Going to the Inter-University Center?

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Paula

The sudden jump in hits we’ve gotten on our posts related to the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies (IUC) tells me that acceptance letters probably just went out. Congratulations to the new class of IUC students! If you didn’t get in this year, don’t fret! I was personally assured by a professor on the application committee that they do remember when a person has previously applied and take that determination into consideration when they see a recurring applicant the following year. So don’t give up! IUC is definitely worth a second try.

If you’re interested in more information on the IUC curriculum, housing, and funding, check out our series of IUC articles:

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Tomodachi Summer SoftBank Leadership Program: Homestay Manager

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Paula

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.

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Employment Opportunities at the Congressional Research Service

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Paula

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is recruiting for its 2012 Graduate Recruit Program.  The program is open to students enrolled in, or graduating with an appropriate advanced degree from, an accredited graduate institution between September 2011 and August 2012.  A variety of paid positions is available, including:

— Analyst in Asian Affairs

— Analyst in Government Organization and Management

— Analyst in Public Finance

— Financial Management Specialist

— Human Capital Management Specialist

— Information Research Specialist (Domestic Social Policy)

— Information Research Specialist (Environmental Policy/Natural Resources)

— Information Research Specialist (Executive, Judicial, and Legislative Branches)

— Information Research Specialist (National Defense and Military Affairs)

— Law Librarian

Initial appointments will be made for a period up to 120 days beginning in the spring/summer of 2012.  Some initial appointments may be eligible for subsequent conversion to permanent appointments, contingent upon participants’ performance and completion of all degree requirements, and availability of funding.  For more information about the Graduate Recruit Program and how to apply please go to the CRS Careers website: http://www.loc.gov/crsinfo.

The Graduate Recruit Program seeks to attract a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates.  Women, men, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  I hope you will consider this unique employment opportunity and/or pass along this information to others whom you think are great candidates for this program.  A complete applicant package must be received by April 13, 2012.

If you have any questions or would like any additional information about the program, please contact Nancy Warrick at CRSGraduateRecruit@crs.loc.gov or (202) 707-6960.

Thank you.

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Internship Opportunity: Editorial Interns for Summer 2012 at The Mary Sue

Posted on March 27, 2012 by LM

Employer: The Mary Sue, Abrams Media
Location: Manhattan, NY
Deadline: April 5, 2012
Type: Unpaid
Dates: June – Aug. 2012 (flexible start/end dates)

The Mary Sue is a website for geeky women produced by the Abrams Media collective. Interns must be current college or graduate students who can receive academic credit for the internship.

The primary qualification for this job is an encyclopedic knowledge of and obsessive enthusiasm for multiple aspects of geek culture. If you are knowledgeable about weird, obscure anime or manga, television and movie casting news, and/or possess a deep knowledge of TVTropes.org and/or science fiction or fantasy, then this is the internship for you.
The secondary qualification is being able to write quickly and clearly (on topics from your geek specialties to gender issues), without weird grammatical or spelling issues, on topics that you yourself think up/discover on the interwebs.

For full details and application information, see the original posting on Mediaite.

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Internship Opportunities: Institute of International Education, Professional and Global Exchanges Internship Program

Posted on March 26, 2012 by LM

Employer: Institute of International Education
Type: Unpaid with transportation stipend
Location: Washington, D.C.
Deadline: June 4, 2012
Term: June 4- Aug. 4, 2012, 28 hours/week

Several positions are open for the 2012 summer and fall semesters that may be of interest to those in Japan Studies.

International Visitor Leadership Program: (3 positions)
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) International Visitor Leadership Program brings participants to the United States from all over the world to meet and confer with their professional counterparts and to gain a greater understanding of U.S. society and to experience American culture firsthand through carefully designed programs that respond to the visitors’ professional interests and support U.S. foreign policy goals.

Toyota International Teacher Program: (1 position)
The Toyota International Teacher Program provides international, professional-development opportunities to U.S. secondary school teachers to advance environmental stewardship and global connectedness in U.S. schools and communities. Each year, the program sends educators overseas for short-term (2-3 week) study tours to countries that are at the forefront of innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Participating teachers explore social and environmental issues through hands-on activities, and apply what they learn to create interdisciplinary and solution-focused lesson plans.

For full details and to apply, see original posting on idealist.org.

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Internship Opportunities: Japan-America Societies Across the U.S., Summer 2012

Posted on March 26, 2012 by LM

These internship opportunities represent those posted on JAS websites. To contact your local Japan America Society, who may not post internship opportunities directly on their sites, see the list of resources here. All JAS internships appear to be unpaid.

Employer: Japan-America Society of Georgia
Location: Atlanta, GA
Type: Unpaid
Dates: Summer (dates flexible)
Deadline: unspecified

Description: The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: (1) assisting with event planning of programs, (2) working with staff to assist the needs of corporate and individual members as well as associate organizations, and (3) compiling data for various office improvement projects. Course credit is available.

More information
—

Employer: Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Type: Unpaid
Dates: unspecified
Deadline: unspecified

Description: We often need extra help around the office, at events as well as several other occasions. We also offer internships for those seeking to receive credit or experience with the JASGC.

More information
—
Employer: Japan-America Society of Kentucky
Location: Frankfort, KY
Type: Unpaid
Dates: Summer 2012
Deadline: unspecified

Description: The JASK Internship Program is designed to introduce students and young professionals to the rigor and realities of non-profit work and to Japan/America trade. Interns are relied upon for substantive tasks and often take charge of essential projects.

Internship – College Credit
Internship – Work Experience
Internship – Communications Assistant

More information

—
Employer: Japan America Society of Minnesota
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Type: Unpaid
Dates: Summer
Deadline: accepted at any time

Description: Are you a college student interested in a career in International Business or International Relations? Do you have an interest in Japan or speak Japanese? If the answer is yes, the Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM) has an opportunity for you! Hours/Week: 10-25 (work hours are negotiable and flexible)

More information

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Employer: Japan America Society of Northern California
Location: San Francisco, CA
Type: Unpaid
Dates: unspecified
Deadline: unspecified

Description: The intern provides administrative support to the Japan Society staff: President, Office Manager and Program Officer. Position requires a pleasant office demeanor, good written and spoken English language skills, good organization with an eye for detail, and a capacity to multi-task. The intern is a part of a small team, demonstrating initiative to solve challenges.

More information
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Employer: Japan America Society of Pennsylvania
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Type: Unpaid
Dates: unspecified
Deadline: unspecified

Description: Internships can be tailored to meet the educational, professional and personal interests of the student.

More information

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Employer: Japan America Society of San Diego & Tijuana
Location: San Diego, CA
Type: Unpaid
Dates: Summer
Deadline: 1-2 months prior to beginning of semester

Description: Internships at the JSSDT are available in four categories: Corporate Programs, Educational Outreach, Marketing/Communications, and Office Support. Candidates interested in an internship should contact the JSSDT Office at least one to two months prior to the beginning of the semester for consideration. Availability of the position is based on office schedule, candidates’ skills, and seasonal work load.

More information
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Employer: Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Type: Unpaid
Dates: Summer (May/June – August)
Deadline: April 16, 2012

Description: Internships with the Society are available to a limited number of college students each term. Internships are unpaid positions. Depending on the university’s internship program, credit sometimes is offered. Interns must pledge to work a minimum of three full days a week for a period of no less than eight weeks.

Summer Internships
1. Japan Bowl Assistant
1. Japan-in-a-Suitcase Coordinator

More information
—
Japan Society
Employer: Japan Society
Location: New York City
Type: Unpaid
Dates: Summer (June – Sept.)
Deadline: unspecified

Description:
Select, qualified interns are invited to volunteer to contribute their talents and abilities to assist Japan Society’s programs in the arts, business, education and public affairs. Interns participate in the day-to-day activities of these programs, in addition to specific projects. While at the Japan Society, interns serve alongside experts on Japan from diverse disciplines and enjoy the benefits of its many resources.

Communications Intern
Corporate & Lecture Program Intern
Digital Media Intern
Education Program Intern
Information Technology Intern

More information

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Book announcement: The Truth of the Ancient Ways: A Critical Biography of the Swordsman Yamaoka Tesshu

Posted on March 25, 2012 by Paula

Language: English
Publisher: Kodenkan Institute
Publication date: January 31, 2012
Binding type/size: paperback, 6″ x 9″
Description: 202 pages, bibliography, index
ISBN-13: 978-0984012909
ISBN-10: 0984012907
Library of Congress Control Number: 2011938616

Book description

Among practitioners of Japanese martial arts both in Japan and overseas there is hardly a person not knowing the name of famous swordsman and chamberlain of Emperor Meiji, Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1888), who is also renowned for his calligraphy and pursuits of enlightenment in Zen Buddhism. Despite this, for over a century Tesshu’s figure, buried under numerous anecdotes and mythical stories, has presented a contrasting combination of broad popularity with the absence of critical biographies and the lack of verified data.

In this book, Anatoliy Anshin draws from his doctoral dissertation to create the first critical biography on Tesshu, over 120 years after his death in 1888. Based on scrupulous investigation of primary and secondary sources, Anshin shows that Tesshu’s whole life was an uncompromising quest for the “authentic Japanese swordsmanship,” which from his point of view had been practically lost by his time. Anshin further analyzes how this quest eventually led Tesshu to play the central role in the bloodless surrender of Edo Castle — one of the most important events in the Meiji Restoration of 1868.

Looking at everything, from the beginning and development of Tesshu’s thoughts and belief systems to establishing his own swordsmanship school called Itto Shoden Muto-ryu, Anshin chronologically highlights Tesshu’s dramatic life path. This path reflects like a mirror centuries-old cultural history of Japanese warrior class, the samurai, and its martial arts.

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Internship Opportunity: Council on Foreign Relations, Japan Studies Internship, Summer 2012

Posted on March 24, 2012 by LM

Employer: Council on Foreign Relations
Type: Summer Internship (Unpaid)
Department: Japan Studies
Location: Washington, D.C.
Semester: Summer 2012

CFR’s volunteer internships give selected interns the opportunity to receive training in the area of foreign policy; as well as skills training in areas such as writing, research, and program planning.

The responsibilities of the intern will include (but are not limited to):

  • Assisting with research assignments—focus will be primarily on Japan
  • Providing logistical and administrative support as needed

For details and to apply, see original post on the CFR website.

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Fun Link Friday: Reblog: On Being Funny in Japan

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Paula

Anyone who has been to Japan for a substantial amount of time understands the pain of attempting to tell a joke only to have it fall so flat that all you get is blank stares and mildly offended silence (I found this particularly true when stumbling through the mine fields of sarcasm).

I came across this article last year and saved it for a rainy Fun Link Friday. Eryk at This Japanese Life has put together a brief and amusing introductory guide to humor in Japan (as he notes, there is no real word or phrase to describe a “sense of humor” there) and introduces some of the basics to your standard funnies in Japanese culture, including tradition things like rakugo and manzai, but also plain old scaring the daylights out of people and some of the weirder things, too. I think there’s definitely more that could be added to this, but I thought it was a neat introduction to the topic, so be sure to check it out! What would you add?

Eryk Salvaggio's avatarThis Japanese Life.

There’s actually no word for “sense of humor” in Japan.

View original post 1,072 more words

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Job Opening: East Asian History & Culture, Eckerd College, Vstg. Asst prof

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Paula

Institution:   Eckerd College
Location:   Florida, United States
Position:   Visiting Assistant Professor; East Asian Studies; East Asian history and culture

Eckerd College, a nationally-ranked liberal arts college in St. Petersburg, Florida, seeks a continuing part-time Visiting Professor specializing in the historyand culture of East Asia. The position has a full benefit package and requires teaching five courses: the first half of the World History survey; at least one course in modern East Asian history; and three other courses in East Asian history and culture that accord with the candidates specialization. Candidates should have Ph.D. or ABD in history or other appropriate discipline and college-level teaching experience. Please send cover letter, curriculum vitae, undergraduate and graduate school transcripts, evidence of effective teaching (e.g. course evaluations), and three letters of recommendation by April 6th to: Andrew Chittick, Professor of East Asian Humanities, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg FL 33711.  EOE.  Qualified candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for the College.

Contact: Andrew Chittick, Professor of East Asian Humanities, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg FL 33711

Website: www.eckerd.edu

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