Oliver Summer Study in Japan

Oliver Smith Start Date: May 22, 2025 - End Date: Sep 21, 2025
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Tokyo, Japan

My Travel Story

by: Oliver Smith Start Date: May 22, 2025 - End Date: Sep 21, 2025
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad

Going to Meiji University this summer is honestly a dream come true. I have been studying Japanese language and literature for a while now, and I am really interested in translation, especially making Japanese books and stories more accessible to English readers. This program is a huge step toward that goal. Being in Japan and actually hearing and using the language every day is something no classroom can fully teach. It is going to help me grow so much, both personally and in terms of what I want to do in the future.

This will also be my first time traveling alone and my first time out of the country. It is exciting and a little nerve-wracking, but I know it will push me to become more independent and confident. I only work a few hours a week during the school year while I am in classes, so covering all the costs has been a challenge. I also found out about the program late, so I missed the deadlines to apply for most scholarships.

I care a lot about making cultural connections. When I get back, I want to share what I have learned with other students, especially Black students who might not always see international programs as an option for them. Whether it is helping someone apply to study abroad or just hosting a conversation about what life in Japan is really like, I want to give back by encouraging more cultural exchange and understanding.

What excites me most about this program is the chance to experience daily life as a Japanese student. Not just the language part, but also how people interact, what they eat, how they manage their time, and what day-to-day life actually feels like. I have spent years learning about Japan from the outside. Now I get to step into it, even if it is just for two weeks. That is something I have always wanted.

Tokyo felt like the right place for this kind of experience. It is such a huge part of Japan’s culture, especially when it comes to literature and media. Meiji University has an amazing reputation, and the chance to meet students from all over the world while learning there makes it even better. It feels like the perfect place to grow.

This experience means so much to me because it is real. I have worked hard to make it happen, and being able to live even a small piece of the life I want for myself in the future is incredible. I am ready to learn, explore, and take it all in.


  • Tokyo, Japan

More Travel Information

Adventure Registry

  • Flight

    3,282
    Shavonda Sisson
    • Granted