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.

Due to ongoing COVID-19 safety concerns and gathering restrictions, this year’s Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) will continue last year’s format of a series of online workshops and will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams between Aug 7–28, 2021.

Volunteer positions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Feel free to sign up for multiple positions. Click here to register. [Update: Link now fixed.]

NOTE: There is a chance the PDO dates may be pushed back depending on final departure dates. More information will be provided to volunteers upon signing up.

Overview of Volunteer Positions

Saturday, August 7 (10:00–10:30am) — Virtual Session

Ice Breaker

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 Monday, August 2.

Saturday, August 7 (10:30–11:30am) — Virtual Session

Sempai Meet-Up

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.

30-minute pre-recorded presentation

From Now Until Tokyo

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 Monday, August 2.

30-minute pre-recorded presentation

Your First Month in Japan

Description: You’ve reached your contracting organization! 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 Monday, August 2.

30- to 45-minute pre-recorded presentation

Money & Taxes

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 Monday, August 2

Saturday, August 14 (10:00am–12:00pm) — Virtual Session

Life in a Japanese School & Community Involvement for ALTs / Q&A Panel

Description: Find out from former alumni what life in a Japanese elementary, junior high and senior high school are like! Alumni will share what your schedule might be like and how you can get involved 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 August 6.

Saturday, August 14 (10:00am–12:00pm) — Virtual Session

CIR Meet-Up and Orientation

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.

Saturday, August 21 (10:00am–12:00pm) — Virtual Session

Intro to Cultural Shock, Mental Wellness, and Re-entry

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 August 13.

Saturday, August 28 (11:00am–12:00pm) — Virtual Session

Teaching English on JET Q&A Panel Discussion

Our guest speaker would like 3-4 alumni volunteers to help with the Q&A panel discussion at the end of his presentation. Alumni volunteers will assist with answering questions on Teaching English on JET based on their personal experiences as ALTs on the JET Programme.