Fellowship Opportunity in Sakaide, Japan
The City of Sausalito has a Sister City in Japan on Shikoku Island in the Kagawa Prefecture called Sakaide. The Cities of Sausalito and Sakaide have had an ongoing student exchange program for the past 28 years. This year Sausalito has been invited by the Sakaide International Association to send a program alumni or a young adult interested in Japanese to teach English and American culture to their adult citizens, elementary and middle school students for three months.
If you are interested in applying for this opportunity and qualify (see Prerequisites for Candidates below) phone or email Keith Schellin at (415) 755-3347 or kasinsausalito@icloud.com to get an application form.
Chiyoko Wong, 2016 Sakaide Fellow from Marin County
This summer I went to Sakaide to be the first fellow teacher representing Sausalito. The first half of the program had me going to different public schools, kindergarten, elementary and junior high, and visiting classes for about an hour. I would teach them a little about Sausalito and a little bit of English. After this I taught classes and workshops for the community, including different levels of adult English, a children’s class, cooking and craft classes and story time at the library. It was fun to be able to teach English to a lot of different people and see how they are used to learning. Those who were in charge of the program were very helpful, kind and patient and I enjoyed working with them very much. I was very comfortable in my apartment, they provided a bicycle for transportation (or gave me rides when it was raining or too far) and it was was easy to pick up easy or ready-made meals. I got to go on fun outings like kayaking or shopping on some weekends and got to meet a lot of people and practice my Japanese. I even had a little time to take a bullet train to Fukuoka to visit some friends. This was a really fun experience and I think the program could be developed and made into another great tradition for our cities to share.
Prerequisites for Candidates
Must be attending university/college as an undergraduate or graduate or a student who has completed a degree at the bachelor or masters level. This includes education pursued at both community colleges and other such institutions. Can include a student in the midst of a degree change or taking a gap year.
- Ages 20-29 years
- Some knowledge of Japanese culture and language required; preferred but not required is 1+ years of Japanese language
- No criminal record
- In good physical condition and able to ride a bicycle for transportation
- Excellent English communication skills, both verbal and written
- Tutoring or teaching experience preferable
- Good with children (ages 4-6 years and 10-14 years) and ability to communicate through singing, games, and other appropriate methods so as to engage students and maintain their attention
- Ability to teach adults
- Have the following characteristics: Motivated, flexible & outgoing, creative in teaching and communication
- Experience with the Sakaide / Sausalito Sister City program is preferable but not required
All living expenses (apartment, food, internet, TV, transportation, short-term medical and dental expenses) are provided. There is also a small monthly stipend.
This is a 3 month opportunity to take place this summer 2016 (i.e. end of May thru August / exact dates to be determined by applicant’s schedule). Candidate will cover pocket money and travel/medical insurance costs
This is the first year of a pilot program for both Cities and the selected candidate will be required to participate in an evaluation process after the experience, do presentations and a blog. A more detailed description of the work involved will be given to candidates once their application is received.
Application is to be submitted to: Keith Schellin
Via E-mail at: kasinjpn@icloud.com
OR Via US Mail to: 3001 Bridgeway Suite 369 Sausalito, CA 94965