Deadline: 9 January 2024
Applications are now open for the Japan Outreach Initiative to dispatch Japanese individuals in the Southern, Midwestern and Mountain regions of the U.S. for two years as outreach coordinators.
Coordinators provide information about Japanese culture, society, everyday life, and language in local community settings and organize activities that foster interactions between Japan and the United States.
The work of a JOI coordinator can vary widely, depending on the needs of the host organization. A coordinator might focus on presenting Japanese culture to Americans of all ages. Similarly, a coordinator may focus on supporting economic development initiatives, bolstering the work of international collaborations (e.g. Sister Cities), or engaging the local Japanese community.
Benefits of Initiative
- Reimbursement of travel expenses to the Tokyo orientation
- Reimbursement for health check-up (up to 15,000 JPY)
- Allowance for moving to and returning from the U.S.
- Reimbursement of visa fee and transportation to embassy or consulate
- One round trip ticket between Japan and the U.S.
- Health insurance for two years
- $5,000 subsidy for vehicle purchase
- $1,850 yearly car insurance and AAA membership stipend
- $1,280 monthly living stipend
- Housing with host families, apartment, or as provided by host site
- Travel to and from trainings with the U.S.
JOI Learnings
- Through a wide variety of activities and roles, coordinators learn and develop skills in areas such as public speaking, project planning, networking, and research—all while gaining valuable mentoring and coaching experience in the U.S., contributing to the local community, furthering program goals, making lifelong friends, and creating memories to last a lifetime!
Education-Related Activities
- Introduction to origami, tea ceremony, taiko drums, anime, etc.
- “Japan in a Suitcase” and teacher workshops
- Working with curriculum specialists of district schools
- Fundraising for Japanese Language Teachers Association
- Language and culture competitions for K-16 students
- Study abroad fairs, Japan clubs, JET program explanation, festivals, etc.
- Tutoring Japanese language students at universities
- Teaching business etiquette and useful phrases for travelers
- Presentations on pop culture, education, government, economy, etc.
- Demonstrations of arts, crafts, toys, food, music, etc.
Organizational Development and Networking
- Developing sister city, sister state, or sister school programs
- Developing Japan-U.S. business relations
- Organizing Japan festivals
- Office administration
- Creating Japanese welcome packet for economic development
- ESL and tutoring for Japanese expatriates
- Mobilizing local Japanese expat communities
- Supporting study abroad recruitment and promotion
- Workshops on Japanese business etiquette and customs
- Organizing Japanese film festival
JOI Coordinator Eligibility
- Japanese national with four-year university degree
- Excellent English and intercultural communication skills
- Computer skills (Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, design and other skills a plus)
- Independent with an outgoing, flexible, and creative personality
- Japanese driver’s license and international driver’s license
- Healthy and able to live and work in another culture (experience in an English-speaking country a plus)
- Study, work, or volunteer experience abroad desired
- Strong public speaking skills
- Good command of (and desire to increase knowledge about) Japanese culture, history, geography, religion; or strong research skills.
For more information, visit Japan Foundation.
