Jordan K. Michels ’17聽has been awarded a full tuition scholarship by聽the to study abroad at J.F. Oberlin University鈥檚 ,听designed for exchange students from overseas partner institutions who wish to learn about Japan and experience it firsthand.聽While in the program during the spring 2016 semester, Jordan will study Japanese language and cultural relations and engagement.
闯辞谤诲补苍,听补苍 and , is deeply involved at Oglethorpe, serving as secretary of the聽,听 president, vice president, president of the Society of Japanese Language Students, and an Admission student ambassador. She also is a member of and works at the OU Museum of Art, where she is assistant curator for the upcoming Japanese exhibition ,听opening in January 2016.聽Dr. Robert Steen, professor of Japanese, facilitated Jordan’s study abroad opportunity and 鈥減ushed me to apply,鈥� she says. “Without Dr. Steen, I wouldn鈥檛 be going abroad.鈥�
Jordan’s study abroad opportunity also was a direct result of her internship at Atlanta-based聽, led by executive director and Oglethorpe alumnus Yoshi Domoto 鈥�03. His mother, Maria Domoto, is the U.S. admission representative for the Reconnaissance Japan Program.聽While interning,听Jordan assisted with philanthropy efforts and events and served as an assistant teacher and chaperone for visiting students from Japan. Jordan’s arrival in Japan will be a happy reunion with many of the students she assisted while they studied in the U.S.
Eventually, Jordan wants to teach English in Japan, and hopes the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and resulting increased demand for translators, could be her permanent ticket there.
“I hope more students will be inspired to study abroad in Asia,” says Jordan. “But we first have to pave the way.”
