The Tomodachi Initiative is a public-private partnership supported by the US and Japanese governments that supports Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake. The goal of the program is to foster the next generation of Japanese and Americans, a ” Tomodachi generation” of driven doers, thinkers and creators who are invested in the future of U.S.-Japan relations, appreciate each other’s cultures and countries, and possess the globally oriented skills and mindsets needed to thrive and make a difference. Led by Ayusa International in partnership with the University of California – Berkeley’s Center for Cities & Schools, students will partake in a unique civic engagement and leadership initiative called Y-PLAN (Youth – Plan, Learn, Act, Now) aimed at preparing a group of 300 Japanese youth to be leaders of change and revitalization.

Since 1981, Ayusa has been a leader in providing life-changing cultural exchange experiences for high school students around the world. As part of the Tomodachi initiative, Ayusa has designed an intensive three week program for Japanese high school students focusing on global leadership development and community service in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley.

Students will learn leadership skills, and develop individual community service action and volunteer projects to implement in their home communities when they return home. The program will feature extensive contact with Americans through their academic program, a weekend homestay, social and sightseeing activities, along with exposure to American culture and values.

The Homestay Manager will manage the weekend homestay component of the program.

Basic responsibilities include the following:

Homestay Coordinator Recruitment and Management

• Recruitment: Recruit, screen, hire and train 12-14 Homestay Coordinators to fulfill Homestay component of the Tomodachi program.
• Training and Supervision: Supervise, train, and conduct orientations for the Homestay Coordinators under your supervision, and support these Homestay Coordinators in all phases of program preparation and operation. The Homestay Coordinators will recruit host families in the community to fulfill the total goal. You are responsible for ensuring that Homestay Coordinators meet their goals in a timely manner.
• Reporting: Support Homestay Coordinators in completing and submitting required reports and database entry in a timely manner. You are responsible for the work of Homestay Coordinators under your supervision. Provide a final summary report upon conclusion of the program.
• Communication: Act as the communication link between HQ staff and Homestay Coordinators for all program operations and placement information. Manage any issues reported by Homestay Coordinators, such as host family changes, student safety concerns and medical emergencies. Provide regular updates to HQ staff.
• Coverage: Replace Homestay Coordinators who withdraw from the program, keeping constant the number of Homestay Coordinators needed to reach your total Contract Goal.Ongoing Support: Provide assistance, advice, and counseling as needed throughout the program to Homestay Coordinators, students and host. When necessary, become directly involved with situations in which Homestay Coordinators require assistance.Coordination: Coordinate transportation to/from host communities with HQ staff.

The Homestay Manager is a contract professional position ranging from March 15 to August 31.

Compensation: DOE

Deadline: Rolling

To Apply: Please submit resume and cover letter to msachdev@ayusa.org. No phone calls please.