Ignacio Garcia-Mata - Fall 2022

Just over three months of my year-long study abroad program have passed now in Japan, and I am having one of the most fulfilling, fun-filled times of my life, more than I could have ever imagined before getting on a plane and actually flying here.

So far I have been keeping busy traveling, studying, going out with friends, practicing with the school club I joined, and so much more. One of my favorite moments in Japan so far was when I visited Senso-Ji in Asakusa, and I coincidentally ended up in a NY Times article. I came home after taking a day to explore Asakusa alone and my family had noticed me on one of the front page images of an article on the NY Times, it still feels too random and crazy to be real! I also participated in a speech contest in Japanese, where I got to write, memorize, and perform a speech in front of an audience of professors and school staff at my university (Rikkyo University in Tokyo)! It is moments like these that remind me how special this opportunity is and keep me extra motivated to take full advantage of every chance I get.

Thanks to your generous donation and support of the Bridging Foundation and Bridging Scholarship, I can spend my time in Japan focusing on the adventures and studies I dreamed of instead of worrying about the financial side of the program. With one of the highest barriers to studying abroad being the cost, I feel incredibly lucky to be in a position in which that is something I don’t have to feel bound or held back by. For that, I am more grateful than I can even begin to express.

After the program is over, I fully plan on working for a Japanese company in the United States, or maybe even coming back to work in Japan at some point. Being a part of Bridging Scholars cohort has given me an opportunity to connect to many people that are ready and willing to work with me in my goals. I would love to be able to connect and stay in contact with Amway or some related contacts there as well!

Again, thank you so much for supporting me in my journey, and I hope to hear back and stay in contact throughout my time in Japan!

 *I made an instagram where I post pictures I take on my camera here in Japan @iggy.vs.japan There are also a few of my favorite pictures attached (including the one that was on the NY Times!)*

イグナシオ・ガルシアマタ
Ignacio Garcia-Mata
3rd Year at The Ohio State University
Rikkyo University College of Intercultural Communication
Japanese Language and International Business Major