Morris earns prestigious JET position
May 24, 2016
Sarah Morris '16 has been selected for a prestigious Japanese Education and Teaching position (JET). The JET Program is an initiative sponsored by the Japanese government to promote internationalization at the grassroots level by bringing young, college-educated individuals to work in communities throughout Japan. The program is similar to a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship, but the Japanese government relies instead on JET for a teaching and ambassadorial exchange.
Morris, who is from Salem, submitted a written application, and later was named a semi-finalist and traveled to Washington, D.C. for an interview at the Japanese Embassy.
"I first heard about the program in middle school, but I seriously began to consider applying after some friends from my study abroad went through the program," Morris said. "When I went to Japan for a year to study abroad I had the opportunity to volunteer with various local high schools teaching English to middle and high school students. I also had a weekend job at a local English conversation school working with three and four year old children. It was through these experiences that I fell in love with the idea of the JET program."
Morris will work full-time for a year as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in the public school system. She has been assigned a position as a municipal JET in Nomi City in the Ishikawa prefecture on the west coast of Japan, probably teaching elementary and/or junior high school. With the JET Program, participants gain valuable work experience abroad and explore a rich and historical culture.
When I went to Japan for a year to study abroad I had the opportunity to volunteer with various local high schools teaching English to middle and high school students. ... It was through these experiences that I fell in love with the idea of the JET program.
Sarah Morris '16
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Japan and work, continuing my learning of the Japanese language and culture," Morris said. "The best aspect of the JET program is the prospect it gives new graduates to gain real world experience before settling into a career."
Morris graduated cum laude in May with a bachelor of arts and a major in international relations. Morris also was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.