a NEXT JET program
Group Mentorship Program
How it works
In many ways, the JET experience is universal for all participants, but in other ways it can be very different from person to person. There can be unique challenges and situations to navigate. The NEXT JET Mentorship Program is an opportunity for departing JETs to benefit from the experiences, wisdom and insights of alumni and current JETs. The goal is to equip departing JETs with a better understanding of what to expect and how to successfully embrace their JET experiences both for themselves and their JET communities during their time in Japan. The JET and JET alumni community is tight knit. This is an opportunity for you to lean in, make connections, pay it forward and be a valuable part of this incredible network and community.
Mentors (senpai) and mentees (kohai) will receive an invitation to the NEXT JET Discord server with a range of categories and related channels where participants can exchange information, ask questions and get prepared for their JET adventures. Discussion topics vary widely. Each group typically has more than one senpai to offer varying perspectives and guidance. Kohai are welcome to join as many discussion channels as they wish. All participants are encouraged to post questions, share advice, resources, etc. During May, June and July we host NEXT JET Hanashi-kai where senpai and kohai gather virtually face to face and discuss issues and tackle questions that are top-of-mind.
Group Mentorship
Senpai
This program began in 2024 and we are excited to offer this again. Mentors can choose their level of commitment, but the program works best when we have at least one dedicated senpai leader for each discussion category. Mentors must be willing to utilize Discord as the communication platform and we highly encourage senpai to participate in our virtual, face-to-face NEXT JET Mentorship Hanashi-kai during May, June and July.
We expect all mentors to be ready to share their personal experiences, insight, and wisdom in the spirit of preparing the next cohort of JET participants and set them up for success as they enter their Japanese communities. *We expect all participants to be respectful and honor the privacy of the topics discussed in these groups.
Mentors will participate in an onboarding session with USJETAA and JETAA USA in late April / early May. We expect the most active months of this program to be June, July and the beginning of August. By registering to be a senpai, you are giving permission to add you to our community if you are not a USJETAA member already. Free and supporting membership levels are available. You will begin to receive our newsletter and communications. (Please see our privacy policy here.)
*If you are interested in mentoring the 2025 cohort of departing JETs or assisting with any of our NEXT JET Programs (Virtual Office Hours & JET Info Sessions), please fill out the form below.
Group Mentorship
Kohai
This mentorship program was created specifically for our departing JETs. We welcome all departing US JETs from across the nation, so your discussion groups will reflect senpai (mentors) and kohai (mentees) from near and far.
Kohai should feel welcome to bring their concerns, questions and inquiries to the community with the expectation of receiving valuable and insightful guidance. Senpai will share their own personal experiences and advice to the best of their abilities and which reflect their lived experiences on the JET Program and in Japan. Your senpai may not be able to fully address all of your questions and concerns, but they will do their best because they want you to enjoy and succeed during your time on JET. *We expect all participants to be respectful and honor the privacy of the topics discussed in these groups.
Please fill out the form below to indicate your areas of interest and receive an invitation to the NEXT JET Mentorship Discord space. By joining this program, you give USJETAA permission to add you to our community as a current JET. You will begin to receive our newsletter and communications with resources specifically for current JETs. (Please see our privacy policy here.)