Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA)

What are SEAs?

SEAs are sports professionals whose role is to assist with sports training and the planning of sports related projects. SEAs work for local governments, coaching and promoting internationalization in Japan.

As an SEA you may tasked with:

  • Assisting sports instruction affairs at your Contracting Organization (e.g. cooperating or advising on planning, designing, and implementing sports projects).
  • Assisting sports training of promising local athletes
  • Assisting sports training of employees of your Contracting Organization and local residents
  • Advising and collaborating on sports activities of local private groups or organizations engaging in international exchange
  • Any other duties deemed necessary by your supervisor

The application for our 2024 Volleyball Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA) position has closed. Thank you for your application and the JET Program USA office will be in touch with SEA candidates in the near future.

Call for a Volleyball SEA:

Calling all volleyball coaches! The JET Program is currently seeking a qualified coaches to serve as Sport Exchange Advisors (SEA) in Japan! SEAs live and work in Japan, engaging with Japanese youths to promote cultural exchange through their sport. Japanese language skill is NOT required. All you need is your coaching credentials and your love for the sport!

What are we looking for?

Volleyball is Higashikawa’s town sport. They are inviting coaches to teach and share their expertise on the sport that is important to their community!

Duties and Expectations: Coaching for youth volleyball teams and adult volleyball circles, as well as assisting with junior high school club activities. Working to help players of all ages improve their skills through various coaching methods and practices. Helping to promote international exchange through not only volleyball, but also through classes focused on improving physical strength and wellness.

Language: Proficiency in English or Japanese is preferred.

The application has closed. Our 2025 Sports Exchange Advisor positions will be released in early winter of 2025.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants are required to submit all applicable REQUIRED MATERIALS to the JET Program Office in Washington, D.C. via e-mail, regardless of their intended interview location.

For a more detailed explanation, please make sure to read the 2024 SEA Guidelines.

The deadline to e-mail your application materials is 11:59 PM (HST) September 13th, 2024.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

  2024 JET Program Application (SEA) and SRMC

and prepare your **Criminal History Record Information.

** Criminal History Record: Before the deadline, SEA applicants most apply to receive a copy of their Criminal History Record. While the application and other documents are due on Friday, September 13th, the Criminal History Record must arrive by Thursday, September 26, 2024 to the JET Program USA Office (via email or via postal services). Proof of your Criminal History Record being processed is required by the application deadline, whether in the form of a receipt, screenshot, or forwarded email. 
Statement of Purpose
In a Word document, you must submit an application statement of purpose / essay regarding your motivation for applying to the JET Program. Applicants should take this opportunity to address all of the following:

  • Why you wish to go to Japan as a participant of the JET Program and why you are interested in the position
  • What effect you hope to have on the Japanese community and internationally as a result of your participation in the JET Program.
  • How your experiences, professional skills, and relevant interests will be useful to you as an SEA, and will further the objectives of the JET Program.
  • What you hope to gain, both personally and professionally, from your JET experience if you are selected and how participation will assist you in your future career.

Applicants should take this opportunity not only to explain their motivation for applying, but also to showcase their knowledge of standard conventions for proper American English grammar and spelling.

  • Two pages double-spaced on letter-size paper (8.5×11) with one-inch margins and size 12 font.  The two-page limit is strictly observed.
 Two (2) Letters of Recommendation

  • Letters must be in either English or Japanese
  • Reference letters should be academic or professional
  • One of the letters should be from an individual at a relevant organization who can comment on your coaching experience
  • Letters must be sent directly by letter writers to jetprogram@ws.mofa.go.jp. 
Certification of Graduation (optional)
Certification of Graduation from a university, vocational college, etc.
Coaching Certification (if any)
Any recognized certifications or qualifications of coaching in one’s sport of expertise. If no certification is held, applicant must excel at and have at least 3 years of coaching experience in their sport of expertise.
 Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or completed naturalization papers.

  • Accepted types of proof are limited to: scans of a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization papers.
  • Proof must be issued by a government organization such as a city, county, or state government
2024 Statement of Physician
Applicants are required to obtain a Statement of Physician form under the following circumstances:

  • If you are consulting a physician or other professional on more than one occasion regarding a physical/mental health issue.
  • If you are taking medication to alleviate a condition, illness or injury such that the prescription is re-filled on one or more occasions.
  • If you are undergoing hospitalization (including surgery) to alleviate a condition, illness or injury (not including dental surgery).
  • If you answer yes to questions 1, 2a, 2b, or 3 as found on the Self-Report of Medical Conditions (SRMC) form

Please send all required documents (except for the Criminal History Record) as attachments* in an e-mail to jetprogram@ws.mofa.go.jp no later than 11:59 (HST) September 13th, 2024.

*If the total size of your attached documents exceeds 10MB, please send your documents across multiple emails so that no attachments exceed 10MB.

Please note, if accepted as the 2024 Volleyball SEA participant:

The successful applicant will need to submit a Certificate of Health, following their acceptance, to the Washington, D.C. JET Program USA Office. This document will be shared by the JET Program Office and completed by a physician. Please keep this in mind if selected to interview for the 2024 Volleyball SEA position.

TIMELINE

2024

          August 13th                                        Application Opens

September 13th                                Application Deadline

Mid to Late September                   Announcement of results of first stage of screening process (review of written applications)

                                                                  Second stage of screening process (interviews)

Mid-October                                        Notification of successful participant status and assignment of Contracting Organization for arrivals

Early November                                Pre-Departure Orientation, preparation, etc.

Mid-November                                 Arrival in Japan