Harry studied on the BA in Japanese Studies (with Year Abroad) and graduated in 2023. He is now Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) on the JET Programme.
A stand-out for me was Science and Technology in Modern Japan: A Cultural History. I think it's a really unique and relevant way to approach Japanese history, with topics including public health and environmental policy, offering new perspectives that encourage students to approach their studies critically as they work toward the Target Language Research Project (TLRP) and dissertation.
I took part in the Maple Program at Osaka University, Center for Japanese Language and Culture. It is an intensive program for exchange students with a range of options on Japanese language and culture. A particular highlight was being able to study classical language and literature!
I was accepted onto the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR). The CIR position is highly competitive, requiring advanced Japanese language ability as CIRs are placed in Japanese local government and have to work in Japanese. Just over a month after I graduated from Durham, I was back on a plane to Japan, where I have been translating from Japanese into English and interpreting for high-profile guests, including the Governor of Michigan. I have also been working on school visits throughout the prefecture, where I present in Japanese on British culture and society to promote intercultural exchange for elementary, junior high and senior high school students.
Find out more about other alumni of Durham University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures, our courses and employability.
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/departments-/modern-languages-amp-cultures-school-of/83288-2-1996X751.jpg)