April 17, 2026
Jayden Underwood, a Plastics Engineering Technology major, is making way for an upcoming trip to Japan. The Otway, Ohio native is expecting an eventful experience.
As a part of the AIɫɫ Study Abroad Program, Underwood will be able to study at Toyo University in Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo serves as the capital of Japan and is home to the largest metropolitan area in the developed world.
“I wanted to hone my skills in Japanese and pursue a job where I can use English as well as Japanese,” Underwood said.
Underwood has spent his young adulthood pursuing linguistic mastery. He began studying Japanese in high school and has found a way to turn this passion project into a real career-driver.
“I’ve actually been to Japan a few times, but vacationing someplace is a lot different from living there,” Underwood said. He has visited Japan over the past couple years on trips all over the country, visiting the major islands.
So far, Underwood has been in Japan for trips lasting between two and four weeks. These weren't small trips by any means, but they will be dwarfed by the upcoming five-month stay.
Underwood expects the college experience to be very similar in structure despite cultural differences.
“I’ll live in a dorm, go to class, go on plant tours and give out my business card,” he said.
Despite that, there will be cultural challenges. Once Underwood arrives in Japan, he will be placed in a class based on his mastery of the Japanese language and be paired with a native Japanese buddy to help him adapt.
“We could opt in to take a quiz and get paired up with a native student,” he said.
As part of the buddy program, Underwood will improve his Japanese, make new friends, and learn how to make it in Tokyo– not as a tourist but like his peers.
“This program is really propelling my career,” he said.
Underwood is already an intern for a Japanese-owned manufacturer and he intends to continue to work for Japanese companies. With a synthesis of personal and professional interest, Underwood is well on his way to creating a fulfilling niche in companies that do business within Japan and the United States.
For more information about opportunities for international travel and studying, visit shawnee.edu/explore/study-abroad.
At the time of publication, Underwood has arrived in Japan to begin his study abroad experience.