Japanese Studies Alums’ Stories

   Julia Nguyen (Class of 2025)

I minored in Japanese Studies while majoring in Computer Science at UF. The introductory courses I took during my first few years fostered my passion and interest in Japanese language and culture.
Before graduating in 2023, thanks to the encouragement of my professors and mentors, I passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test for N2. I participated in the Boston Career Forum, where I landed a job in Japan for software development. I worked at a IT consulting company as a new graduate hire for one year before transitioning to the fintech startup I work at today as of writing this! I use Japanese daily for communication with colleagues, writing documentation for software, and creating proposals for clients. Technical discussion in Japanese has been challenging, but without the foundation I established studying at UF, I would have never had the opportunity to get this far. The language skills and knowledge of the culture I gained are instrumental to the engaging and rich life I have here in Japan today. I am extremely grateful for all of the support I received from the faculty at the Japanese department during my journey every step of the way! (Received July 31, 2025)

   Naomi Dawkins (Class of 2024)

I graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. in Japanese Foreign Language and Literatures (FLL) with a Critical Concentration in Japanese in 2024. During my time in the program, I participated in the UF in Japan study abroad program and was also involved in the UF International Center (UFIC) International Scholar Program. Currently, I am pursuing my M.A. in Mass Communications at the University of Florida, with a concentration in Global Strategic Communications.
I now work full-time as a travel advisor, utilizing my degree to serve as a cultural and relational bridge, educating and enhancing clients and suppliers to communicate effectively and engage more fully in the international travel and hospitality industries. I am also the founder of Rosevine Travel & Consulting LLC, a travel consultancy business specializing in corporate travel management, luxury travel, and group travel, with a focus on Japan and other international destinations.
My degree from UF in Japanese has allowed me to develop a unique background in Japanese language, literature, history, and culture, allowing me to curate culturally informed itineraries and trips for clients, as well as utilize Japanese language and understanding of culture to communicate and build relations with Japanese-based suppliers and partners effectively. (Received July 31, 2025)

   Rose Jacques (Class of 2022)

I studied Japanese for three years at UF, interned with DHS, and spent a semester abroad at Kansai Gaidai University through one of UF’s exchange programs. I graduated from UF in December 2022 with a degree in International Studies (Japan focus) and a second degree in Japanese Language Studies. After graduating, I briefly worked at Florida Atlantic University as a Designated School Officer in the International Student Services department, where I supported international students pursuing their master’s degrees. Soon after, I was offered a position as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) in Japan through the JET Program. In this role, I work as a program manager and event planner, creating English language learning opportunities for students across Akita Prefecture. I am now in my third year on the JET Program and preparing to return to graduate school. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring Japan and Asia, trying new hobbies, and learning new languages.
I can confidently say that the dedicated teaching I received at UF was instrumental in shaping my path. UF’s Japanese classes and extracurricular opportunities helped me become both a stronger learner and a more confident Japanese speaker. The teachers were deeply dedicated and always encouraged me to keep moving forward, even when the material was difficult. Learning Japanese from zero at UF gave me a strong foundation, and even now, that foundation continues to support the passions and goals I have pursued. (Received August 22, 2025)

   Catherine Lambert (Class of 2020)

I graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. in Japanese Foreign Languages and Literatures (FLL) in 2020. While at UF, I participated in a study abroad program for a semester at Kansai Gaidai in Japan as well as the UF International Center’s International Scholar Program. I also got the opportunity to interact with UF’s international community as a Language Assistant at UF’s English Language Institute.
After graduating, I passed the N2 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency and started a position through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program as Coordinator for International Relations at a city hall in Kagoshima, Japan. At this job, I organized events and cultural activities in Japanese for the local community. The language skills and cultural knowledge I gained during my time at UF proved to be invaluable while navigating my Japanese work place and enabled me to have an unforgettable experience. (Received August 22, 2025)

   Jessica Latherow (Class of 2015)

I studied Japanese for 2.5 years at UF, where I passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N3) and my last year at UF I studied abroad at Aoyama Gakuin University. After graduating in 2015, I stayed in Japan to work 2 years at an eikaiwa (English language conversation school) and a year in Tokyo at a private school. I am currently finishing my master’s in TESOL and will be a licensed homeroom teacher for the private junior high school in Shizuoka Prefecture. I will work not only as a teacher, but facilitate relations between my school and the city through English and Japanese. As many students wish to try homestay and study abroad, I will also operate in a school relations capacity. I also work as a freelance translator for several manga translation companies as well as several newspapers. I have my own website and take private commissions as well. I’ve also picked up various projects, such as writing Eiken tests, and have become a Cambridge speaking examiner for various levels in Japan. The UF Japanese department prepared me for this path by providing me with challenging, yet unforgettable courses. I use business Japanese daily and have achieved a high level of translation skills thanks to these wonderful classes and professors. (Received February 20, 2018)

   Neill Peterson (Class of 2013)

I graduated from the University of Florida’s East Asian Languages & Literatures – Japanese Program in 2013 after joining the program as a transfer student from the University of Central Florida in my junior year of college. Upon graduating, I worked in the Aomori Prefectural Education Center helping to create the English questions for the prefectural high school entrance exams for a year on the JET Program before moving to Tokyo in 2014. I am currently a marketing strategist at Nikko Asset Management, working closely with both our global offices and our local offices to put on advertising campaigns for our funds, events, and brand. Outside of work, I am also a part of Tokyo’s up-and-coming body building scene. As the majority of my work is done in Japanese, UF’s Japanese language classes and classes on the culture were critical to my having an easy transition into the professional, no-nonsense business world of Tokyo. My classes afforded me a foundational understanding that has been continually built on year after year, and I am extremely grateful for the program which I feel adequately prepared me. (Received February 2018)

   Anastasia Letcher (Class of 2010)

I graduated from the University of Florida’s East Asian Languages and Literatures –Japanese Program in 2010. Following graduate school where I studied education, I joined the JET program for three and a half years utilizing both my degrees as I assisted in English instruction at the elementary and junior high levels. During this time, I was able to improve my workplace Japanese as well as gain a greater understanding of Japanese workplace culture. I ended my tenure with the JET program to accept a fulltime teaching position at a public secondary school in Gunma Prefecture. My duties are identical to those of my Japanese coworkers including homeroom responsibilities and club activity coaching and supervision. I can say with confidence that I would not have had the freedom or confidence to choose my current career if it had not been for the Japanese program at UF. The focus and attention to conversation and spoken fluency coupled with ample opportunities both in and out of class to apply these skills has enabled me to hold my own in a Japanese workplace where English cannot be relied upon. As an educator myself, I find the personalized attention and devotion of UF`s Japanese language instructors has remained with me over the years as something that makes the program not only effective but incredibly enjoyable. (Received February 2018)

   Denton Clark (Class of 2009)

I graduated from the University of Florida’s East Asian Languages & Literatures – Japanese Program in 2009. After that, I joined the JET Program, where I facilitated communication between non-Japanese speakers and the local board of education in a small city in Saitama Prefecture, while also teaching English at five elementary schools, one junior high school, and a preschool. I was able to refine my Japanese language ability during this time, and now I work as a translator at a general trading company in Tokyo called Sojitz Corporation. It is no exaggeration to say that my education at UF laid the groundwork for a career in Japan. Without the analytical understanding of language afforded by my Japanese classes, the opportunity to practice using Japanese with native speakers studying at UF, and the cultural understanding of not only Japan, but greater Asia which the program provides, I would never have achieved my long-held dream of working in translation. (Received February 2018)

   Allison Miller (Class of 2008)

I graduated from the University of Florida’s East Asian Languages & Literatures Japanese Program in 2008 – nearly 10 years ago. When I chose the EALL – Japanese major, I got not only a well-rounded knowledge of Japanese language and culture, but also life-changing experiences that I otherwise may not have had the opportunity to pursue. During my time at the University of Florida, I was fortunate enough to have the chance to participate in several summer internships – including one with the Department of State in Osaka, Japan. Using the solid Japanese language and critical thinking skills that I gained from my classes and knowledgeable professors at the University of Florida, I was able to reach out and communicate with people in Japan on a personal level. The experience I gained from that opportunity led me to later pursue a career in the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer. Although I studied Japanese, my career path has taken me around the globe – first as an intern in Japan, then to the Philippines, and now to Johannesburg, South Africa, where I serve as a vice-consul. In addition to a solid foundation of Japanese language skills, I have found that my time in the University of Florida’s East Asian Languages & Literatures Japanese Program has also afforded me valuable skills, connections, and friendships which continue to this day. (Received March 2018)