Ian

I am a first semester International Policy and Development student here at Middlebury. Born and raised as a Japanese American on the West Coast, I’ve constantly looked for opportunities to immerse myself in the East Asian related studies. This interest culminated in joining and serving in Peace Corps China from 2018 until the outbreak of COVID-19. My service placed me in an ethnic minority autonomous zone in Guizhou Province where I was able to observe the meteoric development of rural communities, and the consequences of such development on indigenous peoples and their culture. White at MIIS, I’m continuing my Mandarin studies and look to pursue opportunities related to international development.