The future is about adventure. Without a doubt, people in area studies grab hold of a new language and often immerse themselves in new experiences and foreign lands. Playing with Hire is a site that, much like our own, hopes to showcase resources out there for people who want to confidently explore, travel, and learn while they engage in adventure.

The main page of this blog is divided into three sections: travel, ‘ships (fellowships/scholarships/etc.), and jobs, although these are just three of many tags used in frequent entries and many of these areas overlap. Although Playing with Hire is not specifically for Japanese language speakers, many of the opportunities advertised here are for people interested in Japan or are international programs applicable to Japanese language speakers.

What’s wonderful about Playing with Hire’s resources is the sheer variety and the mix of government-funded and non-government funded possibilities, especially volunteer service organizations. There are chances for artists to work with international culture programs through the U.S. Department of State as well as the opportunities like working with international non-governmental service organizations through Service Civil International. This site really drives home that the possibilities are numerous as they are fascinating.

And while many of us don’t have the time to wade through all of the information and application processes for these sites, Playing with Hire summarizes these programs well- what they are, who they’re for, and related deadlines. Students and scholars in Japanese Studies will find posts on the different Fulbright programs particularly useful.

Playing with Hire’s tagline “Bright ideas for fearless people” sums it up nicely. There is really something for everyone to boldly take control of their future. This site is not to be missed.