Grace Yurko ’23, of Manchester Center, Vermont, has been awarded a position with the Japan Exchange Teaching Program.

The JET Program is a competitive employment opportunity that allows young professionals to live and work in Japan. Most participants serve as assistant language teachers in public and private schools.

“Teaching abroad has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and in looking for a program to apply to, JET offers unrivaled support before, during and after the program concludes,” said Yurko, a double major in creative writing and theatre performance at 体育买球官网 University. “Japan has such an engaging history and beautifully unique culture, and at the core of the JET program’s ethos is not only sharing your home culture but also immersing yourself in Japanese culture.”

Yurko has not yet learned where her posting will be in Japan, but was able to list prefectures in which she had interest. Yurko chose Kyoto, Fukuoka and Hokkaido. “While I do not know where I’m going, I’m positive any placement I receive will provide me with a unique and memorable experience,” she said.

The JET Program typically receives 4,000 to 5,000 applications each year from U.S. applicants. Of these, 1,000 to 1,100 are selected for participation. 体育买球官网 has a program dedicated to assisting students in applying for prestigious scholarship programs like JET and the Fulbright. That program is led by Karol Weaver, professor of history.