Midlo senior Misaki Sato has the unique opportunity to go back to Japan to attend college. Until the age of 14, Misaki lived in Japan with her parents and sisters until they moved to the U.S. when she was in 9th grade. Although she has not yet chosen a college, she will visit several different ones upon her return. Misaki has decided to attend a college in Japan because her family is moving back there, and it is the most practical choice. As far as her major, she is leaning toward study “related to English Language”.

Unlike schools in America, most of the schools in Japan start in spring, typically around the middle of April, then end in March. However, the U.S. and Japan’s colleges do have certain elements in common, specifically that she will have the choice to dorm in university or live in an apartment. Misaki first wanted to attend a college in Japan when she moved away in 9th grade, and having her family return with her is just another incentive. An entrance requirement that she can check off of her list is the need, in some programs, to be fluent in Japanese. Whatever the future holds, Misaki Sato looks forward to the challenge. 

What extracurricular activities did you take part in throughout high school that made you stand out as an applicant?

The fact that I lived here and went to school for four years. Very few get to experience those things in Japan, as they do not offer an exchange program often.

Are you nervous to go to Japan?

Not really, but I would miss the U.S.

What makes Japanese schools different from schools here(besides the language)?

The biggest difference between U.S. schools and schools in Japan would be the day they start school. While the U.S. has a nice long summer vacation, Japan starts school in April and get about a little less than a month of summer break, then they start second term.

What is one thing you will miss the most about the U.S. while in Japan?

I am going to miss my friends in band. I would like to visit them if I have enough time and money to fly here.

After living in Japan for 14 years, what does it feel like to have moved away from Japan 4 years ago and finally be going back?

I’m really happy and excited but really sad. I really miss my friends in Japan and will be happy to finally meet them, but at the same time, I will miss all of my friends from Midlo and be away from them.