GHJ International Launches Alumni Ambassadors Program, Empowered by Former Intern's Vision

Nagasaki, Japan – GHJ International, formerly known as Guy Healy Japan, is proud to announce the launch of its new Alumni Ambassadors Program, an initiative designed to foster continued engagement with its diverse alumni network and recruit future participants. This exciting program was conceptualized and championed by a Fall 2024 intern, Sean Schrader, whose profound experience with GHJ International inspired him to give back to the community that transformed his global perspective.

Sean, a Clearwater, Florida native, has a lifelong dedication to volunteerism and public service. Introduced to community engagement at a young age through his family, he received the President's Volunteer Service Award from the U.S. President for his impactful work as a volunteer English teacher with the YMCA during high school. His academic journey led him to the University of South Florida, where he earned an undergraduate degree in business management while simultaneously serving in the office of now-former U.S. Congressman Charlie Crist, progressing from caseworker to District Office Manager. Sean furthered his education with an accelerated MBA and held the significant role of Campus Governor at USF in St. Petersburg, akin to a Student Body President.

A pivotal moment in Sean's life occurred in the spring of 2023 when he joined the Millennium Fellowship Program's delegation to the United Nations Economic and Social Council Youth Forum. This "life-changing experience" broadened his horizons, revealing a vast world he yearned to explore. This newfound drive for international engagement ultimately led him to discover and apply for the GHJ program.

While a long-term teaching career wasn't his primary goal, Sean recognized the GHJ program as an invaluable opportunity to expand his international experience, leveraging his prior teaching background. He found immense satisfaction in teaching and particularly enjoyed leading a research trip in Munakata, Japan, to observe the community's practices regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

After completing the GHJ International TEFL program, Sean was honored to be selected as a USA Youth Ambassador representing Clearwater, Florida, at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan. He credits his GHJ experience as instrumental in this selection, stating, "Without my experience with GHJ, I don't think I would have been selected for this life-changing experience at the World Expo." Reflecting on his time abroad, he added, "When I return to Florida from Japan in July, I will have spent almost a year away (combined) working in Japan, which has been life changing." Looking ahead, Sean plans to attend law school in the fall of 2026, but hopes to continue engaging in community activities and international experiences before returning to Florida.

When asked about his motivation for pursuing the GHJ International Alumni Ambassadors’ Program, Sean emphasized the program's transformative potential: "I believe the GHJ program has the opportunity to be a life-changing experience for so many people, regardless of their background. It can help start a new career in teaching, provide cultural immersion opportunities in Japan, and allow for real impact to be made in the lives of young students via teaching."

He expressed his enthusiasm for the new program: "With this Ambassador program, I'm excited to help engage previous English Rangers and support them in recruiting new interns. The prospect of bringing cross-cultural awareness into Japan is exciting, and by recruiting talented leaders to serve in this role, it makes this possible. GHJ Ambassadors will be an extra voice of the GHJ Program within their communities, help to provide valuable testimonials to students, and promote awareness of this exciting program.”

Sean's initiative and dedication underscore the profound impact of the GHJ International program and the potential for its alumni to become powerful advocates for cross-cultural understanding and global engagement. The Alumni Ambassadors Program is poised to be a significant asset in attracting future participants who, like Sean, are eager to embark on their own life-changing journeys.

A.S.