Volunteering at the K.I.A：Kitakyushu International Association

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Volunteering at the K.I.A

At the Kitakyushu International Association we gain the cooperation of local citizens who are interested in becoming involved in various international exchage activities. To promote mutual understanding among people from different cultural backgrounds we have established the International Exchange Volunteer system.

[Volunteer Opportunities]
1 The following volunteer opportunities are available. Please have a look at the Explanations for International Exchange Volunteers for details (in Japanese)
(1) Foreign Language Table Volunteer
(2) Lifestyle Magazine "Himawari" Volunteer
(3) Supporter of Interacvtive International Understanding (a joint program with the Fukuoka International Exchange Foundation)
(4) Administrative Interpreter (The application times will be announced. For the fiscal year 2011 it will be May)
(5) Specialist Consultation Interpreter

Concerning (1) ~ (5)
Some volunteer positions are limited. Please contact the KIA for further information about the application method and what positions are available.

◆For further information (in Japanese) about International Exchange Volunteers, see the following:
⇒ Volunteer Activities at the Kitakyushu International Association.pdf
⇒ International Exchange Volunteer Activities.pdf

(1) Foreign Language Table Volunteer

You introduce culture , traditions and simple conversation from your home country in your mother tounge. The place is either the KIA Lounge or the Kokura Information Office.
[Registration Requirements]
- Foreign residents. Registration is based on your native language.
[In Addition]
- Duration is one hour on a fixed date and time.

The application form can be downloaded here (pdf).

(2) Lifestyle Magazine "Himawari" Volunteer

"Himawari" is a lifestyle magazine for foreign residents that we publish online four times a year (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter). Volunteers write articles, research or help us with the translations (the magazine is published in English, Chinese and Korean).
[Registration Requirements]
- Foreign residents who are able to translate between Japanese and their mother tongue.
- The communication requires E-mail, so internet access is necessary.

The application form can be downloaded here (pdf).

(3) Supporter of Interactive International Understanding (a joint program with the Fukuoka International Exchage Foundation)

Instructors who can contribute to the promotion of international understanding by introducing foreign countries and cultures to elementary schools, junior high schools and citizen centers.
Foreign residents who are willing to introduce different aspects of their culture like cuisine, music, dance and so on can be registered as instructors.
[Registration Requirements]
- Able to speak sufficient Japanese to introduce their culture and interact with students.
- Able to take part in the registration session at the FIEF or the KIA. We will decide about your registration after a trial class.
*Please notice that it may take some time until registration is completed.

The application form can be downloaded here (pdf).

(4) Administrative Interpreter"

I have to go to the ward office, but they don't understand me..." If the communication in Japanese is difficult at ward offices, schools and so on, Administrative Interpreters offer their support to foreign residents.

++Places to which interpreters can be dispatched++
Kitakyushu City Elementary and Junior High Schools, the City Hall, Ward Offices, Health and Welfare centers, Kitakyushu City Welfare Institutions, Child Constitution Offices and so on.

++Content of interpretation++
Offering help with administrative procedures, individual school interviews, school home visits, procedures for admission into welfare facilities and so on.

[Registration Requirements]
- Foreign language skills above average(for example level 1 of the English Language Proficiency Test).
- Ability to take part in training courses throughout the year (around 5 times).

The application form can be downloaded here (pdf).

(5) Specialist Consultation Interpreter

Helps at our free monthly consultation meetings, where foreign people can consult with a lawyer, clinical psychologist or administrative specialist.
[Registration Requirements]
- Experience and expertise in administrative interpreting.

The application form can be downloaded here (pdf).

2 Volunteers receive no remuneration.

3 Requirements for volunteering
(1) Living in or commuting to the Kitakyushu area
(2) Great interest in international exchange and motivation for volunteer work
(3) Ability to take part in training workshops carried out by the KIA

4 For further information about the period of your voluntary activity, please confirm with the "Volunteer Activities at the Kitakyushu International Association" (pdf) provided above.
If you want to continue your volunteer activity after the registrated period, a new application might become necessary.

5 Application method
(1) Please fill in the "Application Form for International Exchange Volunteers" or the "Application form for Supporters of Interactive International Understanding" (depending on the volunteer activity you are applying for) and submit it to the KIA.
(2) The application process is free of charge.

Application Form for International Exchange Volunteers.pdf

Application form for Supporters of Interactive International Understanding.pdf

6 Inquiries & Application
Kitakyushu International Association
805-0062 Kitakyushu City
Yahatahigashi, Hirano 1-1-1 3F
TEL: 093-662-0055 FAX: 093-662-6622
E-mail: kia@kitaq-koryu.jp
*Opening hours: 9:00-17:30 (Closed on Mondays and Year-end/New Year)

Kitakyushu International Association - Kokura Information
801-0001 Kitakyushu City
Kokurakita, Asano 3-8-1 AIM 2F
TEL: 093-551-0055
FAX: 093-551-1289
*Opening hours: 10.00-17:30 (Closed on Sundays, Mondays, Public holidays and Year-end/New Year)

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Volunteering at the K.I.A