Become a Senpai for the 2026 NEXT JET Cohort!
We’re excited to bring back the NEXT JET Group Mentorship Program for 2026, in partnership with JETAA USA and with funding support through the Japan-US Friendship Commission. We are proud to create this space for departing JETs to connect with both current JETs and JET alumni in a more direct, supportive way.
Getting ready to move to Japan can feel like a lot. There’s the logistics, the packing, and so many unknowns! NEXT JET makes the transition feel a little less overwhelming for departing JETs by connecting them with people who have already been through it- our JETs and alumni!
If you have a little extra time to pay it forward between May and July, we'd love to have you join us as a senpai (mentor). Mentors engage with kohai (mentees) through Discord and Hanashi-kai sessions via Zoom, which are casual, small-group conversations. These tend to be some of the most meaningful touchpoints, where questions come up naturally and conversations feel more personal.
What participation looks like:
Joining an hour-long mentor onboarding session scheduled for the evening of May 6, 2026 (we can send a recording if needed)
Dropping into virtual Hanashi-kai sessions (every two weeks via Zoom, mid-May through mid-July)
Checking in on Discord and responding to questions in your own time
Sharing advice, personal stories, or even just reassurance when it’s needed
There’s flexibility in how you participate, and even small contributions can go a long way for someone preparing to leave.
You don’t need to have all the answers to be a great mentor. What matters most is being willing to share your experience, offer your perspective, and help create a space where new JETs feel comfortable asking questions and getting a clearer sense of what to expect.
The deadline to submit your interest is May 4. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy being part of, sign up!
