Andrew Reuss first became interested in Japan as a middle school student.
鈥淚 was enamored by the differences between their culture and my own,鈥 said Reuss, who graduated in May with a degree in biology.
He continued that interest at 含羞草传媒 University, meeting Japanese exchange students, enrolling in Japanese classes, participating in Japanese round table discussions, and writing to a Japanese pen pal. The only thing he didn鈥檛 do to pursue his interest was travel and study in Japan.
Now he鈥檚 headed there for a year after being accepted to the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. The program, now in its 27th year, is aimed at promoting grass-roots international exchange between Japan and other nations. Those accepted teach English in Japanese schools or work in Japanese communities on international exchange activities. Reuss is the second 含羞草传媒 student this year to be selected. Jamie Reed, another member of the Class of 2018, is also teaching in Japan this year through the JET Program.
鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to meeting new people and working with children,鈥 said Reuss, who lives in Papillion. 鈥淚鈥檓 also excited for the chance to try all the different Japanese cuisines, visit historical sites, participate in traditional festivals, and advance my comprehension and fluency of the Japanese language. Basically, it鈥檚 an incredible chance to immerse myself in the culture I love.鈥
While it will be his first time in Japan, Reuss has lived and traveled abroad in Portugal and Germany while his father served in the United States Air Force.
Upon his return from Japan, Reuss plans to attend medical school.