Hi there, Chelle the Hokkaido PA here. Originally an Aussie girl from the beautiful northern Gold Coast, I spent three years as an ALT in rural Hokkaido and have now taken up temporary residence in Sapporo as the Hokkaido PA and CIR. I guessing that most people have at least heard of the PA and know that there is one, but perhaps not so many know what it is that I do or how it benefits them.

 So, just a couple of things. My job is to:

• provide counseling, support, an open ear and complete confidentiality if you are having any kind of issue during your time on the JET Programme
• help mediate between JETs and contracting organizations when communication breaks down
• recommend Hokkadio health services, including JET-preferred dentists, GPs, and women clinics;
• inform JETs of impending JET Programme deadlines, paperwork procedures, as well as notifying participants about issues raised by their office, the prefecture, or CLAIR.;
• provide personal references for those JETs with whom I have had a positive working relationship.

I can also help with good restaurant and shopping recommendations, and have a pretty reasonable knowledge of the most beautiful places in Hokkaido. If I don know the answer to one of your questions, I can almost certainly find out who/where best to ask, so please don hesitate to contact me if there something you e not sure about. Of course, there always everyone good friend Mr. Google, and HAJET listserv (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hokkaidojets) if you’re seeking a little independence.

A couple of things I can’t do are:

• bring about changes to your contact – you are employed by your contracting organization, not by the Hokkaido Government, for whom I work. My office can contact yours when issues arise between you and your CO, or to seek clarification if you feel that a misunderstanding has occurred due to miscommunication, but the Hokkaido Government only acts as a guide, not as an enforcer.
• call in sick for you, unless you are completely without anyway to communicate with your Board of Education (think - hospital-bound and your supervisor won’t answer their phone, or your condition is so severe that you can barely speak English, let alone Japanese). If you have a cold or a headache, check the back of your JET journal for the correct phrase and go for gold – your supervisor will far prefer a phonecall made straight from you;
• get you time off work for any reason other than Doucho-requested business;
• lie to your contracting organization on your behalf.

Most important to keep in mind, though, is that I am here to help when things get a bit rough, and am always happy to take phone calls or e-mails from folk who just want someone to talk things over with.

Truly, truly hope that you have a fantastic time here in the beautiful Hokkaido,

Chelle Alford
Hokkaido Government JET Programme Prefectural Advisor and Coordinator of International Relations
Office of the Governor, International Affairs Division
Hokkaido Government Main Building
Ph. 011 231 4111 (Extension 21 227)
Fax. 011 232 4303
E-mail: alford.michelle@pref.hokkaido.lg.jp