Prefectural Advisors (PAs) are appointed by the prefecture and trained by CLAIR on the workings of the JET Programme. From taxes to mental health referrals to medical bills, PAs can help you with the nitty gritty parts of living abroad. Presently, Ehime has three PAs.
The main role of the PAs is to know the basic ways in which the JET Programme works and making sure JETs are aware of important information. They are also there to help resolve issues that may arise between a JET and their contracting organization. PAs are here in case you can’t talk to your supervisor, or if you are having problems with your contracting organization. PA assistance is confidential. If you are having problems coping at home, at the office, with legal matters, in obtaining sick leave (byokyu) or paid leave (nenkyu), with your tax, or anything, please contact a PA. If the PA can’t help you, they will find someone who can.
The PAs work with the Ehime prefectural government division that is in charge of JET. Together the JET PAs and Japanese PAs plan seminars for JETs and Japanese teachers (like the prefecture-wide Skills Development Conference), as well as disseminate important information and announcements throughout the year. PAs are here to provide support for the Ehime JET community.
Contact
You can contact the PAs by emailing ehimepa@gmail.com.