Senegal RPCV Randy Rodriguez is a participant in the Japanese Exchange Teaching program



After graduation in 2002, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa for 2½ years. He lived in Ngouye, a small village of 800 in northern Senegal and worked with the local community to promote better health practices. Rodriguez does not speak Japanese but said he is confident that he can learn the language. He grew up playing soccer and said he discovered "it is a universal language around the world."

Senegal RPCV Randy Rodriguez is a participant in the Japanese Exchange Teaching program

Locals to head to Japan for teaching program

Sunday, July 30, 2006

By Tina Soong

Reed Daigle is engaged to a Japanese woman, and now he is looking forward to learning everything he can about her country.

Daigle and fellow New Orleans area resident Randy Rodriguez are among 19 participants in the Japanese Exchange Teaching program who will leave for Japan on August 5. "Even before I met my fiancee, I have been interested in the language and culture of Japan," Daigle said. "Since I will marry a Japanese girl, it is necessary to speak Japanese fluently."

The JET program is sponsored by the government of Japan and administered locally by the consulates of Japan. The program aims to improve foreign language education in Japan and to promote international understanding.

Since it was established in 1987, more than 35,000 university graduates from 50 nations have been invited to participate in the one-year program, which continues to grow in size and scope, said Masaru Sakato, the consul general of Japan in New Orleans.

Participants teach English at secondary schools as assistant language teachers or work in local government offices as coordinators for international relations.

Daigle and Rodriguez will serve as assistant language teachers in Okayama Prefecture and in Oita Prefecture.

[Excerpt]

Rodriguez, son of Herbert and Michelle Rodriguez of Metairie, is a graduate of Archbishop Rummel High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in athletic training from the University of Alabama.

After graduation in 2002, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa for 2½ years. He lived in Ngouye, a small village of 800 in northern Senegal and worked with the local community to promote better health practices.

Rodriguez does not speak Japanese but said he is confident that he can learn the language. He grew up playing soccer and said he discovered "it is a universal language around the world."

"By my participation in JET, I will get the opportunity to share our culture while having the chance to integrate into and fully experience Japanese life," Rodriquez said. "My time in Japan will provide me with a rich experience to share as I hope to continue helping Americans to better understand other cultures."

For further information about JET, please call (504) 529-2101 or by e-mail jet@cgjneworleans.org

. . . . . . .

Members of the Asian/Pacific-American communities in the New Orleans area are invited to e-mail news items to Tina Soong at tsoongtotherim@aol.com.

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