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Alumni & Mentorship with JetPrep

Give back. Lift up. Stay connected.

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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.

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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.

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Email: hello@positivegloballearning.org

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