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!

Job Opening at JETRO Chicago for Project Coordinator, Business Development Department (Full-time)

JETRO Chicago is seeking a full-time Project Coordinator in the Business Development Department. Those interested in applying should send their resume and cover letter in PDF format to CGO@jetro.go.jp with the subject line: “Application: Business Development Project Coordinator – First_name Last_name”

See the attached PDF for details on job duties, qualifications, and compensation.

JETRO_Job Description_BD_Project Coordinator.doc

Download DOC • 65KB

2026 May Open Board Meeting and Star Wars Happy Hour!

Join us on Monday, May 4th at 6:30 pm CST for our May Open Board Meeting! At our open board meeting, we will discuss upcoming events and more in the new term. And in order to honor the special day (May the Fourth), the monthly meeting will be immediately followed by a virtual happy hour with a fun Star Wars twist! So come hang out with us and get your geek on at our epic happy hour, where we'll celebrate all things nerdy.

The meeting starts at 6:30 pm and the happy hour will begin around 7:15 pm (or earlier if the meeting is finished sooner). Relax with fellow JETs for a night of laid back conversation and fun group activities. Join us for one or both! 

Theme (optional): Wear your best Star Wars/Intergalactic space swag.

Sign up here! 

Open Board Meetings are open to alumni in our jurisdiction (Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana).

Questions? Contact us at info@jetaachicago.com