Monthly Events
Book Club
The JETAA Portland Book Club meets once each season to discuss works from Japanese authors and books related to Japan and Japanese culture. Recent reads have included The Lake by Banana Yoshimoto, In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki, The Oxford Book of Japanese Short Stories. Meetings take place at Oyatsupan. Join the group for a book and pastries hosted by JETAA PDX.
Who to contact:
Rianna Robertson-LeVay
Annual Events
Iron Chef Competition
In May, JETAA Portland collaborates with Pacific Northwest JETAA from Seattle to host a friendly Iron Chef–style cooking contest and potluck party. Switching between cities every year, we gather together to enjoy eating good food, meeting fun people, and watching the best cooks from each chapter put their spin on the year's secret ingredient.
Time of year: May
Pre-departure Orientation
Every year, JETAA is responsible for arranging a pre-departure orientation for newly selected JETs before they head to Japan. JET alumni, whether they returned one year ago or twenty years ago, all come together to pass on wisdom and advice to the next generation of JETs.
Time of year: July
Sayonara Send-Off
A few weeks before new JETs head out for Japan, we throw a get together to send them off and wish them well on their new adventure. It's a great chance for new JETs and their families to talk to alumni one-on-one, ask any last questions, and learn more about the program and what to expect, as well as for alumni to share about their experiences on the program.
Time of year: July
Teatime in the Park
Join some of your fellow Japan-lovers for in informal get-together in the park! We all meet at Tea Bar to buy drinks and then enjoy a moment outside together while chatting about Japan, reminiscing about past experiences, or just enjoying some good company.
Time of year: Variable
Resume Workshop
Getting a job in Portland now is difficult, especially if you don't know how to translate your JET experiences into your resume. But we've got you covered. In the resume workshop, you will learn how those experience translate, get feedback on your resume, see other people's resumes and learn more about job searching and interviewing.
Time of year: Variable
Bounenkai
Just like in Japan, JETAA Portland holds a Bounenkai (End of the Year) party to close out the year. Alumni and JETAA friends all come together to celebrate the year, enjoy good food and company, and look forward to the next year and the adventures it may bring.
Time of year: December