25 September 2008

Japanese Embassy Staff Visit IPC

By Moira Blake

IPC staff in discussion with the staff from the Embassy of Japan

On Wednesday 17th September, Mr Suguru Minoya, the Director of the Japan Information & Cultural Centre, and Ms Helen Kono, also from the Centre, visited IPC. Because they have taken up their positions relatively recently, neither had been to IPC before, so their visit was an opportunity arranged by Dianne Beatson for them to meet with her, with some of IPC's Japanese Lecturers and with Peter Butler (Recruitment). The primary reason for their visit to Palmerston North was to give a lunchtime seminar (at Massey University) promoting the Jet Programme to tertiary students. This is a Youth Exchange programme between Japan and a number of other countries including New Zealand. IPC graduates have regularly been among those accepted onto the Jet Programme and a number of current IPC students attended the seminar.

Mr Suguru Minoya and Ms Helen Kono from the Japan Information and Cultural Centre (of the Embassy of Japan)

During the visit Mr Minoya and Ms Kato were able to answer questions and clarify some important points about the Jet programme. Mr Minoya made it clear that amongst the selection criteria an interest in Japan and Japanese culture was very important, as also were an applicant's academic record, personality, and health. He also explained that the age limit of 40 was necessary as the successful applicants would normally be working with young Japanese teachers. Only New Zealand citizens can apply in New Zealand, but other IPC students can apply through the Japanese Embassies in their home countries. Applicants for the CIR (Co-ordinator of International Relations) positions can also be considered for the ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) positions without making a separate application.

Ms Helen Kono spoke about visas, which are now for three years, about the Jet Alumni Association, which is quite active in New Zealand, and about the conference that is held at the end of each Jet Programme year. This conference includes recruitment agencies from both Japan and participants' home countries, thus providing links to further employment opportunities.

The visit concluded with informal conversation - in English and Japanese - over coffee and cake.

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