こんにちは (Kon-Ni-Chi-Wa)! Hello! My name is Denmark, and I’m from San Bernardino, California. I’m a senior at UC Berkeley, where I study English literature.
Today, I am living in Kyoto, Japan, as a student at Doshisha University. Kyoto is a really cool place filled with ancient temples, colorful shrines, and beautiful gardens. I chose the Japanese In Kyoto program because I’ve always dreamed of studying at a school in a different country. Furthermore, I want to teach English in Japan someday. Since coming here, I've gotten much better at speaking Japanese, and I understand the culture a lot better. I feel confident that in the future I will be able to build meaningful relationships with my students and the people that I work with.
So living in Japan is exciting, but it can also be a little scary. As a Black person, I sometimes worry that people will not want to be my friend because I look different from them. But I always remind myself to keep an open mind and heart. I’ve been stepping out of my comfort zone, trying new things, and talking to all kinds of people. Join me on my adventure as I navigate the ups and downs of studying abroad. Together, we can explore Kyoto and nearby cities, try tasty Japanese food, and make new friends along the way (fingers-crossed)!
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by clicking here!
