SAKAMOTO RII

The College of Asia Pacific Studies (APS)

Program

Service Learning Program

Key Information

Program Location/Partner University	USA / The University of Texas at Austin
Year of Participation	August, 2025
Program Length	Approx. 3 months

Program: Service Learning Program
Instructor: Tsutsui Kumiko and Berger Maiko

Reasons for Participating in the Program

While spending time at APU, I realized that I use Japanese far more than English in my daily life, which made me want to live in an environment where I am constantly surrounded by English and challenged to use it. In addition, I have a dream of working outside Japan in the future, so I was looking for a program that would allow me to work practically while improving my English skills. It was during this search that I discovered this service-learning program. I also believe that living in the United States would give me greater confidence and personal growth, and become an opportunity for me to make the most of the rest of my university life in my own way. Furthermore, because the program includes both pre-departure and post-program classes, it provides sufficient time to reflect on myself before and after the experience, which is why I find it especially appealing as a program I can engage in over a long period.

How the Program Helped You Grow

Through this program, gaining experience living and working in English transformed my desire to work overseas from a mere aspiration into a concrete goal I truly want to achieve. The days I spent taking action through trial and error in a different cultural environment helped me realize my own potential and led to significant personal growth and confidence. Moving forward, I hope to further develop my ability to use English in practical settings and apply this experience to building an international career.

Message for Students Interested in The Program

For me, Service Learning Program was a dreamlike three months filled with countless opportunities to learn and meet new people, making it the most meaningful and fulfilling period of my life. Because the program lasted only three months, I felt that I could not afford to waste a single day, so I went out every day and experienced something different each time. Those three months were not just about studying English, doing an internship, or attending lectures. Although APU offers many programs besides SLP, I am truly glad that I chose to participate in SLP. Every experience I had in the United States became something precious and irreplaceable to me. I sincerely hope that many of you will also take this opportunity to experience for yourselves the scenes, experiences, and feelings that we encountered there.