Cathy Boyd Says "Sayonara," Jets to Japan to Teach

Contact: Jenni Brockman
Telephone: 804-443-3357 (w); 804-443-2703 (h)
Fax: 804-443-6781

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cathy Boyd Says "Sayonara," Jets to Japan to Teach

Later this month, Cathy Boyd will leave Tappahannock to continue doing something she loves: teaching. Cathy was selected by the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) Program for a one-year Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) position in a medium-size town about a 3 hour subway ride outside Tokyo, Japan, a setting wholly different from the serenity of St. Margaret's School, her high school alma mater and place of residence the past two years where she has also worked.

Begun in 1987, the JET Program is one of Japan's largest-scaled exchange programs conducted by local governments in Japan in cooperation with the Ministries of Foreign, Education, and Home Affairs and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations. The JET Program invites young graduates and professionals to live and work in Japan. The Program's aim is to enhance foreign language education and promote cultural understanding at the grassroots level.
Minimum requirements include that applicants be a U.S. citizen, possess a Bachelor's degree, and be under 35 years old. There is no Japanese language requirement; the age requirement has to do with cultural considerations in Japan. From a Japanese cultural point of view, the older a person is the higher the individual's position at work and in society should be (an ALT may be an assistant of a younger Japanese English teacher, which may present cross-cultural problems if the participant is significantly older than the teacher).

The JET Program is seeking individuals who are cross-culturally sensitive, adaptable to living in a foreign environment, enjoy working with children, are willing to get involved in their Japanese communities, and have a sense of humor.

"I'm excited. I cannot wait to experience living and working in Japan. It's going to be great," comments Boyd. "My heart will always be around here but I'm going with an open mind and strong desire to make the most of this special opportunity to represent the United States abroad."

Cathy is the daughter of Judy and Tom Boyd, Jr. of Tapphannock.