Applying for the Assistant Director of Japan Programs (ADJP): International Education Advice

The Assistant Director of Japan Programs (ADJP) role is an exceptional opportunity for professionals interested in combining program administration, teaching, and cross-cultural engagement within the context of U.S.-Japan relations. If you are passionate about international education, language exchange, and creating transformative global learning experiences, this position could be ideal for you. Here are some tailored suggestions to help you stand out as an applicant from an international education perspective:

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Understand the Position’s Scope

The ADJP position demands flexibility, cultural insight, and the ability to operate effectively across two distinct contexts: Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, and Morioka, Japan. Review the job description carefully to understand its hybrid nature, including travel responsibilities, program leadership, and teaching obligations. Successful candidates will demonstrate experience and interest in working across cultural boundaries and adapting to diverse environments.

Key areas to highlight:

• Experience managing international education or exchange programs.
• Background teaching or mentoring in intercultural settings.
• Flexibility in transitioning between administrative and academic roles.
• An interest or academic background in Japanese culture, education, or language.

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Craft Your Application Materials

When applying, make sure your resume, cover letter, and supplemental materials emphasize the following international education competencies:

• Program Administration Skills: Highlight your expertise in planning orientations, managing logistics for study-abroad programs, handling evaluations, and working with digital management systems such as Terra Dotta.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Demonstrate your ability to engage with diverse student populations, faculty, and institutional partners in both the U.S. and Japan. Share examples of how you have mediated cultural differences or facilitated meaningful cross-cultural exchanges.
• Teaching Excellence: If you have prior experience teaching or developing curriculum, tailor your application to focus on courses you’ve designed that relate to international education, global studies, or Japanese culture.
• Adaptability: Include examples of your flexibility in managing complex schedules or operating in bilingual or multicultural environments. Emphasize your ability to travel, live abroad, and work with diverse stakeholders.

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Take Advantage of the Priority Deadline

While the position is open until filled, applicants who apply by June 30, 2025, will receive priority consideration. To strengthen your candidacy, submit all required materials well ahead of this date, allowing yourself time to perfect your application. Late applications may still be considered but could face a more competitive environment.

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International Applicants – Showcase Your Global Perspective

If you are applying from outside the U.S. or have substantial overseas experience, use this as your advantage:

• For applicants with ties to Japan: If you have lived, worked, or studied in Japan, emphasize specific cultural competencies, networks, and linguistic abilities that make you uniquely suited for this role.
• For international educators: Share how your global experiences have shaped your approach to collaboration, program-building, and supporting students from diverse backgrounds. Highlight multilingual abilities or intercultural training programs you’ve led.
• Visa Logistics: While this position description doesn’t specify sponsorship for international applicants, international candidates should research and address any eligibility requirements upfront to demonstrate your preparedness.

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Consider Earlham’s Mission and Values

Earlham College is deeply rooted in Quaker principles, emphasizing respect, integrity, peace, simplicity, and community. Draw connections between these values and your own personal or professional philosophy. For instance:

• Discuss how you’ve fostered inclusive learning environments or created opportunities for underrepresented communities.
• Highlight how your leadership style prioritizes collaboration and community-building.

Tailoring your application to these guiding principles will show your commitment to the college’s mission and overall ethos.

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Strengthen Your Japan-Specific Credentials

Given the ADJP’s strong focus on Japan programs, showcase your knowledge of the Japanese education system and cultural context. Highlight skills like:

• Basic or advanced proficiency in Japanese language (if applicable).
• Familiarity with Japan’s approach to language teaching, particularly English instruction.
• Experience coordinating programs with Japanese organizations or institutions.

If possible, offer to elaborate on your intercultural experiences during the interview process.

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Dive Into Professional Development

The ADJP role explicitly encourages engaging in professional development activities. Applicants with memberships in international education organizations (such as NAFSA, AIEA, or JALT) or active participation in workshops and conferences will have a competitive edge. Highlight ongoing efforts to improve your teaching or administrative practices within global education contexts.

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Housing and Cost of Living

For applicants living in big cities or globally expensive regions, this position is uniquely attractive. The Eastern Indiana cost of living is 19% below the national average, offering affordable housing and lifestyle benefits. Additionally, housing is provided in Morioka, Japan during the fall semester residency. This alleviates a significant logistical burden and makes the transition smoother for educators not currently living in Japan. Be sure to mention your ability to relocate for both Indiana and Japan-based responsibilities.

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Closing Thoughts

This position at Earlham College offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on students and deepen U.S.-Japan educational collaboration. Craft your application to demonstrate your passion for international education, cultural exchange, and leadership in both administrative and academic settings. Highlight your ability to navigate bicultural contexts, your teaching experience, and your organizational skills.

Don’t hesitate to share anecdotes that bring your experience to life-whether that’s managing students’ overseas transitions or solving cross-cultural challenges during program administration. Earlham’s legacy of community and collaboration offers the perfect opportunity for educators committed to being catalysts for positive global change.

Apply promptly, and good luck!