All about AJET

General

AJET Publications

AJET, CLAIR, MEXT and Contracting Organisations

AJET & Conferences

General

Q: What is AJET?

A: The Association for Japan Exchange and Teaching, or AJET, is a support and social network for JET Programme participants. A national organisation, AJET organises cultural, sporting and charity events, publishes a range of books and information, maintains a counselling service, and represents JETs and their concerns to CLAIR. AJET has existed since the inception of the JET Programme and continues to be a volunteer organisation, run by JETs, for JETs.

Q: What does the National Council do?

A: The AJET National Council represents you, your views and your concerns to CLAIR and the government ministries that manage the JET Progamme. We do so by maintaining a close working relationship with CLAIR throughout the year, highlighted by our biannual face-to-face forums called the AJET-CLAIR-MEXT Opinion Exchange Meeting.

The AJET National Council also coordinates broader AJET activities around Japan, including:

  • Tatami Time Share Travel Guide and network
  • Team Taught Pizza teaching resource book
  • AJET Across Japan newsletter
  • Peer Support Group hotline
  • National Team Teaching Awards
  • Providing support to AJET Groups
  • Maintaining the website www.ajet.net
  • AJET Workshops and Information Fair at Tokyo Orientation

Q: How can I get involved in AJET’s work?

A: Firstly, being a member is a great start! As a general national member, each individual contributes to a collective organization, which benefits the entire JET community. There are plenty of opportunities for members to get involved in AJET projects without being official representatives. You can do this within your prefecture, or with a Special Interest or Nationality Group, or even at national level, through a range of charity and other initiatives. We are especially looking for individuals that are interested in editing or creating a publication or hosting and AJET GAMES event. Just get in touch with your local AJET rep or Block Representative for advice! We also need people to respond to our surveys every Spring and Fall, to help with representing JET issues to CLAIR.

People who want to step up to organise AJET projects and help keep things running smoothly from year to year can nominate to be official representatives on local or national committees. Some of these will have elections – for example, National AJET’s elections usually occur in February. AJET always needs energetic, capable people to run the show – there’s so much to do! If you want to contribute to the JET community in this way, again, get in touch with your local AJET rep or Block Representative. All contact information is available here [UPDATE LINK].

Q: What is the difference between local AJET groups and National AJET?

A: Although AJET Prefectural Chapters (along with SIGs and NGs) are groups under the umbrella of National AJET, membership of a given group is subtly distinct from National AJET membership. Simply being a member of NAJET is free of charge, and provides access to initiatives such as the AJET Games and the AJET International Exchange Programme. Furthermore, being a National AJET member gets you discounts on other services that have a fee, such as the Tatami Timeshare Travel Guide and Team Taught Pizza teaching resource book. Most importantly, NAJET provides representation for JETs and their concerns to CLAIR and the Ministries that run the JET Programme, highlighted by twice-yearly meetings in Tokyo. AJET Prefectural Chapters and other groups operate on a more local level, providing events and information relevant to smaller audiences of JETs and members. Often, local AJET groups have a fee for membership to cover these services. Distinct though local AJET groups and National AJET are, together they form a broad support network, working to improve the lives of JETs all over Japan.

Q: How can I sign up for AJET?

A: JET Programme participants can sign up for AJET at anytime during the year. The easiest way to sign up is to stop by the AJET Desk during Tokyo Orientation. It takes just a few minutes to fill out a membership form. If you missed out during Orientation, you can sign up online here [UPDATE LINK]. If you have any difficulties, please contact the AJET Database Administrator.

Q: How much does it cost to join?

A: Nothing! Basic National AJET membership is free. In order to cover printing and mailing costs, members who wish to receive AJET Across Japan and Tatami Timeshare are charged a small fee. A 1-year subscription to AJET Across Japan is 2000 yen. Tatami Timeshare membership is 1000 yen, but FREE if you sign up for AJET Across Japan.

Prefectural AJET, SIGs, and NGs have varied membership fees ranging from FREE to 4500 yen. Fees depend on the activities of the group and membership is of course optional.

Q: I signed up for AJET last year, do I have to re-sign for this year?

A: Once you become an AJET member, we retain your information and you retain your membership until you leave the JET Programme. However, we recommend that you submit a membership form annually to make sure that we have your correct contact details and to renew any special services, such as Tatami Timeshare, AJET Across Japan or AJET Group memberships.

Q: If my information hasn’t changed is it still necessary to re-join?

A: No. If your contact details are correct and you don’t need to sign up for any special services, you don’t need to submit a new membership form. BUT often your original contact details may have actually been incorrect, and you may also want to take up some of AJET’s services that you haven’t used before, so it is still a good idea to fill out a new membership form and hand it in.

Q: Where can I find the latest information relevant to my life as a JET?

A: CLAIR supplies a regular newsletter, called CLAIR News, which is mailed to all JETs and also available on the CLAIR website. AJET’s national newsletter, AJET Across Japan, is posted to subscribers every couple of months. Most local AJET groups have newsletters, too. This website is maintained by National AJET, and most local groups have their own websites or maintain email listserves for local JETs. The National Council posts the latest reports from the Opinion Exchange meetings with CLAIR on our website here [UPDATE LINK].

Q: Does AJET have meetings?

A: National AJET has one meeting a year for general members, appropriately named the Annual General Meeting (AGM). This meeting is held during both Re-contracting Conferences. At this meeting National Council members are available to answer your questions and address any concerns you might have.

Also during the Re-contracting Conference is the AJET Officers meeting. For any individual taking over an AJET Group, its important that you attend this meeting. National Council members will bring important information as well as offer advice. Generally, it’s a great (and possibly the only) opportunity to meet with National representatives as well as other officers in your surrounding areas.

Q: How do I know what AJET block I’m in?

A: To find out what block you are in, please go to our contact page [UPDATE LINK] and find your prefecture on the map. You’ll also find the contact information for your respective AJET Block Representative and the rest of the current National Council.

Q: How can I contact a member of the National Council?

A: You can contact the National Council at anytime during the year via email. All email addresses can be found here. You can also speak with National Council members during any national JET Programme conference. Just stop by the AJET Desk or AJET secretariat at any time during Orientations or the Re-Contractor’s Conferences. During the Returner’s Conference, please visit the Information Fair.

Q: What is a Prefectural Chapter?

A: Almost all prefectures in Japan offer a local AJET group. Prefectural Chapters organize social and charity events and offer advice for life in Japan and teaching more specific to each area. Events vary from prefecture to prefecture, as do the fees. For more information about you local chapter click here.

Some Prefectures do not have an active chapter and National AJET welcomes any energetic, creative individuals hoping to start or revive local chapters. If you are interested in reviving your local chapter, please contact your Block Representative.

Q: Who do I contact to find out about the services provided by my Prefectural Chapter?

A: Either your Prefectural Representative or Treasurer should be able to answer ANY of your questions involving local chapter dues and activities. In the event that an officer cannot be contacted, feel free to contact your Block Representative. Contact information is available here [UPDATE LINK].

Q: What is a SIG/NG/LG?

A: SIGs (Special Interest Groups), NGs (Nationality Groups) and LGs (Language Groups) are AJET organisations aimed at enhancing your time in Japan.

Special Interest Groups give JETs a chance to continue a hobby or start a new one. Many groups offer a listserve, website or newsletters and some even offer a variety of events. Current Special Interest Groups and their contact information are listed here [UPDATE LINK].

Nationality Groups keep you in touch with your fellow countrymen, up-to-date on events at home, offer country specific lesson plans and often organize events and newsletters. Current Nationality Groups and their contact information are listed here [UPDATE LINK].

Language Groups give JETs a chance to brush up on other languages. Native and non-native speakers share forums and organize events in order to hold on to important skills and make new friends! Current Language Groups and their contact information are listed here [UPDATE LINK].

Q: Who do I contact to find out about the services provided by my SIG/NG?

A: Your respective SIG/NG Officer should be able to answer ANY questions involving SIG/NG dues and activities. Contact information for each group is located here. In the event that an officer cannot be contacted, feel free to contact the Activities Liaison activities@ajet.net> on the AJET National Council.

Q: How can I start a new AJET Group?

A: So, you have a hobby that AJET doesn’t already have covered? More than likely there are other JETs with similar interests. If you would like to start a new SIG, NG or LG, start by getting in contact with the National AJET Activities Liaison. We will need a proposal that includes your reasons for starting the group as well as tentative activities or events. As a general rule, we ask that new groups start with a trial period of free membership, but this depends on the type of group. Detailed regulations for starting an AJET Group are located in the Operational Procedures Handbook, which can be viewed online here [UPDATE LINK]. Leading a group requires dedication and responsibility as you will not only need to provide a service for your members, but also liaise with the National Council on a regular basis. The staying power of the most popular AJET Groups originates from a hard-working council that provides frequent information and events.

Q: Are there any AJET sponsored social activities?

A: Most social events and activities are planned by local AJET groups. Events are varied and include things like hikes, city tours, theme parties, ski trips, performances, sports teams and cultural events. Most groups post their schedule of events on their website. Find the local AJET websites here [UPDATE LINK].

Nationally, there aren’t technically any events scheduled, but many local groups will open up their events to all JETs. Perennial favorites like the Hokkaido Snow Festival, the Nagano Soccer/Football Tournament, the Tottori San-in Beach Party and more Mt Fuji climbs than even the Japanese could ever imagine! Events are usually advertised through Prefectural Representatives, so keep an eye on your local list serves for more information.

In 2003-2004, the National Council began the AJET GAMES in hopes of bring JETs from across Japan together in the name of friendly competition. AJET Games are open to any sport in any location. If you are interested in hosting an event in your area please contact the National Coordinator for information and advice.

Q: What charities are affiliated with AJET?

A: Within the JET community alone there are many opportunities to get involved with charity organisations. The following charities have formed an official relationship with National AJET, as Special Interest Groups.

Habitat for Humanity SIG
The HFH SIG provides a support network for those wanting to become involved with Habitat projects. Administered by a volunteer team of individuals with Habitat experience, the SIG sends out bi-monthly newsletters, email updates (detailing volunteer opportunities, useful and inspirational articles about JETs past Habitat experiences, fundraising tips, teaching materials, travel advice, etc.) and is a first point of contact for those interested in leading or participating in a Habitat experience. For more information, please contact the Natiocnal Coordinator at habitatsig@hotmail.com

GO M.A.D. SIG
Go M.A.D. (Go Make A Difference) is an international web-based organisation founded and run by teachers on the JET Programme and their Japanese friends. We work to encourage and facilitate cross-cultural understanding by linking volunteering with traveling. Go M.A.D. not only helps support projects financially through JET and Japanese communities, but creates international understanding and empowers students when JETs return from their travels and bring their experiences into their communities and classrooms. For more information, please visit www.go-mad.org.

Volunteer SIG
The Volunteer Special Interest Group provides information about volunteer opportunities in Japan and overseas, and resources to help JETs teach about voluteerism. The “5 yen Friendship” campaign is one of many our members are involved in annually.

Many local chapters have also formed relationships with various charities. If you would like your group or organisation to work with National AJET, please contact chair@ajet.net.

Q: What companies and organisations are affiliated with AJET?

A: AJET has established relationships with numerous companies and organisations that can be of use for AJET members from the time they arrive in Japan until the time they leave. In 1996, the GAM Program was created in order to invite these companies and NPOs into the AJET circle. Most companies offer special deals or discounts to members of AJET. Revenue raised from advertising is the reason National AJET can offer so many services while maintaining free membership. For a complete list of GAMs, please click here [UPDATE LINK]. All inquiries about the AJET GAM program can be directed to our Corporate Liaisons [UPDATE LINK].

AJET Publications

Q: What are AJET’s publications?

A: National AJET publishes and supports a variety of publications relevant to life as a JET. The titles currently available are listed here [UPDATE LINK].

Q: How can I buy an AJET publication?

A: E-bulletin sign ups and AJET Across Japan and Tatami Timeshare subscriptions can be taken care of when you sing up for AJET. All AJET members automatically receive the e-bulletin. If you decide to subscribe to AJET Across Japan or Tatami Timeshare after signing up for AJET, you can update your membership online here [UPDATE LINK] (you can mail the subscription fee).

AJET books are available at all national JET Programme conferences (Orientation, Re-contractor’s and Returners’ Conferences) Book sales take place in the AJET Secretariat for the entire duration of the conference. They are also available for mail-order throughout the year. You can order any National AJET publications by contact the Publications Liaison.

Hokkaido AJET publications can be order directly from the Hokkaido Publications representative at hajetpubs@yahoo.com. Fukushima AJET publications are available through National AJET.

Q: How can I publish a publication with AJET?

A: National AJET always welcomes new ideas for publications. You can either get involved with a current publication or create something new. The first step is to submit your ideas to the National AJET Publications Liaison. The National Council will approve the idea as well as an appropriate budget if the publication requires a loan. The final publication will need approval from the National Council and CLAIR before it can be sold at JET Programme conferences.

Q: Are there any current publication projects that I can get involved with?

A: There is always room for writers and editors in AJET publications!

E-Bulletin
To submit an announcement for the monthly e-bulletin, contact communications@ajet.net by the 15th of each month. Messages are subject to approval and should be relevant to all (or a large majority) of JETs.

AJET Across Japan
Articles can be submitted for AJET Across Japan at anytime. Magazines are printed in July, September, November, January, March and May. If you would like your contribution to be printed in a specific edition, please submit your work by the 10th of the previous month. All submission should be sent to aaj@ajet.net.

Tatami Timeshare
Have something interesting or helpful that would be of good use in the travel guide section? If you’d like it to appear in the Winter edition, please submit your work by September 1st. All submissions should be sent to publications@ajet.net.

Books
National AJET is currently looking for a team of JETs to edit the 7th edition of Team Taught Pizza. All interested parties should contact publications@ajet.net. Please include any relevant experience and reasons for wanting to join the team.

JET & Beyond will eventually need a new editing team, so if you’ll be around a while and are interested, please contact publications@ajet.net.

AJET, CLAIR, MEXT and Contracting Organisations

Q: Does AJET work for CLAIR?

A: AJET is a wholly independent volunteer organisation, whose committee members are elected by JETs on an annual basis. AJET works alongside, but independently of, CLAIR to resolve JET problems, improve the JET Programme and run several major events.

Q: When does AJET meet with CLAIR and MEXT officials?

A: The AJET National Council meets with CLAIR and MEXT officials twice a year during the Opinion Exchange meeting. These meetings take place in November and May at the CLAIR office in Tokyo. During these meetings, AJET presents reports in English and Japanese on general issues and concerns raised by the JET community and engages in discussions on how to improve the JET Programme.

Q: What reports have AJET presented to CLAIR?

A: All reports since 2000 are available online. You can read them here [UPDATE LINK].

Q: What are the results of the discussions between AJET, CLAIR, MEXT?

A: Many improvements and changes to the JET Programme over the years are a direct result of AJET reports. Recently, changes to the paid and sick leave clauses in the model contract, the creation of the ALT Summer Utilisation guidebook, the addition of training seminars and publications from MEXT on different accents of English, and changes to numerous JET publications.

In 2002-2003, AJET created a follow up report system in order to better update members on the results of the Opinion Exchange Meeting. You can find the follow-up reports here [UPDATE LINK].

Q: What kind of issues can be presented during an AJET-CLAIR-MEXT Opinion Exchange Meeting?

A: The National Council considers any and all issues brought up by general members. If you are experiencing any trouble with your job or life in Japan, we highly encourage you to contact us at anytime. Report topics tend to focus on issues, problems or concerns that affect a large portion of JETs as these are areas that CLAIR, MEXT and AJET are most likely able to do something about. Individual issues are also addressed, but these are sometimes better handled by having a discussion with your supervisor, PA, or by calling the CLAIR JET Line (03-3591-5489 Monday – Friday 9:00-17:45)

Q: How can I raise an issue for discussion at the AJET-CLAIR-MEXT Opinion Exchange Meeting?

A: Easy! Please contact your Block Representative or the Chair via email at any time. A simple email can be all it takes to get your opinion heard. Please be aware that some issues may require a follow up with one of the Council members so that we can have enough information to present in the report. You can be assured that all personal information remains confidential.

Q: In a work discrepancy, can AJET intervene on my behalf?

A: AJET cannot intervene between work discrepancies, however if there is a crucial issue, which affects the interest of JET participants, AJET may address the issue to the Programme sponsors.

Q: Who can I contact if I am having a problem with my Contracting Organisation?

A: It is important that you first try to discuss the issue with your local supervisor. If the problem continues, please contact your Prefectural Advisor. In cases where this is still not enough, JETs can call the CLAIR JET line to speak with Programme Coordinators. The JET Line number is 03-3591-5489 and is open from 9:00-17:45, Monday through Friday. In extreme cases, CLAIR staff can act as mediators between JETs and their Contracting Organisations. JETs are also encouraged to contact National AJET at anytime as we may be able to provide advice based on reports that we have in our archives, or raise the issue with CLAIR at our next Opinion Exchange meeting.

Q: If I am having an issue that CLAIR or AJET cannot help me with, where can I turn?

A: If the problem is personal or relates to life in Japan you have several options. If you feel comfortable, talk things over with your local supervisor or trusted co-worker. Confide in a local JET – often older JETs have been through similar situations and may be able to offer some advice. If there is a local international association, there may be someone there that can help you. You can also get in contact with your Prefectural Advisor. All Prefectural Advisors receive training and information to help you deal with common problems.

If the problem is work related, please make sure you exhaust all discussions with your local supervisor or JTEs. If this is not satisfactory, contact your Prefectural Advisor.

In 1999, Japanese National law changed to allow foreign nationals to join Japanese Unions. Joining a union only to find help solving an ongoing problem is not advised, as they will not be able to help much once the problem has already occurred. Talk to your local union rep (there should be one at your school) and ask about the activities of your local union. Often, there are many events that will give you an opportunity to socialize with your co-workers as well as forums in which you will have a say in decisions about your work place or the Japanese education system in general. Then, if individual problems arise, you will have the union already on your side. For more information about unions, please contact unions@ajet.net.

AJET & Conferences

Q: What is AJET’s role in JET Programme conferences?

A: AJET plays a large part in both the Tokyo Orientations and the Re-contracting Conference and has an increasing role in the Returners’ Conference.

During Orientation the AJET presences consists of:

  • An AJET Desk (for membership sign ups)
  • The AJET Centre (for general inquiries and publication sales)
  • AJET Pocket Guide (filled with information on AJET, the conference and upcoming events)
  • Information Fair (a chance to get information from numerous companies and NPOs)
  • AJET Bazaar (an opportunity to meet AJET Group representatives)
  • AJET Workshops (informative optional sessions on life in Japan)
  • Sales of AJET Publications

During the Re-contracting Conference the AJET presence consists of:

  • An AJET Desk (for membership sign ups)
  • The AJET Centre (for general inquiries and publication sales)
  • AJET Pocket Guide (filled with information on AJET, the conference and upcoming events)
  • Information Fair (a chance to get information from numerous companies and NPOs)
  • The Annual General Meeting (for all members to voice concerns)
  • The AJET Officers’ Meeting (an informational session for all new officers)
  • AJET meetings (various AJET groups will host gatherings)
  • Sales of AJET Publications

During the Returners’ Conference the AJET presence consists of:

  • A booth at the Information Fair that offers advice and deals from AJET’s corporate partners
  • Sale of JET & Beyond

Q: Does AJET organize any seminars or workshops for JET conferences?

A: Yes, we organize many workshops at Tokyo Orientation, and the Re-contracting Conferences. AJET Workshops during Tokyo Orientation are optional, but are more often than not standing room only. Check out some of our previous workshop topics here [UPDATE LINK].

Q: How can I make a suggestion for future workshop topics?

A: National AJET workshop content is always under review. Workshop evaluation forms are available at orientation and it is extremely helpful if you take the time to fill one out. You can also make suggestions throughout the year by emailing chair@ajet.net.

Q: How can I become a presenter for AJET workshops?

A: Due to AJET’s limited budget, AJET usually asks JETs already attending the conference to present workshops. The majority of presenters tend to be National Council members and CLAIR Orientation Assistants. However, there have been several occasions in which we have invited other members of the JET or JET-related community to present. Workshop content and relevance, as well as distance from Tokyo, is taken into consideration. For more information please contact chair@ajet.net.