Global-side mentoring committee Application & Participation
Q. Will we get to decide which region we go to?
A. This year we will ask your region preference during your online interview session. Being assigned to your first preference is not guaranteed, however, as we need to take into consideration other factors (ex. balance of seminar topics, gender etc.) first and foremost.
Q. What costs will be covered?
A. For information on costs, see 'Costs' under the 'Apply' tab.
Q. Am I allowed to drink, smoke, and/or use drugs?
A. For mentors participating in person, drinking and smoking are not allowed during the period of residency of high school students, but are acceptable during Intro and Outro provided you follow Japanese law and behave responsibly. You must be at least twenty years old and in possession of valid ID to drink or buy alcohol. Cigarettes are available at convenience stores all over Japan. Every cigarette variety and brand is numbered; it helps to remember which number of cigarettes you prefer when buying at the convenience stores! It is strictly prohibited to use, purchase or carry any illicit drugs in Japan.
A. This year we will ask your region preference during your online interview session. Being assigned to your first preference is not guaranteed, however, as we need to take into consideration other factors (ex. balance of seminar topics, gender etc.) first and foremost.
Q. What costs will be covered?
A. For information on costs, see 'Costs' under the 'Apply' tab.
Q. Am I allowed to drink, smoke, and/or use drugs?
A. For mentors participating in person, drinking and smoking are not allowed during the period of residency of high school students, but are acceptable during Intro and Outro provided you follow Japanese law and behave responsibly. You must be at least twenty years old and in possession of valid ID to drink or buy alcohol. Cigarettes are available at convenience stores all over Japan. Every cigarette variety and brand is numbered; it helps to remember which number of cigarettes you prefer when buying at the convenience stores! It is strictly prohibited to use, purchase or carry any illicit drugs in Japan.
Travel & sightseeing
Q.. Will I have time for sightseeing during the program?
A. Some breaks are given in which participants can explore on their own, but the flexibility will differ by regions. Some cultural events and experiences will be included as part of the program, but if you would like to sight-see, it is advisable to do so before or after the program.
Q. Can I arrive late/leave before Outro?
A. By accepting the position of HLAB Global-Side Mentoring Committee, you are expected to stay for the entirety of the program.
A. Some breaks are given in which participants can explore on their own, but the flexibility will differ by regions. Some cultural events and experiences will be included as part of the program, but if you would like to sight-see, it is advisable to do so before or after the program.
Q. Can I arrive late/leave before Outro?
A. By accepting the position of HLAB Global-Side Mentoring Committee, you are expected to stay for the entirety of the program.
High school students
Q. Will the high school students stay overnight or go home? Should I assign homework?
A. Depending on the region, high school students stay either in the same venue as the mentors or one nearby. Regardless of the region, they will have a fairly busy schedule during the summer school, so we discourage assigning homework. Small assignments (ie. “think about _____ before tomorrow’s class”) are acceptable, but otherwise time should be made within the seminar for any work.
Q. Are the high school students in our classes the same as those in our Houses?
A. Although there may be some overlap, these students are not necessarily the same.
Q. Do the high school students speak English?
A. Fluent English is not a requirement to apply to HLAB, and each class will include students at various levels of fluency: ranging from fluent speakers to those having their first experience in an English-speaking environment. Seminars should be made accessible and inclusive to all of these students. Clear, simple speech, close cooperation with your Seminar Partner (SP) and visual aids/activities are all useful tools in breaking the language barrier!
Q. What should I be aware of when communicating with the students?
A. You may notice some high school students are shy at first. Try approaching them first, or asking some friendly questions about what brought them to HLAB, their favourite club activities (etc.) to get a conversation started! Most of them will probably be a little nervous, especially with the expectation to speak English, so try to make them feel confident and supported with patience and consideration - not as if they have to impress you. Small gifts from your home country and laughter go a long way!
A. Depending on the region, high school students stay either in the same venue as the mentors or one nearby. Regardless of the region, they will have a fairly busy schedule during the summer school, so we discourage assigning homework. Small assignments (ie. “think about _____ before tomorrow’s class”) are acceptable, but otherwise time should be made within the seminar for any work.
Q. Are the high school students in our classes the same as those in our Houses?
A. Although there may be some overlap, these students are not necessarily the same.
Q. Do the high school students speak English?
A. Fluent English is not a requirement to apply to HLAB, and each class will include students at various levels of fluency: ranging from fluent speakers to those having their first experience in an English-speaking environment. Seminars should be made accessible and inclusive to all of these students. Clear, simple speech, close cooperation with your Seminar Partner (SP) and visual aids/activities are all useful tools in breaking the language barrier!
Q. What should I be aware of when communicating with the students?
A. You may notice some high school students are shy at first. Try approaching them first, or asking some friendly questions about what brought them to HLAB, their favourite club activities (etc.) to get a conversation started! Most of them will probably be a little nervous, especially with the expectation to speak English, so try to make them feel confident and supported with patience and consideration - not as if they have to impress you. Small gifts from your home country and laughter go a long way!
Seminars & teaching
Q. Are Global-Side mentors meant to teach English language classes?
A. Global-Side mentors are not meant to teach English language, but rather to teach a subject of their choice in English.
Q. Can seminars be co-taught by more than one Global-Side mentor?
A. No. We have a set number of seminars and Global-Side mentors for each location, and to allow for co-taught seminars would not work within the current HLAB structure and funding. However, each Global-Side mentor will be assigned a Japan-Side mentor as their Seminar Partner (SP) work alongside, especially in terms of managing the language barrier.
A. Global-Side mentors are not meant to teach English language, but rather to teach a subject of their choice in English.
Q. Can seminars be co-taught by more than one Global-Side mentor?
A. No. We have a set number of seminars and Global-Side mentors for each location, and to allow for co-taught seminars would not work within the current HLAB structure and funding. However, each Global-Side mentor will be assigned a Japan-Side mentor as their Seminar Partner (SP) work alongside, especially in terms of managing the language barrier.
Climate, Wifi, amenities etc.
Q. What will the weather be like? Will there be air conditioning?
A. It can get hot and humid in Japan during the summer. Most days will be sunny! Only some of the facilities will have air conditioning, but the setting on these may be lower than what you are accustomed to. Make sure to pack appropriate clothes for the heat, and maybe a hand fan! (We will send you region-specific issues on climate after you have been assigned to a location!)
Q. Will there be WiFi where we are staying?
A. There will be a few portable WiFi devices available at each location to be shared amongst mentors for HLAB-specific activities, but these will be limited and to be used only for HLAB-related things. Ideally, prepare and download any materials for your seminar before arriving in Tokyo. As for personal use, we advise renting a portable WiFi device; these can be picked up and dropped off at the airport upon arrival and departure, respectively. Free WiFi in public spaces is uncommon in Japan, especially in rural regions. You are strongly encouraged to bring your personal mobile WiFi router if you want constant access to the internet. It is helpful for you to have good Internet connection during the program, in case you need to adjust your seminar content, communicate with fellow mentors, or navigate the local area.
A. It can get hot and humid in Japan during the summer. Most days will be sunny! Only some of the facilities will have air conditioning, but the setting on these may be lower than what you are accustomed to. Make sure to pack appropriate clothes for the heat, and maybe a hand fan! (We will send you region-specific issues on climate after you have been assigned to a location!)
Q. Will there be WiFi where we are staying?
A. There will be a few portable WiFi devices available at each location to be shared amongst mentors for HLAB-specific activities, but these will be limited and to be used only for HLAB-related things. Ideally, prepare and download any materials for your seminar before arriving in Tokyo. As for personal use, we advise renting a portable WiFi device; these can be picked up and dropped off at the airport upon arrival and departure, respectively. Free WiFi in public spaces is uncommon in Japan, especially in rural regions. You are strongly encouraged to bring your personal mobile WiFi router if you want constant access to the internet. It is helpful for you to have good Internet connection during the program, in case you need to adjust your seminar content, communicate with fellow mentors, or navigate the local area.
