KINGSTON, R.I. – Matthew Rice was born and raised in Coventry, Rhode Island, but has always had a calling for the Japanese language. From childhood ju jit zu lessons, to stories from his father who trained as a U.S. Marine in Okinawa, to developing an interest in J-Pop and anime in his formative years; this next step in his career only feels natural. 

Rice will leave Rhode Island for Shizouka, Japan later this July to embark on his first experience teaching English via the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) which only accepts about 1,000 applicants annually. The program runs for at least a year with the option to recontract up to five years in the position. Rice plans to complete all five years and to experience the program to the fullest extent. 

He began studying GLAS Japanese  formally in his sophomore year at URI after an undecided freshman year. The initial Japanese 101 class immediately transformed his college experience. 

“I was so eager to learn more in that class. I was so motivated; I found myself studying outside of class, speaking Japanese with my peers, and I loved the community-based environment that the Japanese Department provides for its students,” said Rice. 

In his time as a Japanese student within the College of Arts and Sciences, Rice–a self-described introvert– found himself coming out of his shell. He began tutoring groups of freshman students in the language, volunteering at events and engaging with the Japanese community in Rhode Island, and attending department events where students are encouraged to exclusively speak in Japanese to one another. 

“When I first taught Matthew, he was a diligent, passionate student, but not necessarily the loudest voice in my classroom. Over time, Matthew gained more confidence in his Japanese language proficiency, and his attitude toward learning shifted,” said Nahoko Collis, associate professor of Japanese. “With the same spirit, Matthew has also enthusiastically supported first-year URI students as a peer tutor by building rapport, listening closely to their needs, and sharing his learning strategies. I cannot wait to hear about his new chapter in Japan.”

The JET program felt inevitable the moment Rice learned about it from an information session early on in his studies. After a lengthy application process and working closely with Hae Ree Jun, assistant professor Japanese, he was notified that he had been accepted into the program this past April with a placement in Shizaoka, Japan. Rice sees this as an opportunity to immerse himself in a culture he admires and respects, travel the country, try new foods, and to grow as an individual with goals of eventually becoming a Japanese language professor. 

“I instantly knew it was something I wanted to work toward. I told my parents right away about what I wanted to do, and with their support, I’m here today making my packing list, getting ready to go!” said Rice.