Kennedy

My name is Kennedy Collins, and I’m a senior at Michigan State University, where I’ve also served as a Peer Advisor at JCMU since 2022! I’m double majoring in Japanese and Anthropology with a focus on ethnographic research and sustainable development. I’ve participated in three JCMU programs: the Summer Online Intensive Language Program in 2022 and the 2023-24 Academic Year Program in Hikone, Shiga. I’m deeply passionate about the incredible opportunities JCMU offers students and look forward to connecting with others who are interested in studying in Japan!

Background

I’m a proud Michigander, but I had little exposure to Japanese culture until I started my studies at Michigan State. I had always wanted to learn a foreign language, and when I began studying Japanese at JCMU, I quickly fell in love with the language. Initially, I was pursuing a major in Environmental Studies and Sustainability, but in my sophomore year, I decided to switch to Anthropology and join the JCMU academic year program. My time in Hikone was transformative, and it inspired me to dedicate my career to cultural preservation and ambassadorship. After graduation, I aim to contribute to local communities in Japan, helping to manage the growing tourism industry in a sustainable way, ensuring that foreigners can experience Japan without negatively impacting its environment, local businesses, or cultural practices. As I do this, I hope to become a global educator and share my experiences in the field with those who are as passionate about global engagement as I am.

Michael

My name is Michael Wentworth, and I’m a senior at Michigan State University, and one of the peer advisors at JCMU’s East Lansing Office. I am double majoring in Linguistics and Japanese, as well as hoping to earn a Master’s in TESOL. I went to JCMU in 2024 for their May program “Religion, Diversity, and Society”. I am very invested in JCMU’s connection between Japan and Michigan and hope to help others make the most out of everything Shiga has to offer!

Background

Growing up in rural Michigan, I had little exposure to other cultures until attending Michigan State University. As I was interested in foreign languages, I decided to take a course in Japanese and after discovering a huge passion for the program changed my majors to Linguistics and Japanese to dedicate myself to language studies. That summer, I joined JCMU’s Religion Diversity and Society program and spent the month studying Japanese religion and culture while exploring Kyoto, Tokyo, and the Shiga countryside, becoming enamored not just with Japan but Hikone and JCMU as well. I have since begun working towards a career in foreign English education, and hope to one day help facilitate the cross-cultural relations that have been so integral to my college experience. Along with JCMU and my studies, I am kept busy on campus as a member of the Fencing Club, ushering at the Wharton Performing Arts Center, and going to Hockey games.

Ashe

My name is Ashe Burr, I am currently a junior at Michigan State, and I am one of the three peer advisors that work here at JCMU. I am currently a double major in Professional & Public Writing and Japanese, with a minor in Linguistics, and I was at JCMU for the Summer Intensive Language program during 2024. I’m incredibly excited to help students out on the other side of the process.

Background

I’m from Novi, Michigan, where Japanese culture is omnipresent. This cultural presence has made me want to learn more about Japanese culture and language, and when the opportunity to study Japanese came up in middle school, I jumped at the opportunity. That was over eight years ago at this point. Since then, my studies have taken me outside of Michigan, and to JCMU, where I participated in the Summer Intensive Language program, as well as a homestay during the aforementioned program. Outside of Japanese, I am a member of the Spartan Marching Band Color Guard, State of Art Winterguard, and Impact 89FM. I’m looking forward to helping students find the types of programs that are the best fit for them.