The Office of Global Engagement and Innovation

Recent News

Anri  Zama Travels to Japan for Recruitment and Partnership Meetings

11

 

In October 2025, Anri Zama, Program Manager of the Portland Center, visited several partner universities in the Tokyo area to strengthen existing collaborations and explore new opportunities for study abroad programs. The institutions visited included Dokkyo University, Japan Study Abroad Foundation (JSAF), Kanda Gaigo University, Teikyo Heisei University, Tokyo Keizai University, Toyo University, Wayo Women’s University, and Waseda University (for the two-day study abroad fair).

While most of these institutions are longstanding partners of Portland Center or PSU’s short-term program unit (International Special Programs), it was Anri’s first visit to the majority of these campuses. She greatly enjoyed learning about each university and its campus culture.

At the two-day Waseda Study Abroad Fair, Anri was delighted to see many familiar faces, including program alumni, and captured several photos to commemorate the event.

i

The First Steps in Portland: New Student Runs Portland Marathon Days After Arrival!

Hinata 1

Just days after arriving at the end of last September to begin his studies at PSU, Hinata Ishii made an unforgettable first impression: he ran the Portland Marathon. Driven by a desire to challenge himself and connect with his new community, Hinata saw this running event as the perfect way to understand the atmosphere of our city. Despite the jet lag, he powered through the race, reflecting on his core motivations for running - to organize his thoughts, to stay balanced, and to achieve a sense of personal progress. What stood out the most for Hinata was the unique local vibe: the warm support of Portlanders cheering, smiling, and offering aid along the course.

For Hinata, running is a fundamental tool for mental clarity, helping him build the mental and physical base that he needs to focus on his schoolwork. Now fully settled, he is already planning his next challenge: the Seattle Marathon in November.

Waseda University Launches Oregon Study Abroad Scholarship with Support from Doug Etzel 

doug

One of our longstanding partners, Waseda University launched the Oregon Study Abroad Scholarship in 2024, providing financial support each year to one Waseda student studying abroad in Oregon, U.S.A. The scholarship was established through the generous donation of U.S. businessman and former Waseda study abroad student, Doug Etzel.

Etzel, a native Oregonian, has spent over 30 years working in enterprise software in Asia, including 18 years living and working in Japan. He served as President of the Asia region for leading software companies such as Vignette, Netezza (acquired by IBM), and Veeva Systems (NYSE: VEEV). He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Oregon State University and an M.B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.

His introduction to Japan began with a chance trip to Osaka before his senior year at OSU. After graduation, he spent a year as an engineer trainee with Seiko Epson in Nagano. Upon returning to Portland, he studied Japanese at Portland State University under Mari Noda while continuing his work at Epson. With support from Professor Larry Kominz, he later received a scholarship to study at Waseda University for one year—an experience that helped launch his international career in software.

 


 

Read the article: "Changing Lives through Study Abroad" about this content

Spotlight on Mie Kichiya: Featured by Waseda University as First Oregon Scholarship Recipient

350

One of our program students, Mie Kichiya,  was featured in Waseda University's News Article. She participated in the program from Fall 2024 through Spring 2025 as the first recipient of the Oregon Study Abroad Scholarship. Way to go, Mie!

 

Read the article: "Shared Visions, Expanding Horizons" about this content
For more news, follow us on Instagram!