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Alumni & Mentorship with JetPrep

Give back. Lift up. Stay connected.

Positive Global Learning partners with JET alumni, educators, and global professionals to support the next generation of leaders. Whether you share your story, co-host a workshop, or guide a mentorship circle, your experience makes an impact. Opportunities are flexible and designed to fit your schedule.

Who This Is For

  • JET alumni & returnees – all years, all prefectures

  • Educators & school leaders – K–12 and higher ed

  • Global professionals – NGOs, public service, business, tech, health, arts

  • Cultural partners – Japan- and U.S.-based

 

No prior mentoring experience required. We’ll provide a short orientation and resources.

Ways to Contribute

Storytelling & Podcast Features 

  • Record a 3–7 minute short-form video or podcast segment.

  • Topics: pivotal moments, resilience, cultural insights, life/work in Japan, “what I wish I knew.”

  • We provide prompts, a simple recording guide, and release forms.

Mock Interviews & Application Support

  • Serve as a panelist for practice interviews or review statements/resumes.

  • Time: 60–90 minutes per session; materials shared in advance.

  • Great for: alumni educators, hiring managers, JET interview veterans.

Alumni Features & Spotlights

  • Short written pieces (150–300 words) for newsletters/blogs.

  • Share a 1–2 sentence insight for our newsletter or social media. Time: 5 minutes.

Mentor Circles (virtual)

  • Guide a small group of participants through reflective prompts and Q&A.

  • Time: 60–75 minutes per session; options during Oct–Dec / Jan–Mar / Mar–May.

  • Great for: alumni who enjoy facilitating discussion and supporting growth.

Workshops & Guest Talks 

  • Co‑host a 30–60 minute session on teaching in Japan, intercultural communication, language tips, community building, well‑being, or career pathways.

  • We handle tech, moderation, and follow‑up resources.

Travel Meet‑Ups & On‑Trip Connections

  • Join a cohort for dinner, a neighborhood walk, or a school visit when feasible.

  • Locations: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Aomori, Okinawa (varies by season).

Career Coffee Chats

  • 20–30 minute 1:1 conversations with participants exploring paths in education, nonprofits, public service, business, or creative fields.

Flexible commitment. Choose one opportunity—or mix and match through the year.

Time & Commitment (at a glance)

Mentorship can be one-time or ongoing. Here’s what a typical time commitment looks like at a glance:

Opportunity
Typical Time
Format
Coffee Chat

20–30 min

Zoom
Travel Meet‑Up

1.5–3 hrs

In‑country
Workshop/Guest Talk

30–60 min + 30 min prep

Zoom or in‑person
Story/Podcast

45–90 min total

Self‑record or Zoom
Essay/Resume Review

~30–45 min

Async + short Zoom
Mock Interview

60–90 min

Zoom
Mentor Circle

60–75 min / session

Zoom (facilitated)
Image by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

Benefits for Alumni & Mentors

  • Give back to the JET and global education community

  • Connect with fellow alumni and educators

  • Grow professionally – recognition on our site/newsletter; reference letter upon request

  • Support – facilitation tips, slide templates, and reflection prompts provided

How It Works

  1. Submit the Mentor & Alumni Interest Form (2–3 minutes).

  2. Match & scheduling. We’ll email opportunities aligned to your interests and availability.

  3. Orientation & materials. Receive a brief guide, facilitation prompts, and tech checks.

  4. Engage. Host, record, or mentor—our team supports you end‑to‑end.

Image by Brooke Cagle
Youth Conference

Our Commitment to Safe, Positive Learning

  • Follow PGL’s Code of Conduct and Community Guidelines (provided upon signup).

  • Respectful, inclusive dialogue across identities and perspectives.

  • Supportive culture: all sessions emphasize encouragement, reflection, and growth.

  • Privacy: obtain consent before recording or sharing names/images.

  • Safeguarding: background checks may be required for select youth‑facing activities or school visits; most JetPrep participants are 18+.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I have to be a JET alum?
    No. JET alumni are core partners, and we also welcome educators and professionals with relevant global experience.

  • How often do I need to mentor?
    It’s flexible—choose single opportunities or seasonal series. We’ll share a calendar and you can opt in per event.

  • Is there training or a script?
    Yes. We share short facilitation tips, reflection prompts, and sample slides. Staff will be present to support live sessions.

  • Is this paid?
    Most mentorship is volunteer. 

  • Will sessions be recorded?
    Some are recorded for learning archives with consent. You can opt out of recording if preferred.

  • Can I participate from overseas?
    Absolutely. Most engagement is virtual; in‑country meet‑ups occur seasonally in Japan.

  • What tech do I need?
    A stable internet connection, webcam, and Zoom/Google Meet. We’ll handle logistics and provide support.

Image by Brooke Cagle
Image by Helena Lopes
“You’re making a lifelong community of friends worldwide. Those relationships don’t end when JET ends — they last for decades.”

Michael D (JET Alum)

Ready to Mentor, Share, or Inspire?

Let’s build JetPrep together.

Email: hello@positivegloballearning.org

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