previous12next   Program Parameters Coordinators Eligibility Criteria College degree Excellent English and intercultural communication skills Computer skills (Internet and Web design a plus) Independent with an outgoing, flexible and creative personality Excellent driving skills Healthy and able to live and work in another culture (Experience living or working in an English-speaking country a plus) 3+ years work experience or equivalent desired Excellent command of Japanese culture, history, geography, religion; or strong research skills; and comfort in speaking keigo Public speaking skills Program Benefits Selected coordinators will be able to live and work for up to two years in the United States. (During the first year, the coordinator's performance will be evaluated for renewal.) This position comes with a vacation allowance of seven days during each 12 month period. (Three weeks during the summer is provided only if the coordinator is required to return to Japan to renew his or her visa.) The coordinator would also be eligible to take all U.S. holidays. The following will be provided to each coordinator: One-time round trip airfare subsidy of 150,000 yen between Japan and the U.S. (Should it be necessary to return to Japan during the summer in order to renew his or her visa, this airfare must be covered by the coordinator.) Health insurance for the entire term of appointment as coordinator. One-time $3,500 subsidy to be used toward purchase of a car (Once this subsidy is spent, the remaining cost for purchase of a car is the responsibility of the coordinator.) $700 monthly stipend. $1,250 yearly car insurance and AAA membership stipend. Donated housing with a host family(ies). (Taxes are the responsibility of the coordinator.) Possible Roles of the Coordinator The following are a few activities in which the coordinators could engage. However, this list is not exhaustive. Make presentations on traditional and current Japanese culture and tailor such presentations for preschool to adult audiences. Assist in or create outreach programs to grade schools, youth groups, community organizations, professional groups, senior living centers, children's hospitals, libraries. Activities could include introductory language, culture, and sports presentations tailored for preschool to adult audiences. Assist with office work to enhance outreach opportunities and support or expand communication in the local community. Work with the supervisor to determine how best to utilize the coordinator skills. This might involve setting up or revising document ion on the processes involved in organizing such an event. Assist with the organization of Japan Fair Day surrounding a Japanese holiday - Children's Day, New Year's, O-bon, Sports Day, Arts and Culture Fair. Facilitate international outreach activities - sister city activities, organizing a trip to Japan, pen pals, chat rooms, Web site creation or enhancement. Work with area teachers to develop discussion topics on Japanese culture and society for a variety of age levels. Build bridges between the local U.S. community and local Japanese expatriates. Prepare local volunteers on how to do Japan-focused events programming. (The purpose of this activity is to ensure sustainability and longevity of Japan programming once the coordinators' term of service is completed. The coordinators should view their time at the host organizations as a time to assist these organizations to grow grassroots support. Building such a network will allow the hosting organizations to draw upon a larger circle of volunteers who can help with Japan related activities. This is, of course, the ideal.) Coordinator's Responsibilities Fully participate in the orientation, late summer and fall workshops. Learn and understand the host organization's mission and goals and create programs that support these. Meet weekly with the supervisor for feedback or performance reviews (at least through the first four months) then as needed by mutual agreement but no less than once a month after the first four months. Record activities (successes and challenges) and submit a report of these to TLI and CGP on a quarterly basis. Keep an Excel spreadsheet of all activities and submit with each quarterly report. Keep an account of expenses charged against the funds provided to the hosting organization. Keep a scrapbook of most successful activities and produce a year-end report