Claire Sugawa - Fall 2022

Hello, my name is Claire Sugawa, and I am one of the recipients of the Amway Japan Bridging Scholarship. Words cannot begin to express how grateful I am for your support. I feel honored to be a recipient, and am deeply appreciative of your generosity.

My experience studying aboard thus far has been eye opening in many ways. Though I have learned a lot about different cultures from taking courses throughout college, it doesn’t compare to experiencing a new culture firsthand. I have always had a deep appreciation of the Japanese culture, and being here has helped me to understand it even more. Taking classes at Waseda University has also been enriching in many ways, as I am able to learn from professors and talk to other students that are from different places around the world. In addition, I have come to appreciate the differences in my life at home that I otherwise wouldn’t have realized. Overall, this experience has given me a broader perspective of the world and different cultures, and I am so thankful for the assistance you have provided in my journey abroad.

In the future, I hope to apply my knowledge of Japanese language towards my prospective career. Being able to study Japanese here has given me many opportunities outside the classroom that I wouldn’t have had at home; even being able to have short conversations when ordering food or going to the supermarket has taught me new vocabulary and nuances that I otherwise wouldn’t have known. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to experience studying abroad, and I am extremely grateful for your support. Thank you once again for all that you have done, I really appreciate it!

Aloha,
Claire Sugawa