“Originally, my purpose for studying abroad at Hokkaido University was only to be fully immersed in the Japanese language. I wanted to learn Japanese as quickly as possible and to be close to fluency by the time my experience is over. I am going to meet that goal but to my surprise there is so much more that I am learning than I anticipated,” shares Japanese major Gavin Storm O’Brien, who is studying in Sapporo, Japan via an exchange program with Hokkaido University for the 2024-2025 academic year.
“Between meeting new international friends, making new Japanese friends, the late nights in Sapporo, and the early mornings on campus I have learned not only about the Japanese language, but also who I am as a person, what I want my life to be, and how grateful I am to be a Buckeye,” reflects O’Brien.
O’Brien’s course load includes classes in Japanese grammar, Japanese communication, Kanji, intercultural communication, media topics, Hokkaido history, and language and culture through film.
“This opportunity has given me a chance to try things I never thought were possible for me, to push my limits as a student, and to fully enjoy what it means to be a global citizen. At the core of all of this, I have learned that life is a matter of exchange.”
Athletic fandom showcased one type of exchange. Cheering on the Buckeyes to a College Football National Championship allowed O’Brien to share his love of American football while his new international friends shared their passions for international football (soccer).
After spending a year abroad, O’Brien expects to bring his new viewpoints and cultural understanding back to Columbus. “I look forward to sharing how truly awesome being a Buckeye abroad was.”
O'Brien's time studying in Japan was supported in part by the Wolfe Study Abroad Scholarship.
