RELEASED: June 26, 2003

DANVILLE, KY—After commencement, new Centre graduates head out into the world. Many go into the workforce, others to graduate school and others seek adventure, discovery and experience elsewhere. Katie Fegley '03 of Lexington, Ky., seeks Japan.

As part of the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) Programme, Fegley will spend a year, starting in August, as an assistant language teacher in Osaka, Japan.

The JET Programme works to develop an understanding and build relationships between the people of other nations and the people of Japan, especially youth. JET participants spend a year in a Japanese classroom or government office to foster ties at the one-on-one level.

"I wasn't ready for grad school and I wanted to do something for a year," said Fegley, who's working on campus this summer with the Governor's Scholars Program. "It's a great opportunity. I can have a 40-hour-a-week job anytime; I can't always do this."

Fegley says that throughout their education, Japanese children have been geared toward exams and are "very shy and hesitant about speaking." Her job will be to assist the language teacher with classwork and to increase the students' confidence with speaking.

The double-major in history and government major says she's a little nervous about going to Japan, where she doesn't know anyone.

"I want to immerse myself in the country and in the people and do a good job."

But this isn't the first time Fegley has been overseas. She spent the spring of her sophomore year in Strasbourg, France. This trip, however, will not be the same. Fegley explained that European traditions, languages and religions are similar to those of the U.S, but that Japanese traditions are much different.

Fegley believes this experience is bound to be a great benefit to her in the future. " Just knowing that I can go somewhere, not know the language or anyone, and be fine. To have this experience, a growing experience, will be great."

Centre has one of the nation's leading foreign-study programs. More than 70 percent of Centre students study abroad during their four years at the college, the sixth-highest percentage in the country.

For more information about the JET Programme, visit www.jetprogramme.org/.

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