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 Coordinator will manage all aspects of the weekend homestay for one group of Tomodachi students.

Basic responsibilities include the following:

• Recruit host families through community outreach and local program promotion. Ayusa training will provide many creative suggestions for finding quality families in the community. Ayusa will provide material to aid your recruitment efforts.
• Conduct a host family interview, visiting with all family members and assessing the home environment. We need safe, supportive and stable host families for our students. Maintain contact with your host families during the homestay component.
• Conduct host family orientations.
• Provide assistance and support to students and host families during the homestay component. Act as back up host in the case of an emergency.

The Homestay Coordinator 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.