Jay's Studies in Osaka, Japan

jeranda dennis Start Date: Jun 23, 2016 - End Date: Dec 22, 2016
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
  • Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

My Travel Story

by: jeranda dennis Start Date: Jun 23, 2016 - End Date: Dec 22, 2016
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
Konnichiwa mina (Hello everyone)! My name is Jeranda Dennis, and I am a 21 year old senior at the University of Texas at Tyler. I am an English major with a minor in International Studies, and I will graduate in the fall of 2017 with my Bachelor's degree. 

My Career goal is to be an English language teacher for Elementary students, and a conversational English teacher for Adults in Japan. I also have amibtions to become a television, fashion, music, and pop culture reporter. 

I mentioned above, that my minor is International Studies and as a requirement to complete my degree I must complete a full semester or a year of studying abroad, I will be studying in Nishinomiya, located between Osaka/Kobe, for a semester in the spring of 2017.  The university I will be attending is called Kwansei Gakuin University, and I will be a part of the School of International Studies program studying courses such as, Japanese Language, Comparative Cultural Studies, Minorities in Japanese Society, Etiqutte in Japanese and English, and Japanese Pop Culture studies. 

The program that is helping me go abroad is called the University Studies Abroad Consortium, (USAC). The total program costs are $7,300, this includes my homestay or residence hall costs, tuition, meals, airfare, text books, supplies, local transportation, health insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses. I will be applying for financial aid and scholarships and working part-time jobs to help me raise funds but I do not believe it will be enough.


The influence of Japanese culture has always been a major factor in my upbringing. From Japanese media coverage, pop culture, anime, it's rich history, it's educational system, and even games. I don't want to experience Japanese culture, superficially. I want to actually be immersed into the culture that has been a big part of my life and I truly believe that this is a way to help me fufill that desire. Any donation is appreciated, and even if you do not donate anything, just verbal support and encouragement will be deeply appreciated and it will give me the strength and courage to help me keeping moving forward. I have never been out of the country before, I haven't even been away from my family for no longer than a few short months, so I'd be lying if I said I was not scared but I cannot let that fear keep me from experiencing something so wonderful and rare. 

Also, between now and the end of my study abroad semester in 2017, I will be vlogging my experiences on my youtube channel, J Zenkai, and I will be showing you all the process I have to go through to get ready to leave such as filling out paper work, getting my passport, applying for classes, and, of course, my experience in Japan. I will try to keep this information updated for anyone who cares to see it! Thank you all in advance for your donations and kindness. I promise that it will not go to waste!

Arigatou gozaimasu (Thank you)!!!
  • Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
  • Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan