Coordinator for International Relations (CIR)

CIRs are engaged in internationalization activities at the local level, where they use their strong Japanese language skills on a daily basis. CIRs are placed in offices of local authorities or related organizations.

Duties

The duties of the CIR are carried out as specified by the supervision of individual contracting organizations.

The following is a brief outline of CIR duties. However, they may vary greatly in emphasis and content from one contracting organization to another. Duties may include all or just one of the following:

a. Assistance in projects related to international activities carried out by the contracting organizations (Such activities may include: editing, translating and compiling pamphlets into a foreign language; assisting in planning, designing and implementing internati on al exchange programs, including international economic exchange programs; assisting in hosting official guests from abroad and interpreting at events for overseas visitors or for local foreign community residents.);

b. Assistance in English language instruction of employees of contracting organizations, school children and local residents;

c. Assistance with and participation in activities of local private groups or organizations engaging in international exchange;

d. Assistance in exchange activities including school visits related to local residents’ cross-cultural awareness and understanding as well as in supporting activities for foreign nationals residing in Japan;

e. Other duties as specified by the contracting organization.

Eligibility Criteria

There are no requirements for course of study (major) at university or college for the CIR position. All majors are welcome to apply provided applicants meet all other criteria mentioned in this application booklet pertaining to the position for which they are applying.

The above notwithstanding, all applicants must :

a. Be interested in Japan and have a desire to deepen their knowledge of Japan after arrival. Be motivated to participate in and initiate international exchange activities in the local community;

b. Be both mentally and physically healthy;

c. Have the ability to adapt to living and working conditions in Japan, which could be significantly different from those experienced in the applicant's home country;

d. Hold at least a Bachelor's degree (or obtain one by July 1, 2012) or have completed at least a 3-year education/teacher-training program for elementary, middle, or high school as of July 1, 2012;

e. Be a citizen of the United States by December 2, 2011.  If you are a permanent resident of the U.S. (living in the U.S. but not a U.S. citizen) you are not eligible to apply for the JET Program using this application. Please contact the Embassy of Japan in your home country for information. Those who possess dual citizenship with Japan and the U.S. are ineligible for the program unless they renounce their Japanese citizenship before accepting a position on the Program and submitting the Reply Form.  Applicants who have dual citizenship in two countries (other than Japan) may only apply in ONE of those countries;

f. Have excellent English pronunciation, rhythm, intonation and voice projection skills in addition to other standard language skills, including strong writing skills and correct grammar usage;

g. Not have participated in the JET Program since 2009, or for more than five years total;

h. Not have declined a position with the JET Program in the last program year after receiving notification of placement;

i. As of December 2, 2011 not have lived in Japan for a total of 6 or more years since 2002;

j. Have a desire to proactively maintain relations with Japan, even after completion of the program;

k. Agree to reside in Japan under the status of residence stipulated in Article 2-2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Act when entering Japan for the purpose of JET Program participation (this applies primarily to military personnel or their dependents in Japan);

l. Obey all Japanese laws;

m. Have finished any periods of probation and/or paid any fines by the application deadline if a jail term was suspended;

In addition to a. through m. above, CIR applicants must also:

n. Have a strong command of the Japanese language. Japanese language proficiency is necessary to function in a Japanese office environment. Language proficiency of CIR applicants should be at a semi-advanced or advanced level. Applicants with intermediate language skills may find the position of CIR challenging. For specifics on the definitions of these levels, please see the application form.

Successful applicants for the CIR position are expected to make an effort to study or continue studying the Japanese language prior to and after arriving in Japan.