Brandon Benton - Fall 2022

Firstly, as a Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission Bridging Scholar, I would like to thank you for supporting my study abroad. It was not an easy decision to make and at times I wondered if I would be able to see these plans through. Having your support was a great encouragement.

My time here in Nagasaki at Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies has truly been life-changing. I have had so many incredible experiences that I hope I will never forget. I've had the opportunity to volunteer in English classes to help Japanese students who are studying English. I was also able to participate in an event where other university students and I went to an Elementary School. We practiced English with the students and played games like Hanetsuki, Kendama, Beigoma, and Daruma Otoshi. In the end, the students gave us wonderfully decorated "thank you" Christmas cards. It was a heartwarming experience, and I can not help but smile when I think about it.

Being that my major is electrical engineering, I often worried that coming to Japan and studying Japanese would not be a meaningful use of my time. At this moment, I can say I was completely wrong. I am still progressing toward my degree, albeit a little bit slower, and I am living an experience that I never thought would be possible.

As such, I am thankful for the work that the JUSFC has done to build a connection between American engineers and Japan. I have made many friends and had many fun experiences here in Nagasaki. I've enjoyed it here so much that I've decided to extend my study abroad to a full academic year! I want to continue to build my relationship with Japan. I hope that once I graduate I will be able to return to Japan in some capacity. Once again, I am so thankful for your support. This may not have been possible without it.

Truly, thank you!
- Brandon Benton