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!

Employment Opportunity at the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago

The Economic Section at the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago is seeking a new staff member for the position of Economic Partnership & Grassroots Caravan Coordinator. This position requires a strong work ethic and positive attitude as you assist in the planning of Consulate events and travels throughout the Midwest. Work with Japanese diplomats to help bring together and grow a strong economic bond between the American Midwest and Japan.

How to Apply

E-mail your resume, cover letter and a 1-page essay on why you are applying for this position in a PDF format to: haruka.sakamoto@mofa.go.jp by 6 pm on Monday, July 19th, 2021

For details on job duties and requirements, please see the following:

Original job posting in English

Original job posting in Japanese

Campus Coordinator Position at Amerigo Education in Twin Cities, Minnesota

Amerigo Education is hiring a Campus Coordinator for the 2021-2022 school year. This is a live-in position with housing and utilities included. There is a great need at the Twin Cities campus, but they have locations all over the U.S. See the original job posting here.

Overview

The Campus Coordinator is a live-in position that oversees all tasks related to the students’ residential experience at the Campus. Developing strong relationships with the residential students, grounded in compassion, mutual respect, and consistency, is essential to the Campus Coordinator position. Campus Coordinators must be willing to take a proactive, hands-on approach in working with students to solve problems and conflicts and to offer disciplinary and moral guidance as needed.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as in loco parentis and, therefore, responsible for all aspects of the residential welfare of our students

• Cultivate a safe, nurturing, structured, and comfortable environment for students

• Enforce the program and the school’s rules and policies

• Oversee daily operations of the residential programming including consistent supervisory laps during residential and off-site periods and activities

• Drive students to and from school, activities, and appointments in a large company-owned van

• Monitor and assist with homework and the academic progress of students

• Provide direction and support to part-time Resident Assistants

• Monitor “duty-phone” and security system during overnight shifts and respond to emergencies as required

• Own a piece of the campus operations, including, but not limited to, one or a few of the following:

  • Student programming inclusive of management of the relationship with vendors and transportation services for campus supplies and the residential student meal program and other related duties

  • Student services inclusive of communication with faculty/staff at Amerigo and our partner school about students’ academic progress and attendance of relevant school or parent meetings

  • Student activities inclusive of coordination of evening and weekend activities and campus social media management

• Promote the image of the residential program within the school and local community

• Communicate all residential issues to the Director of Campus Operations

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from 4-Year Accredited University; Degree in Education, Counseling, or other relevant discipline preferred

• Demonstrated experience as a house parent, resident assistant, or equivalent experience required

• Must possess valid U.S. Driver’s License and clean driving record with the ability to drive a large company-owned van

• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and overnights

• Excellent communication skills; strong interpersonal skills (relational)

• International, multi-cultural exposure preferred; experience working with English as a Second Language students a plus

For additional information, please contact humanresources@amerigoeducation.com