Recent Indiana Wesleyan University graduate Jill Koval spent 10 days in Japan during her final semester as part of an educational exchange program called the Kakehashi Project. Koval— a Political Science Pre-law, Economics, and Honors Humanities triple major— was one of 92 students across the nation to be selected to participate.
The program is coordinated by the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), and supported by funding from the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is an international leadership development program designed to help Japanese American youth understand their participation in a global community and facilitate understanding of international and U.S.-Japan relations as integral to their future endeavors.
During her time in Japan, Koval visited a number of historical and educational sites, experienced traditional and cultural activities, and participated in lectures and workshops. For a portion of the experience, she had the opportunity to stay with a Japanese family in Gunma Prefecture.
“My favorite part of the trip was the homestay portion of the program,” said Koval. “We experienced life of citizens in the rural areas of Japan involving activities such as farming and family traditions, like calligraphy and making traditional Japanese meals.”
According to Koval, the Kakehashi Project enhanced both her academic experience and personal development.
“This is a unique professional development opportunity that many people do not have the privilege to pursue,” said Koval. “Furthermore, the program is designed specifically for Japanese-Americans, of which I am one, to embrace and learn about their cultural identity and their place in a global community promising me a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn more about my history and culture from the source.”
Her professors in the Division of Social Sciences are proud that she took this important step in her educational journey.
“Jill is a hard-working student who takes initiative and looks for opportunities to lead,” said Dr. Jon Conrad, professor of Political Science. “While the accumulation of academic credit is important, it is not the true measure of education. The best students look for valuable educational opportunities, regardless of the ability to accrue credits. Jill exemplifies this richer view of higher education, and the Kakehashi Project is evidence of that.”
Koval graduated from IWU in April 2019. She is now employed as a business analyst at Allison Transmission in Indianapolis.
“IWU prepared me for a successful career by providing opportunities for professional development, networking through professors, and through relevant curriculum and classes,” said Koval. “It also taught me how to choose positions and companies based on my values as a Christian and how to live out those values no matter what professional environment I find myself in.”
For more information on IWU’s Division of Social Sciences, visit www.indwes.edu/undergraduate/division-of-social-sciences/.