Office of Study Abroad

Profile: Eben Saveson '24

Major/minor: Linguistics and Computer Science

Study abroad program: Waseda University, Academic Year 2022-2023

Reason you chose this program: I wanted to improve my Japanese language skills and be immersed in a culture different to that of where I grew up.

Favorite class: Art and Lifestyle of Japan: as seen through two two centuries of Japanese arts and crafts

How did you incorporate your Brandeis areas of study into your study abroad experience? I took classes related to my linguistics major and computer science minor and used the opportunity of living in Japan to study a lot of Japanese language.

Housing situation: I lived in an off-campus dorm for international students run by a private organization partnered with Waseda University.

What were some parts of your identity that you thought about while considering study abroad that other students may want to talk to you about? I thought a lot about what it means to be an American while I was abroad. Although very diverse, I believe there are common patterns of thinking shared between many Americans, rhetoric you see repeated in the news, on social media, by your friends, that is very different from the kinds of messages I encountered abroad. I came to realize that, for better or for worse, America is a very self-oriented society and became more aware of some of those self-centered patterns of thinking in myself as an American.

Did you apply for any scholarships? If so, which ones and how did they impact your time abroad? I received the Brandeis Sachar scholarship as well as the Freeman-Asia scholarship. This gave me an extra level of financial security abroad and helped me to enjoy my time without having to worry so much about the financial side of things.

Favorite memory: I helped out with a lesson/activity for children at the kindergarten near my dorm teaching them about money.

Greatest challenge: It was sometimes difficult to focus on coursework and academics.

What you know now that you didn't know before: Many different kinds of food.

Fact about Japan that you think people would be surprised to learn: Young children cross the street holding their hand over their head so they are more visible to traffic.