Congratulations to Nicholas Bird, a major in Japanese Language and Literature and International Affairs, for receiving the 2024 MEXT Scholarship for Japanese Studies! The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Japanese Studies Scholarship provides airfare to Japan, tuition for the university, and a stipend for cost of living for one school year to study in Japan. It is one of the most competitive scholarships available to U.S. undergraduate students. Selected after a rigorous screening process consisting of a written examination, interview, and a final screening in Tokyo, Nicholas will spend this academic year studying Japanese language and culture at Nanzan University in Japan.
Nicholas started his Japanese study at GW as a freshman, and spent his sophomore year at Waseda University through an exchange program. After returning to GW, he participated in the national Japanese language presentation contest, J.LIVE Talk, and won the Bronze Award in College Category II. “It was an incredible accomplishment after just two years of Japanese study,” said Takae Tsujioka, a teaching associate professor in the Japanese Language, who served as a mentor to Nicholas for J.LIVE Talk. “The MEXT scholarship is a further testament to his hard work and dedication to Japanese study.”
"I have only gotten this far due to the amazing support of all of my professors at GW." Nicholas said excitedly after learning the news. He wishes to use this opportunity to study in Japan not only to improve his Japanese language skills, but also to seize opportunities that could lead to future work. “My dream is to be in a role where I can work to build bridges between Japan and the U.S., as well as be a bridge myself. I hope to be another piece in helping to create a continued good relationship in our vital international partnership.” Nicholas said.
After graduation, he plans to apply for the Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) position through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program. “I believe that having the opportunity to work with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds will be a great source of growth for me. Receiving thoughts and ideas from people with completely different upbringings will help me see things from different perspectives and think more imaginatively. I think this is important in our increasingly globalized world.”