How to Apply for the Role from an International Education Perspective

The Assistant Director of Japan Programs (ADJP) position at Earlham College is a unique opportunity to build your expertise in international education, engage with cross-cultural pedagogical practices, and make meaningful contributions to fostering global exchange. With duties spanning both Japan and the United States, this role offers the chance to develop leadership skills in program administration, teaching, and cross-border collaboration. Below is advice to help prospective candidates, particularly those with experience or interest in international education, prepare their application and showcase their qualifications effectively.

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1. Understand the Mission

Before applying, familiarize yourself with Earlham College’s values rooted in respect, integrity, peace, simplicity, and community. Highlight in your application how your experiences align with these principles, particularly in fostering intercultural understanding and collaboration. Earlham’s focus on transformative education should resonate with your own career motivations.

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2. Highlight Cross-Cultural Experience

Given the nature of the position, which involves working and living in both the U.S. and Japan, emphasize any prior international or intercultural experience. Examples might include previous study abroad, experience teaching or working with diverse populations, fluency (or proficiency) in Japanese, or roles involving travel. Showcase your ability to adapt to different cultural norms and environments, as well as any experience mentoring or supporting international students or participants.

If you’ve worked in Japan-related programs previously, or have experience with Japanese educational institutions or cultural exchange programs, be sure to include this prominently in your application. Consider discussing how such experiences shaped your understanding of global education frameworks.

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3. Focus on Interdisciplinary Expertise

This position requires teaching two courses in comparative international education and related fields each fall semester. If your academic background includes international education, global studies, comparative cultural studies, Japanese studies, or a relevant field, ensure this is clear in your resume/CV and cover letter. Highlight specific courses you’ve taught or research topics you’ve explored that demonstrate your ability to teach engaging and thoughtful courses.

For those coming from an academic or administrative background without classroom teaching experience-think about transferable skills such as public speaking, mentorship, program planning, or advising that prepare you for teaching roles. If you’ve designed educational curricula in any capacity (e.g., workshops or orientation programs), include that as well.

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4. Demonstrate Program Administration Skills

A substantial portion of the position involves program coordination and administration, both in Richmond, Indiana, and Morioka, Japan. Showcase your experience in administration, logistical planning, or event coordination, particularly in international or intercultural contexts. Highlight your ability to work with various stakeholders, including faculty, students, alumni, and international partners. Specific skills like project management (e.g., managing exchange programs, organizing undergraduate or graduate advising, or coordinating student housing) should be prominently featured.

Experience with software tools like Terra Dotta (used for study abroad application management) is an advantage. If you’re unfamiliar with such platforms, express a willingness to learn and adapt quickly to new technologies.

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5. Address Language and Communication Skills

Since the role involves working in Japan, proficiency in Japanese is highly desirable. If you are fluent or conversational in Japanese, emphasize this skill. Discuss how it has equipped you to communicate effectively in cross-cultural environments and navigate partnerships with institutions in Japan. If you are still learning Japanese, convey your commitment to language acquisition, as it demonstrates your dedication to building robust cultural relations.

It’s also important to emphasize your ability to communicate with diverse audiences-whether students, alumni, officials, or community members-in English and across cultures. Highlight your ability to mediate cultural differences and support language learners.

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6. Make a Connection to Cost of Living Benefits and Housing Provisions

With eastern Indiana offering a cost of living 19% below the U.S. national average and housing in Morioka provided during the Japan residency, consider how these benefits might align with your career goals and quality-of-life preferences. For example, if you are transitioning from a costly major metropolitan area, mention in your application that this significant affordability would allow you to fully immerse yourself in the position’s responsibilities and invest in personal and professional growth.

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7. Stress Mentorship Skills

The role involves mentoring participants of Earlham’s EC-ALT Program and advising students engaged in Japan programs. Draw attention to your ability to guide, support, and inspire individuals who are adapting to new cultural environments. If you’ve worked in similar mentoring capacities (e.g., orientation leader, study abroad coordinator, or academic advisor), provide concrete examples of how you’ve helped others succeed in international or intercultural contexts.

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8. Highlight Professional Development Commitment

Since Earlham encourages participation in state, regional, and national professional organizations, emphasize your interest in contributing to the broader field of international education beyond the immediate role. Mention any memberships, conferences, or workshops you’ve attended relating to cultural exchange, international programming, or education abroad. If you have prior experience presenting at conferences or participating in professional networks, include these as part of your qualifications.

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9. Tailor Your Application Materials Thoughtfully

Craft your cover letter to demonstrate your passion for global education and your ability to thrive in both administrative and teaching capacities. Explicitly address your ability to travel, work in hybrid environments, and balance the complexities of multi-site responsibilities. Attach a CV that highlights relevant cross-cultural, academic, and managerial skills in detail.

When preparing your application:

• Follow Earlham’s Timeline: Apply by the June 30, 2025, priority deadline to demonstrate your strong interest and organizational skills.
• Provide Clear Examples: Use specific anecdotes to showcase how you’ve succeeded in similar roles.
• Prepare for Interviews: Expect to discuss your ability to teach internationally, manage cross-cultural teams, and facilitate programs successfully. Be ready to explain how your experiences make you uniquely suited for work with Earlham’s Japan Programs.

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The Opportunity is Yours

This position calls for someone who is passionate about connecting cultures, shaping global learning experiences, and bridging administrative tasks with teaching responsibilities. Take this as an opportunity to not only advance your career but also contribute meaningfully to international education-an ever-important field in fostering understanding and collaboration among people from diverse backgrounds.

Good luck-and welcome the challenge of inspiring change in a changing world!