From Monmouth to Akita: navigating the ups and downs of studying abroad in Japan
Izzy Gimm - Website and Social Media Manager
For senior theatre major Ryan Bowman, studying abroad in Japan was a dream come true, but the journey to get there wasn’t without its challenges. After taking a theater history course, Bowman became interested in studying abroad in Japan. "I just grew to have a passion for the traditional Japanese arts, especially the performing arts," Bowman said. "I became infatuated with the three main theaters over there: Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku."
With encouragement from faculty and staff advisors, Bowman applied for Monmouth's study abroad program and Akita International University (AIU) in Japan. The application process, however, proved to be complicated. "The biggest struggle that I had right away was the communication that I had with my study abroad university, Akita International University," Bowman explained. "It would go on for long periods of time where I would not hear back from the study abroad office at AIU, and more specifically, sometimes I would just get the same answer repeatedly."
Bowman also faced obstacles in obtaining a visa to travel to Japan. "I needed to apply for a visa, and I decided to do it the most physical way possible, requiring me to go up to Chicago, to the Consulate General of Japan, to apply for a visa over there. Otherwise, I'd have to pay mailing and shipping fees, and they don't do online visas."
Despite the challenges, Bowman was determined to make the most of his experience. At AIU, he got involved in extracurricular activities related to traditional Japanese performing arts, including a musical theater group and a Japanese dance club. "I was involved with the traditional Japanese dance club on campus, in which we were essentially able to make our own performance out of our practices and routines at the end of the semester. I made a lot of friends in my classes and through extracurriculars," Bowman said.
Looking back on his time in Japan, Bowman is grateful for the opportunity and encourages other students to study abroad despite the difficulties. "I assume a struggle for many students who may be interested in studying abroad may be the cost and the rest of the expenses," said Bowman. "My expenses were lower because I did not have to pay for many of the expenses Monmouth requires, and I paid the same amount of tuition. Monmouth honors prior scholarships, grants, and any financial aid."
Bowman encourages all students to consider studying abroad; there are many programs available to suit everyone’s interest. “Study abroad opportunities are available for everybody on campus,” said Bowman. “No one picks and chooses who gets to go every year, it's available for everybody. The opportunity is one of the best chances that you could ever have at Monmouth College.”
Overall, Bowman's study abroad experience in Japan was rewarding, and he hopes his story will inspire other Monmouth students to take the leap and explore the world.