Announcing the 12th annual Survival Series for Outgoing JETs!

Welcome to the JET Community!

On Monday, June 22, the 12th annual Survival Series kicks off! To support the newest members of our community, JETAA Chicago is organizing a variety of events to help Outgoing JETs prepare for your time in Japan by building connections with each other and your sempai here in the midwest! These are opportunities for new JETs to share concerns, ask questions and build community with the people who have been in your position before. So pick our brains for insight into life on the JET program and let's get excited for the journey to come!

2026 JETAA Chicago Survival Series Event Schedule

Meet & Greet Kick-off! - Monday, June 22 - Online - 7:00-8:30pm CST - Sign-up via Guestlist!

JET Generations Happy Hour - Tuesday, June 30 - In-person (21+) - 6:30-8:30pm CST - Sign-up via Guestlist!

Japanese Language Pizza Party - Date TBD - In-person - Link Forthcoming

Keep your eyes on our website and visit our Guestlist page for more updates! These events are for Outgoing JETs and Alumni Mentors ONLY. 

2026 JETAA Chicago Survival Series Interest Form

This summer, the annual Survival Series returns! JETAA Chicago is looking for alumni to join our events and discuss their experiences with the new JETs in a more casual setting. If you are interested in participating, let us know by completing this form!

Seeking Info Session Presenters for Departing 2026 JETs

The JET Program Office at the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago is gearing up to send off the 2026 JETs! To help them prepare for living and working in Japan, they'll be holding two short Q&A and Info Sessions on Friday, June 19th (6:30 - 8:30 PM) and Saturday, June 20th (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM).

They're currently looking for alumni who would be willing to give a presentation on a topic that they're familiar with and feel would be helpful to soon-to-depart JETs. Presentations should be approximately 40 minutes (30 min presentation + 10 min for questions) and include a PowerPoint, as these presentations will be held online via Zoom.

Previous topics include:

• Community Involvement and Making the Most of Your Placement

• Working in a Japanese Cultural Context

• Cross-Cultural Communication

• Life as an ALT/JET

• ALT Firsts: Your First Days, Weeks, Months

• What to Expect in a Japanese Classroom

• Rural life in Japan

Please note that they do not need presentations on money matters or departure information as these topics will be covered by the JET Office directly. Additionally, they usually request that presentation topics be applicable to all JETs. However, this year they have a larger group of CIR's than usual. So, if any CIR Alumni are interested in hosting a CIR specific presentation, please fill out the survey to pitch the idea!

If you are interested in presenting, please fill out the survey below with your contact information, topic(s) of interest, presentation outline(s), and your availability. Responses are due by Monday, May 18th by 3pm Central.

Fill out the Survey!