Exchange Students

SIEWERT, SOPHIA MAE (Sep. 2024 - Aug. 2025)

1. Why did you decide to come study in Japan and choose Chukyo University?

I'd been wanting to study abroad in Japan the moment I started learning Japanese in High School, and Chukyo University's exchange program provided me with the perfect blend of language studies and cultural immersion. That, and I had some prior knowledge of Japanese culture due to my father's childhood upbringing in Tokyo and working with Japanese companies for several years, so I wanted to experience those things I'd heard about firsthand for myself. I was dedicated to Chukyo the moment I toured it in 2023 (yes, I came to Japan for the first time to tour Chukyo!), and fell in love with the campus environment, Nagoya, and Japan only after a few weeks. I feel studying at the other schools my university offered would not have enough class variety... that, and they were in Tokyo. While Tokyo is a good vacation spot, I didn't think I could see myself studying-- or living there. So, I appreciate Kennesaw State having their partnership with Chukyo University, and am very grateful for being accepted into their program!

I am very happy that I chose a year-long program as well, as one semester was not enough time to truly immerse myself. The time goes by so fast, it won't even feel like it's a year!

2. How do you think you have matured through your studies at Chukyo? Please share your experiences, events, or feelings while studying at Chukyo University.

While living abroad by myself has had its difficulties, I've learned to become fully independent and do things I would never imagine doing alone prior to coming to Chukyo. I rarely go out to restaurants by myself, let alone take whole weekend trips to Osaka and Yokohama by myself, so having done those things is a big feat for me. Of course, my language ability has increased by a lot since staying here, and my confidence in my speaking has definitely increased more. While it took me a bit to get adjusted to the teaching pace of Japanese college classes, I finally found my groove and began to enjoy learning every little bit of Japanese I could. I still make the occasional grammar mistakes and forget to use formal language (敬語）when I need to, but it's a huge improvement from when I started in September. I've also made a ton of friends during my time here, which for me is a huge self improvement due to my usually shy nature back in The United States. It's been easier for me to connect with others here, whether other exchange students, the VOICE members, or other Japanese students. Even communicating a little bit with the campus' Starbucks employees in the mornings makes my speaking confidence all the better. If I could study here longer, I would in a heartbeat-- I'm even considering returning for graduate school here!

3. How do you hope to make use of this experience in the future?

The language experience, cultural immersion, as well as my experiences being able to teach English at the Chukyo University High School I will put to use in my future career in Japan. I aspire to work as a midway translator between English-Speaking and Japanese-Speaking creatives (i.e. Manga, Film, Novels, etc), and everything from friendly conversations, difficult final exams, and even nightly combini trips will be a great experience to look back on when planning for my future. The English teaching experiences and Japanese language classes will most DEFINITELY be put to use in my application to the JET program-- my first stepping stone into my aspired career.

As for the non-academic experiences, like my travels during the Winter Break, participating in the Manga Research Club (漫研会), late nights at karaoke with my friends, and the endless amount of Sanrio and other anime goods I have bought to participate in Oshi-Katsu... I'll carry them with me wherever I go.

4. Finally, please give a message to juniors who are considering studying at Chukyo University in the future.

PLEASE come to Chukyo University! Everyone here is so kind, considerate, and will not hesitate to help you when you struggle-- whether with academics, homesickness, or trying to pay your health insurance. The classes may feel difficult due to the amount of work there is, but the difficulty helps you persevere and improve on your mistakes! There's a nice variety of non-language classes too, so if you're interested in Japanese History, Media Literacy from a Japanese Perspective, Linguistics (English or Japanese), or Global Communication-- this is the university for you! Even if you're just starting to learn Japanese, have been studying Japanese for years, or want the experience for your future career, Chukyo will help you along your journey!

(That, and living in Nagoya helps you really experience Japanese life. Plus, Nagoya specialty food is so good. PLEASE try Miso Katsu, Ogura Toast, and other specialties. Everything tastes delicious!)