: Registration & Team Division
  • 11:00am: Undo-Kai/Field Day Events: (Tug-of-war, Tama-Ire, Beach Ball Dodge Ball, Tee-shirt Relay Race, Egg Relay, Yopparai Relay, Kumitaiso Kanji, Beach Ball Hanetsuki, Janken Battle Game, Doughnut Eating Relay - final activities to TBD)   
  • 12:30pm: Family BBQ Picnic Lunch
  • 2:00pm: Children's Games
  • 2:30pm: Awards & Door Prizes 

 

 

2014 Q&A for Departing JET Participants

On June 28th, 2014, 35 departing JETs and 13 guests will meet with JET alumni (and one JETparent) to get answers to their questions about living in Japan. The volunteers will help the departing JETs with topics such as Expectations and Community Involvement, Culture Shock,Emergency preparedness, Banking and Finance, Job functions (ES&JHS/ HS/ CIR, Parents & Spouses,) Packing / What to Bring, Learning Japanese, Team-tTaching/ Coworker Relations, Food and Etiquette, Setting Goals, and Issues Particular to Female JETs, Rural JETs, and Minority JETs.

 

Thank you to all volunteers, officers, and coordinators who have all been working hard to make the departing JETs transition to life in Japan a smooth one: Liz Bigler, Emily Clanton, Kate Cotter-Reilly, Stephen Haverfield, Yeu-Li Huang, Lorena Jordan , Judy O'Reilly, Paul Schultz, Princess Small, Jason Smith, Valerie Stewart, Mellissa Takeuchi, Rachelle Udell, and Elizabeth Williams! 

 

2014 Q&A Nijikai / June Tanoshii Time: Come and Meet New JETs

JETAASE will be holding our annual JETAASE-sponsored Q&A session/orientation for newly departing 2014 JETs from the Southeast. For those who couldn't volunteer at the pre-departure orientation, we hope you will join us at the post-orientation get-together, otherwise known as the nijikai. Meet new JETs as well as JET alumni!

Date and TimeSaturday, June 28, 2014, 5:00 PM

Location: Hudson Grille Brookhaven
4046 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30319 (across from MARTA Brookhaven Station, parking in rear lot)

RSVP tojetaase@yahoo.com or via Facebook

 

 

The Nihongo / Eigo Kai

The Nihongo/Eigo-Kai is a JASG friendly social gathering for anyone looking for an opportunity to chat in, practice, and improve on their Japanese and English conversation skills - speaking, listening, pronunciation, accent reduction, etc. The meetings will be held at coffee shops, meeting rooms, and other venues in Metro Atlanta on the last weekend of each month.

June Nihongo/Eigo Kai Meeting Information

Date and Time: Sunday, June 29, 2014 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: Joli Kobe Bakery & Cafe
5600 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30342
(404)-843-3257

Topic: TBD

 RSVP tojasgevents@mindspring.com or 404-842-1400

 

Kakehashi Project: Atlanta Report

kakehashi_students

 

From March 25th-27th 2014, 400 high-school Japanese students traveled to Atlanta as part of the Kakehashi Project, a fully-funded, large-scale youth exchange program between Japan and the United States. These students visited local schools and organizations, as well as popular locales. 

Randy Crutchfield, a teacher and JET alumnus, hosted one of these groups at Lanier High School. His report is below:

Twenty-three students and their chaperones arrived at Lanier High School on March 26th.  Their group split in half and made presentations in two classes.  In each class, the students had time for free-conversation.  Before the end of the class, both classes convened in a large room where the Kagoshima group taught the Lanier students a traditional dance which people in Kagoshima perform during one of their annual festivals.  The two photos attached show students enjoying this dance.  

Following the dancing, the students from Kagoshima and about 50 students from Lanier enjoyed a pizza party complete with live music provided by students from Lanier's guitar club.  During this time, students exchanged email addresses and shared photos.  Students also formed tour groups to tour Lanier's spacious and beautiful building.  Before the Kagoshima students left, Lanier students presented each of them with a gift bag containing an LHS t-shirt, lanyard, stickers, and a few other small items.  LHS is thrilled that the students from Kagoshima could spend part of their day with us.  We hope to host other Kakehasi events.


Following their tours, the students convened at Georgia Tech, where they discussed in small groups their homestays in America. Each group gave a speech presenting the highlight of their experiences. In those speeches, they touched upon the differences between Japanese and American culture, learning to adapt in a foreign environment, the difficulties in learning English, as well as other topics.  Regardless of the different experiences, every speech shared a common theme: the students felt they were enriched by their time abroad and motivated to continue cultivating global experiences and connections.

Many thanks to the Japanese Consulate and the Laurasian Institute for coordinating the students' trip to Atlanta!