'21 Survival Series: Diversity of Experiences Panel!

Join us on Friday, July 30th from 7-8:30 PM, CST, for the second event of JETAA Chicago's '21 Survival Series, Diversity of Experience Panel, for outgoing '20-21 JETs ! This event will be focused on giving outgoing JETs the chance to discuss how to navigate areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) while in Japan, as well as how said areas will impact one's experience, such as being a minority, double-minority, and even novel minority. The panel will be led by JET Alumni who have navigated areas of DEI and are also open to answering questions. Save the date and come join us in the continuation of the Survival Series!

RSVP via Guestlist!

Also, JETAA Chicago is in need of JET alumni mentors to help educate and onboard the next generation of outgoing JETs! Interested? Fill out the Alumni Mentor In-take Form!

*Note: All alumni who register must fill out the 2021 Alumni In-take Form.

Being located in the Chicagoland area is not required to be a mentor. Any of our alumni in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana are welcome and wanted!

*This event is for JET alumni and outgoing JETs.

Questions? Email info@jetaachicago.com or outreach@jetaachicago.com

Gather (Online Interactive Platform) Social with the Japan America Society of Chicago YPC!

Come join Japan America Society of Chicago (JASC) Young Professionals Committee members, JETAA members and guests for a Gather (online interactive platform) social! Learn the ins and outs of Gather, network and connect on July 15th, 6-7 pm CST.

Registration is required to join and space is limited, so sign up now!

Register here!

No Pianos, Pets or Foreigners - Book Discussion with Author Joe Palermo!

In partnership with JETAAUSA working to connect our community across generations through their JET Generations initiative, JETAA Chicago is hosting a discussion of No Pianos, Pets or Foreigners!: My Life in Japan in the 80s with author and Monbusho English Fellow (Gunma, 82-83), Joe Palermo!

The Monbusho English Fellows Program (MEF) is the precursor to the modern day JET program, and No Pianos, Pets or Foreigners chronicles Joe Palermo's experience in Japan as a MEF in the 80s.

Join your fellow alumni, friends of JET and the author(!) on Sunday, August 29th at 4 pm CST for a discussion of No Pianos, Pets or Foreigners, using the experiences of one alumni in the 80s as a lens to reflect on our own understanding of Japan. Come ready to ask questions, share stories, and most importantly, learn about the similarities and differences that tie us together across our individual experiences!

Sign up via Guestlist!

Be sure to pick up a copy of the book (can be found on Amazon) and join us for an illuminating discussion in a virtual space via Zoom! This event is open to JET alumni and friends of JET. Registrations are limited, so grab a spot while you can!

Want a glimpse behind-the-scenes of the book? Check out a June 2021 interview with Joe Palermo in which he answers questions such as "When looking back, what's one story you didn't share, but would have liked to include?" and "Out of all the culture shocks you talked about, which one was the biggest?".

Can't get enough of Joe? In commemoration of Pokémon's 25th birthday this year, Joe wrote a piece about PokémonGo for Origami Magazine: "Confessions of a 62-Year-Old PokémonGo Player." He addresses the unfair stigma attached to those who play PokémonGo, and celebrates the opportunity provided by the game to broaden our social circles and improve our physical health. Read his article here!

If you have any questions, please reach out to info@jetaachicago.com. We look forward to seeing you there!