Lilli Hanik, a graduating senior Japanese and International Studies double major, has been selected for the Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) position in the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET). Rachel Friedland, who graduated in December 2021, with a degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and a Japanese minor, has been selected for a Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) position.
The JET program, supported by the Japanese government, offers college graduates an opportunity to work and to represent the United States as cultural ambassadors to Japan. In general, most JET participants work as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and teach English to K-12 school students. Participants who serve as CIRs assist local government offices in international exchange activities at the local level. “Just under 10% of JET participants are CIRs and major duties often include translation/interpretation for government officials, teaching community or school English classes, and international exchange event planning and implementation.” (JET website)
“I am so excited to have been selected as a CIR,” says Hanik. “My family and I have been hosting exchange students from Japan for over 10 years, and I lived in Japan and worked as an intern at an international exchange foundation last year.
“I have always been passionate about learning about other cultures, and it is truly a dream come true to be able to work as a CIR. I am a firm believer that grassroots diplomacy is the best effective way to build bonds between countries, and I cannot wait to share my culture, learn more about Japan, and inspire others to travel and open their hearts and minds to the world.”
“I am very excited to nurture communication and hopefully inspire my students to become active global citizens,” says Friedland. “I am blessed to be able to travel the world and look forward to participating in the next generation of JET ALTs in our journey of international understanding through education.”
Lilli and Rachel will move to Japan in August to start their new adventures.
For more information about the global languages program at Murray State, visit, murraystate.edu/globallanguages.
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