This year, U.S. colleges and universities navigated challenges including settlements with the federal government, research funding cuts, and faculty seeking opportunities abroad. Amidst these broader trends, one assignment stood out: a report on Black male college students from the U.S. studying in Japan.
A Unique Journey
The reporting, undertaken with support from the Education Writers Association, focused on the experiences of students like Tremaine Collins, an art student from Ohio attending Temple University’s Japan campus, and Demarris Johnson, a business major from Delaware. The reporter noted that fewer Black men choose to study abroad, making their experiences particularly noteworthy.
Mr. Johnson expressed hope that his and others’ experiences would inspire confidence in other Black men, stating, “I hope that through people seeing what I’m doing and what others like me are doing that they believe in themselves, that they believe that they can do it as well.” He credited his mother’s support as crucial to his decision to study abroad, despite initial doubts from some family members.
Mr. Collins, described as “cerebral,” is pursuing a path different from that of his family, and expressed a desire to “figure out my own path.” He enthusiastically embraced opportunities outside of the classroom, including joining the campus jiujitsu club.
Expanding Horizons
Dean Matthew Wilson of the school emphasized that studying in Japan offers a unique experience, diverging from the more common paths of attending college locally or in neighboring states. He noted that, “The cultures don’t differ that much…You flip on the TV, it’s the same language, it’s the same programs, same food that you’re eating,” highlighting the immersive nature of the experience.
Mr. Wilson further encouraged Mr. Collins, stating, “Everybody is extraordinary. It’s just getting you to realize and allowing us to help you realize that you’re an extraordinary individual for doing this.” This sentiment comes at a time when the return on investment in college is being questioned, and legislation like the “One Big Beautiful Bill” could impact student financial aid.
The reporter observed that these students were boldly pursuing their ambitions, learning new skills – like hiragana and katakana – while broader societal issues unfolded. Their experiences offered a source of inspiration and “collective moments of joy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted this reporting?
The reporter undertook this assignment as part of a fellowship from the Education Writers Association, driven by a desire to highlight the experiences of Black male students studying abroad.
What did Dean Wilson say about studying in Japan?
Dean Wilson stated that studying in Japan is an “off the beaten path” experience, offering opportunities for learning outside the classroom and interacting with diverse cultures.
What was the reporter’s personal reaction to meeting these students?
The reporter found the students inspiring, noting that witnessing their journeys created “collective moments of joy” and was the best reporting assignment of the year.
What factors might encourage more students to consider studying abroad?
