The newest group of JET participants are preparing for life in Japan! JETAABC and the Consulate of Japan in Vancouver are looking for energetic and committed JET alumni to facilitate the passing of the torch. We invite you to share your expertise and enthusiasm with the next JET generation.
This year’s Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) will be different from the usual format. A series of workshops will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams between Dec 5th – 20th, 2020. Volunteer positions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Feel free to sign up for multiple positions. Click here to register.
The Sempai Meet-up is a unique component of this year’s PDO. This will be part of the first virtual session of the PDO series. An email was sent out to past sempai program participants. If you are a past mentor who hasn’t received the email, or a prospective mentor, please indicate your interest in the registration form and/or send an email to sempaiprogram@jetaabc.ca for more details.
OVERVIEW OF VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
ICE BREAKER (Sat Dec 5 – AM)
This position requires creativity and genki-ness to come up with an activity that gets participants engaged. The game idea(s) are required to be submitted by Thursday December 3.
SEMPAI MEET-UP (Sat Dec 5 – AM)
Sempai and departing JETs will be sent into virtual breakout rooms by geography. During this virtual meet-up, departing JETs will have opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the region they will be moving to.
“FROM NOW UNTIL TOKYO” (30 mins, pre-recorded presentation)
Description: Get ready for Japan! Receive JET Programme updates from the Consulate Representative and learn what to expect in the weeks before departure. Get advice on other preparations that you may or may not have considered.
This volunteer will prepare a presentation explaining what to expect in the coming month before JET Programme participants leave for Japan. Information and support will be provided by the consulate and/or the event coordinator. The presentation is to be submitted by December 6.
“YOUR FIRST MONTH IN JAPAN” (30 mins, pre-recorded presentation)
Description: You’ve reached your contracting organization in the middle of winter. Learn great tips on how to get settled into your new environment and keep busy.
This volunteer will prepare a presentation explaining what to expect in the first months after JET Programme participants arrive in Japan, and will provide tips about how to use this time effectively. Information and support will be provided by the consulate and/or the event coordinator. The presentation is to be submitted by December 6.
“MONEY & TAXES” (30 -45 mins, pre-recorded presentation)
Description: Taxes and finances are a source of difficulty and confusion for JET participants. This presentation will offer tips on how to manage your JET salary and taxes both in Japan and upon your return to Canada.
This volunteer will prepare a presentation that offers tips on managing JET salary and taxes during and after JET. Information and support will be provided by the consulate and/or the event coordinator. The presentation is to be submitted by December 6.
“CULTURE SHOCK & MENTAL WELLNESS” (Virtual Session, Sat Dec 12)
Description: There will be a period of adjustment after moving to Japan. This presentation will introduce culture shock and provide some tips on mental wellness.
This volunteer will prepare a presentation about culture shock and mental wellness. Information and support will be provided by the consulate and/or the event coordinator. The draft presentation is required to be submitted by December 9.
“LIFE IN A JAPANESE SCHOOL & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT” (Virtual Session, Sun Dec 13, Wed Dec 16 or Sat Dec 19)
Description: Find out from former alumni what life in a Japanese elementary, junior high and senior high school is like. Alumni will share about what your schedule might be like and how can you get involved in the school outside of the classroom. Alumni will also touch on their experiences for getting involved in your community.
Three volunteers needed, one for each level of schools (elementary, junior high and senior high school). Each volunteer will make a 10-minute presentation about their experiences as a teacher in their respective schools. The presentation could include a typical school day, the relationship between students and teachers, the relationship between JETs and their supervisors, English teachers and teachers of other subjects (non-English speaking teachers), after school clubs, school events (Undokai, graduation, etc), other school happenings (assemblies, staff meetings, cleaning the school, lunches, etc), etc. Presenters should also include how they got involved in school and/or the community outside of class time. Following the presentations, the floor will be opened up for a question and answer session. The draft presentation is required to be submitted by December 9.
CIR MEET-UP (Virtual Session, December 13, 16, or 19)
Past CIRs will meet with future CIRs and discuss what to expect and how to manage situations in which a CIR may find herself/himself.