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For sophomore Madyson Drosieko, studying abroad wasn’t just a dream; it was an opportunity to immerse herself in a new world of academic, cultural and personal discovery.

The 19-year-old Early Childhood Education major, a 2023 graduate of St. Clairsville High School, spent three life-changing months at Chubu University in Nagoya, Japan, as part of Ģ����Ƶ University’s Summer Language Intensive Program.

Located in a serene residential suburb of Japan’s third-largest city, Chubu University offers students a peaceful vibrant setting to immerse themselves in Japanese language and culture. The program, a direct-credit, language-intensive group experience designed by Ģ����Ƶ University faculty, ensures that participants receive rigorous academic training while enjoying the support of an OHIO graduate who helps them navigate cultural and logistical challenges. Students are selected through a competitive process, including an evaluation of their submitted materials and, in some cases, interviews.

For Drosieko, her journey to Japan began with an unexpected twist.

“I initially wanted to study in France because I took French in high school,” she said. “But everything changed when I met Japanese students during my first week at Athens. Their kindness and enthusiasm inspired me to start learning Japanese. Within weeks, I had enrolled in Japanese language courses and was volunteering to teach my new friends American customs and English.”

Academic and cultural immersion

At Chubu University, Drosieko took a full course load of Japanese language and culture classes, including grammar, kanji, listening and reading comprehension.

“The courses were rigorous but fascinating,” she shared. Two of her favorite classes were Sado, where she studied the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and Ikebana, an art form centered around flower arrangement. 

In addition to her academic pursuits, Drosieko participated in enriching cultural activities. She visited the historic Deer Park in Nara, where deer bow in greeting, attended a thrilling sumo wrestling match, and explored iconic locations such as Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo and Mount Fuji.

"One of the highlights was wearing a yukata and attending a Matsuri, a traditional Japanese fireworks festival," Drosieko said. “Japanese natives were so welcoming and encouraged me to embrace their customs, which deepened my appreciation for their culture.”

The program also included planned group activities that fostered a sense of community among participants. At the end of the semester, Drosieko extended her trip to Iwate Prefecture, home to her favorite baseball player, Shohei Ohtani.

“I explored his hometown, volunteered by delivering water to tsunami victims and learned to make traditional soba noodles from locals,” she shared. She also visited iconic locations like Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Universal Studios Japan and Disney Sea, calling those experiences some of the most fun and memorable of her trip. 

Overcoming challenges and building connections

Living abroad presented its share of challenges, especially navigating the language barrier and Japan’s intricate public transportation system.

“The bullet train was the most daunting,” Drosieko admitted. “One time, my friend and I got off at the wrong station and ended up walking for over an hour in the summer heat. It was overwhelming but taught me resilience and problem-solving.”

Despite these hurdles, Drosieko formed lifelong friendships with fellow students and locals.

“The people I met were the heart of my experience. They made me feel at home and supported me through every challenge. My friends, Yongsung, Thomas, and Olivia, transformed my trip into something unforgettable,” she said.

Inspiring others to take the leap

Reflecting on her time in Japan, Drosieko emphasized the profound impact of studying abroad.

“Living in Japan made learning the language so much easier and gave me a deeper understanding of cultural respect and hospitality,” she said. Her time at Chubu University also opened doors to potential professional opportunities, including the possibility of teaching English in Japan after graduation.

Drosieko encourages other students to explore study abroad opportunities, regardless of their concerns about costs or stepping out of their comfort zones.

“My trip was fully funded through scholarships, and I can’t emphasize enough how transformative this experience was. Life is about taking risks and embracing new challenges,” she said.

As Drosieko continues her studies at Ģ����Ƶ University Eastern, she remains a passionate advocate for study abroad programs and hopes to inspire others to pursue their own international adventures.

“Nothing grows in your comfort zone,” she said. “Your dreams can become a reality, and it all starts with a passion.”

For students interested in studying abroad, programs like the one at Chubu University offer a unique blend of academic rigor, cultural immersion, and personal growth. As Drosieko’s story illustrates, the journey is as transformative as the destination.

Japanese courses are offered through the Linguistics Department in the College of Arts and Sciences.