Kathryn Hemmen Reflects on Semester in Japan

DJ DeLong
Creative writing and history major
College of Arts and Sciences, Marketing and Communications student employee

Kathryn Hemmen and WMU alumna Shay VanMeter in JapanWith over 90 study abroad programs available in more than 40 countries, there is bound to be a learning experience for any student at Western Michigan University. The College of Arts and Sciences tries to assist students with the expenses of study abroad by offering the CAS International Study Scholarship. This scholarship offers up to $1000 based on need and merit to any CAS student.

Senior Kathryn Hemmen received a CAS International Study Scholarship to study in Hikone, Shiga for the spring 2014 semester. She is finishing up her studies with a double major in global and international studies and Japanese, along with a minor in music. While in Japan, she learned firsthand about many Japanese traditions from her host family. In fact, the “one-grain of rice philosophy” became Hemmen’s motto throughout the trip. This philosophy was shown to her by her host father and taught her that in Japanese culture every grain of rice, every person, is important.

Hemmen’s decision to go to Japan for study abroad was influenced by a book given to her by her aunt at her high school graduation. "A Day in the Life of Japan," is a large picture book of Japan that spurred a million questions and an adventurous spirit. She began to seriously study Japanese language and culture.  After two years at WMU, she decided it was time to apply to study abroad. Hemmen said, "Although the process was rocky, my dreams came true in January and I saw all those pictures come to life."

Study abroad can lead a student anywhere, even to WMU alumni. While in Japan, Hemmen met with Shay VanMeter '12. VanMeter provided Hemmen with good advice for job-hunting in Japan. This will help Hemmen greatly after she graduates as she plans to teach abroad in Japan for a few years in order to improve her language skills and develop stronger intercultural communication skills. "My study abroad experience has heavily influenced my passion to return to Japan," Hemmen said.

While studying abroad, Hemmen was able to utilize language and culture skills directly from the classroom to her daily life in Japan. Hemmen comments, "Studying abroad was the single most rewarding semester at WMU." Without receiving the CAS scholarship, Hemmen is unsure if she would have been able to study abroad. She added, "The scholarship turned my trip from memorable to life-changing."

Hemmen says that CAS has immensely helped her throughout her academic career here at WMU. In addition to the scholarship, CAS has guided her through her global and international studies major with incredible faculty that left an amazing impression on her. Hemmen states, "I am thankful to have had the strong and diligent guidance of instructors that have personally invested in my success here at WMU. I would not be the person I am today without that support and motivation."

According to Hemmen, students who wish to study abroad should focus foremost on applying to places that will give them the experiences and freedom that will challenge them most beneficially outside of the classroom. She said, "Academics are a vital part of studying abroad, but the most engaging way to test the knowledge is through immersion." She also emphasized that the ability to travel independently was the reason her trip in Japan was so successful. She used every weekend to travel throughout the country and experience as much as she could with limited time. Hemmen added, "I wish that every student could have that same type of experience."