How to Welcome New JET Program Participants: Making Prefectural Orientation More Worthwhile

If you are a current or former participant on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program, I'm sure you remember how overwhelming the Tokyo Orientation was, especially if this was your first introduction to Japan as it was mine. When new JET Program participants finally arrive in their prefectures, they are exhausted but excited. How can we, as returning JETs, veterans, and orientation planners, make the regional prefectural orientation a warm, valuable, and stress-free welcome? In this video, I’m sharing actionable ideas and advice on how to structure a prefectural orientation that avoids information overload. We'll talk about how veteran JETs can get involved to help newbies feel comfortable, and how to plan workshops and social events that actually matter. Based on my experience, having interactive and immersive activities helps the newbies ease into their new life with not only some practical experience, but also some great new friendships and support systems. Whether you're a Prefectural Advisor, a member of the regional AJET committee, or a renewing JET looking to give back, this video is for you! I think it can also be helpful for anyone who is a veteran of a program or company and would like to help welcome and/or lead orientation for the newbies. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Opening Greetings 00:32 - Self Introduction 01:03 - Attention all newbies and renewing JET participants 01:44 - Why Renewing JETs Should Watch 03:29 - How Newbies Might Feel After Tokyo Orientation 04:03 - Things to Keep in Mind When Planning Prefectural Orientations 04:27 - How We Planned the Prefectural Orientation in Tokyo 07:21 - Everyone Takes a Topic 08:50 - My Assigned Area of Expertise: Health and Safety 13:29 - Is Party Time a Good Idea Now? 14:58 - Remembering the Social Interactions During My Time 19:15 - Scavenger Hunt 26:09 - Photo Scavenger Hunt 30:17 - Designated Days 33:34 - A Message to Veteran Teachers/Renewing Teachers 38:12 - Making a Commitment 42:08 - Helping the Newbies 46:00 - Why I Thought this Video Needed to Be Made Thank you so much for watching! #JETProgram #JapanExchangeandTeaching #JETProgrammer #ALTJapan #LifeInJapan