Program Dates: July 10-August 16, 2017 (tentative)
App Deadline: March 31, 2017
The 2017 TOMODACHI US-Japan Youth Exchange Program will connect 6 DC public high school students with 6 Japanese high school students for a two-way cultural exchange. This is the 5th year of this innovative program, offered at no cost to students. Refer to www.usjapanfuture.org for extensive information about prior year programs, including a student blog, which shares the experiences and reflections of our 2013-2016 participants.
This year’s TOMODACHI USJYEP program is tentatively scheduled for July 10-August 16, 2017, to include:
- A 5-day orientation program in DC for DC students only;
- Followed by a two-week program in DC for both DC and Japanese students, including a 3-day residential experience (dorm stay at GW University);
- Followed by a two-week program in Japan, with Japanese students – focused on Tokyo and the Tohoku region, site of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
The program is managed by American Councils and funded by the US-Japan Council. Globalize DC, as the local DC partner, manages the DC student selection process, design and management of the DC-based program, and overall preparation, support, and follow-up for the DC students. This year’s student participants will be drawn from Globalize DC’s afterschool Japanese Plus program, who have demonstrated a high level of commitment to their study of Japanese language and culture. We are currently seeking a DC Teacher-Chaperone, who will work closely with Globalize DC’s director, Sally Schwartz, in planning and implementation of the program. Our Japan partner will also select a chaperone.
The DC Teacher-Chaperone will:
- Serve as the DC teacher leader, working with Sally Schwartz and American Councils, for the entire summer program from July 10-August 16, 2017 (tentative), as well as a few agreed upon pre- and post-program meetings with students, parents, and staff. This includes:
- Leading the students through the DC-based program (generally 9 am-5 pm weekdays)
- Accompanying DC students to Japan (July 31-August 16).
- Conduct discussions and classroom activities, as needed, to meet agreed-upon learning objectives.
- Ensure participants engage in writing and other assignments, and exercise best professional effort to achieve high quality student work, student engagement, and student learning.
- Participate in planning meetings to ensure successful implementation of all phases of the program.
- Exercise vigilance in ensuring the safety and well being of the student program participants – in particular, the DC students. There is significant staff involved through all phases of this program.
We are looking for:
- A secondary school teacher or international education professional with at least 3 years relevant experience. (A DCPS or DC charter teacher is preferred, but we are open to other qualified candidates.)
- Experience in cross-cultural exchange, and leading and/or chaperoning student travel abroad.
- Familiarity with DC geography and community life (the applicant must be a resident of the DC area).
- Knowledge of and personal experience with Japan a definite plus, but not mandatory.
- A creative, flexible, responsible team player, with an ability to relate well to students.
The program covers all travel expenses. A stipend will also be provided (amount negotiable based on agreed upon schedule, experience, and overall commitment).
If you are interested, send an email to Sally Schwartz at sally@globalizedc.org with your statement of interest in this position and your updated resume. We will review applications as received. Our goal is to fill this position no later than the end of March. Please share this opportunity with others who may be interested. Click below for a downloadable job announcement:
2017 TOMODACHI USJYEP Teacher Announcement
Any questions, contact Sally at 202-251-1692 or the email address above.