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Student Spotlight: Jessica Latherow

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.

Please explore the CLAS Japanese major for more information.