Student Testimonials

Hi, my name is Yuto Narukawa, and I’m an exchange student from Waseda University in Japan.

During my ten months at PSU, I double-majored in Political Science and Business. In Political Science, I focused on comparing Japanese and U.S. politics and analyzing how public policies are shaped and evaluated. In Business, I built a strong foundation in management and corporate finance. Beyond academics, I threw myself entirely into cultural exchange and campus life.

My favorite part of this study abroad program was forming raw, authentic connections with people from completely different backgrounds through English. In my classes, I actively exchanged perspectives with local American students and international students. Expressing my own values in a second language was incredibly challenging, but it forced me to re-examine who I really am while expanding my worldview.

One of my fondest memories at PSU is the combination of playing soccer and sharing my passion for Wotagei (a Japanese light-stick dance). Playing in the campus outdoor soccer club allowed me to bond with teammates from all over the world, transcending language barriers. Another unforgettable memory was performing Wotagei at a campus event. In Japan, it sometimes carries a nerdy stereotype, and I wanted to shatter that 'single story.' I performed with everything I had in front of a crowd of over 100 people. The energy was electric, the crowd loved it, and experiencing that mutual connection through a culture I love was an absolute thrill.

Participating in this program changed me profoundly. It forced me to drop my petty pride, reconstruct my identity from scratch, and become truly proactive. Honestly, before coming to America, I was unconsciously arrogant about going to a prestigious university in Japan and speaking decent English. But in Portland, nobody knew my university, and speaking English was just the baseline. I felt completely stripped of my identity. Back home, I used to read the room and suppress my own opinions to fit in, but I realized that doing that here meant becoming invisible. To change, I leaned into my strength, grit, and consistency. I enrolled in a rigorous presentation course to overcome my fear of public speaking. Swallowing my pride and fighting through that discomfort completely transformed me into a proactive leader.

I also learned the 'First Penguin' spirit, the courage to jump into the water first and take initiative, as well as sheer adaptability. I gained the confidence to speak up first in group projects and navigate an entirely unfamiliar environment on my own. This adaptability actually saved my life. When I traveled to South America during a winter break, I caught influenza, altitude sickness, and pneumonia all at the same time. I was literally fighting for survival, but because I could communicate effectively in English and handle extreme stress, I managed to get the medical care I needed to make it back alive. No matter what unpredictable challenges I face in the future, I know I have the resilience to thrive.

I would recommend the program 100%! It is the ultimate environment for anyone who seriously wants to reinvent themselves. If you take the initiative, people here will match your energy and welcome you with open arms. Plus, Portland is a beautiful city that perfectly blends urban culture with breathtaking nature. There's no sales tax, the campus is safe, and people on the West Coast are incredibly kind. It’s the perfect place to challenge yourself.

The most important thing is to stop trying to look perfect and face your own weaknesses. The only reason I grew during these ten months is that I failed and made mistakes countless times. At first, I was terrified, speaking with makeshift English, but growth only happens when you keep trying and reflecting on those failures. It’s completely normal to struggle at first, and it’s easy to compare yourself to others. But this journey isn't about competing with anyone else—it's about facing who you were yesterday. If you are hesitant about studying abroad, leap. I am rooting for your success with all my heart!
 

Hello, my name is Mie Kichiya. Last year, I studied at Portland State University as an exchange student from Waseda University in Japan. In Japan, I’m majoring in sustainability, and I wanted to learn more about environmental studies and sustainability, so I chose Portland, which is known as an environmentally friendly city, as my study abroad destination. 

During my stay, I took several academic classes, such as “Environmental Sustainability” and “Environmental Ethics” in addition to the English classes. It was more difficult than I had imagined to understand the contents of these classes and complete the assignments in English. However, I was able to gain deep learning by reading difficult English literature and exchanging opinions with students whose native language is English, which I would not have been exposed to if I had only stayed at Waseda University. In addition, through learning and discussing with students from all over the world, I realized that the theme of sustainability and environmental issues was shared across countries and cultures.  I was able to view these issues from a global perspective and learned new perspectives, values, and different ways of thinking. 

Moreover, during my stay in Portland, I participated in several volunteer activities as a part of the Student Sustainability Center's Garden Team. I am working in the campus garden with other PSU students who are also interested in sustainability and environmental studies. It was a great pleasure for me to meet other people from the US and from all over the world who share the same interests. 

To sum up, I felt that my study abroad goal to specialize in sustainability and environmental studies was well accomplished at Portland State University. Furthermore, I was able to improve my English language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The learning and encounters I had through my study abroad experience became precious assets to me. In my future, I would like to make efforts to contribute to a more sustainable society in Japan by utilizing the experience and knowledge I gained at PSU. 

For anyone who is interested in sustainability and environmental issues, as well as for all those who aim for personal growth while being exposed to different perspectives and cultures, studying at Portland State University will surely be a great stimulus and growth opportunity. Thus, I highly recommend the Portland Center study abroad program. 

Finally, I really appreciate all my teachers, friends, and Portland State University for supporting me during my study abroad experience. Thank you!