We are thrilled to announce that four students from the Japanese Program at The George Washington University (GW)—Nicholas Bird, Dusty Rogers, Ethan Albert, and Alison Sherwood (pictured from left to right)—have been accepted into the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program.
All four students will depart this summer to begin their placements across Japan. Alison, Dusty, and Ethan will serve as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), supporting English language education in elementary, middle, or high schools. Meanwhile, Nicholas will leverage his advanced Japanese proficiency to work as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR), engaging in international exchange activities at the local government level.
Each student began studying Japanese after enrolling at GW and, through the program, developed strong language proficiency and a deep understanding of different cultures. Some gained experience studying abroad in Japan during their time at GW, while others achieved this milestone without overseas study, reflecting the diverse paths students can take to succeed.
For Nicholas Bird (ESIA; International Affairs, Japanese ‘26), the JET Program offers the opportunity to participate in local-level international diplomacy and build connections: “I hope to use the language skills I have developed to share my own culture and experiences, but more than that, I hope to encourage others in Japan to do the same.”
Alison Sherwood (CCAS; MS in Human Paleobiology, ‘25) shares a similar enthusiasm: “The JET Program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse into a new culture and language while also being an ambassador to my home community abroad!”
Meanwhile, Dusty Rogers (CCAS; Data Science, Japanese, ‘26) views this acceptance as the fulfillment of a long-held ambition: “Ever since I was a small child, it’s been my dream to teach English in Japan. I started studying Japanese four years ago with that goal in mind. Now with the JET program, I am finally able to make that dream a reality!”
Ethan Albert (ESIA; Asia Studies, Religion, ‘26) is also eager to begin his journey, recalling a long-standing connection to Japanese culture: “I can’t wait to start and ship out! I’ve known about JET since I first went to the Philly Obon festival back in I think 2012? And now instead of Japan coming to Philly/Camden, I get to bring Philly and Camden to Japan in this flat-out awesome experience.”
The JET Program is one of the largest international exchange initiatives in the world. It brings young people from abroad to Japan to work in local governments and educational institutions, aiming to promote internationalization and mutual understanding at the community level. While it is widely regarded as an attractive opportunity for those who aspire to live and work in Japan, it is also highly competitive. Against this backdrop, these four students have worked diligently toward their goal of building a future in Japan and the United States. Their acceptance represents not only the culmination of their sustained efforts but also the realization of a long-held dream.
In preparation for the application process, faculty members in the Japanese Program worked closely together to support students, providing mock interviews and individualized guidance. Dr. Kaori Iwai, Teaching Assistant Professor in the Japanese Language at CCAS, reflected on the experience: “Rather than simply practicing how to answer questions, the process became an opportunity for each student to reflect on their own journey and future aspirations. Being part of that process was a meaningful, memorable, and rewarding experience for me.”
The Japanese Program at GW emphasizes not only language proficiency, but also the development of critical thinking and intercultural communication skills essential for today’s global society. This year’s success reflects the strength of that educational approach. Many alumni of the program have gone on to participate in JET and have built successful careers in both Japan and the United States. We look forward to seeing the impact these four students will make as they begin the next chapter of their journey in Japan.