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Wesley has been awarded the JASSO Scholarship (Japan Student Services Organization) which is a scholarship awarded to international students who are completing an educational exchange program in Japan.
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Wesley is studying abroad in Niigata, Japan at Niigata University for the 2022-23 school year, and is the first SSU student to study at this location! Wesley is able to attend this university through SSU’s Direct Exchange Program which allows students to be able to attend universities all around the world.
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Wesley is a Hutchinson’s Major while also completing his minor in History.
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For students who are interested in studying abroad in the upcoming school year, the deadline to apply to study in Niigata or other international universities through Direct Exchange program is March 30th for the 2023-24 school year!
1. What motivates you to pursue studying abroad?
Wesley: Ever since high school, I’ve wanted to see the world and travel. I’ve only ever been to Canada but it felt very similar to the United States. I wanted to visit a country that has an entirely different culture and history from the United States, to open my eyes and see the world from a different perspective. I chose Japan mainly because of my father; he was stationed in Japan while serving in the Navy, and he told me stories of what Japan was like and how it would be an amazing experience for me.
2. What are a few goals you have for yourself during your time abroad?
Wesley: A few goals I have for myself while studying in Japan are: Learn the Japanese language and learn Katakana/Hiragana (Kanji is a bit too difficult for my level). Meet many new people and make life-long friendships with people from around the world. Try many different dishes, even food that I may not enjoy. Get a job as an English tutor at the university, or work as a TA for an English learning class. I also would love to travel as much as possible during my time in Japan, hopefully, going to Hokkaido, Okinawa, Yamaguchi, and Hiroshima.
3. In what ways do you think studying abroad will influence your life/career in 5 years?
Wesley: At the moment, my goal is to become an English teacher in Japan. So this opportunity of studying in Japan will help me exponentially in the possibility of achieving this dream. I am currently studying Japanese at the university, while also helping English professors in their classrooms working with Japanese students on their English pronunciation and speaking. Studying abroad has been the best decision of my college life so far and I wouldn’t ever say no to the opportunity of traveling abroad anywhere.
4. What do you want to take away most from this experience?
Wesley: Being an American I feel very privileged, but at the same time, I feel like I have missed out on a lot. Moving to another country has opened my eyes to a whole new world. How do the people live, how do they interact with one another, how do they celebrate/mourn, and how do they view other cultures and countries? I have met so many people from all over the world: France, Germany, Taiwan, China, Japan, Nigeria, Ghana, Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Australia, Myanmar, and so many more. These people have taught me so much about the world outside of America and how there is so much to see and take in. I want to bring this knowledge back with me to the States and hopefully share it with friends and family.
5. Lastly, how will this scholarship impact your experience while studying abroad?
Wesley: The scholarship I have recently won will help so much mainly with rent, bills, and food, but also with traveling around Japan during my spring break and summer break. I hope to venture into new prefectures and try many different cuisines. There are so many different festivals and places to see in Japan but without this scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to. I am very thankful for the opportunity provided to me!