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"I want to motivate Japanese students studying English."

Marian, 4th year student, School of Culture, Media and Society 

At the main gate of Toyama Campus

Marian, who uses her experience studying abroad in the United States to share English study methods on social media, boasts 43,000 followers on  Instagram and 15,000 followers on YouTube. At university, she is a member of the Global Studies in Japanese Cultures Program (JCulP), a program in the School of Culture, Media and Society that studies Japanese culture through English. We spoke to Marian about what prompted her to start sharing English content, what she learned through her study abroad, and what she would like to try in the future.

When did you start studying English?

I was born in Canada because my parents lived there on a working holiday. I have Canadian citizenship and have friends there, but I have hardly spoken English since I was 4 years old, having been educated in Japan. I felt frustrated with myself for not being able to speak English well, despite having a background living in Canada, so I decided to learn English when I was in high school. I also started attending a preparatory school because I needed to submit a score on the IELTS, an English proficiency test, for university entrance exams.

How did you improve your English at university?

At JCulP, not only are classes on Japanese culture conducted in English, but there are also many international students and returnees with an international perspective, so I've been able to use English on a daily basis. It was the perfect environment for me, as I wanted to acquire practical English by being in an environment where I could learn "in" English, rather than just "studying" English.

She is a member of the Yoshio Hitomi Seminar (Professor Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences), which studies media representations such as literature, film, theater, advertising, and music. This photo was taken when she went to see a play at the theater as part of her seminar. Marian is in the front row, far left.

TEDxWasedaU event. Marian was moved by the sight of a speaker she had supported for a long time giving a brilliant presentation and shining on stage.

I also belonged to TEDxWasedaU (an official student club) until my second year of university. TEDxWasedaU is a student club that plans and manages student-led events with the permission of TED, a non-profit organization that hosts and distributes speeches by famous people from around the world. Basically, all activities were conducted in English, and I was responsible for creating manuscripts and presentations together with the speakers.

I believe that my English ability improved because I was able to deepen my relationships with friends who are fluent in English through classes and student club activities.

--Please tell us why you decided to start a YouTube channel.

 The opportunity came when I studied abroad at the University of California, Santa Barbara from September 2023 to June 2024 through Waseda University's exchange program.

I started YouTube with the hope that by making videos about my experience of learning English from scratch as a Japanese person, I could help high school and university students of my generation. When I looked at various social media posts about studying abroad and learning English, I often felt a gap between the reality and the stories that only emphasized the glittering success stories. That's why I wanted to be someone who could encourage others by honestly sharing the real experiences behind the glamorous world, such as the process of hard work and disappointing events.

A photo taken at the airport before leaving for study abroad

I had no experience in filming or editing until then, but I learned by watching the YouTube videos of Nagisa Uemura(graduated March 2022), a senior at JCulP. I had been watching Nagisa's videos even before I enrolled, and her fluency in both English and Japanese and her ability to share her everyday life have always been something I admired. Having a role model close to mehas had a big influence on my activities.

The first video posted on YouTube. It realistically conveys the anxiety and tension of studying abroad, the loneliness of parting with family and friends, and the atmosphere of departure.

How did you grow through studying abroad?

The biggest growth I've had is being able to become mentally independent. I left my parents and started a new life in a place where I had no relatives, living in a shared house with six students from various countries. I had always lived at home, but during my study abroad, I didn't know what to do, so I did all the cooking and laundry by myself, and I also studied at university and used social media, so I feel that I have developed a great sense of independence.

I was also able to acquire new perspectives and ways of thinking through the classes I took abroad. Particularly memorable were classes on racism and gender, which are hot topics locally. By discussing with students of various racial backgrounds, including Asian and African-American, and with LGBTQ Professor, I was blessed with a valuable opportunity to hear the real voices of those involved. This was a great opportunity to not just learn about the issues as knowledge, but to think deeply about them as my own concerns.

Left: A class I took while studying abroad called "Sociology of Family." For my bachelor's thesis, I plan to research the relationship between the Japanese family structure and technology.
Photo on the right: An example of a timetable while she studied abroad (Click to enlarge)

-Is there any initiative you would like to try in the future?

What I've come to realize from my experience studying English is that English is merely a tool. I think what's important is not "using" English, but "what you do and what you communicate" in English. I want to use my English skills to spread the appeal of Japan to people in English-speaking countries. When I was studying abroad, Japanese culture was often lumped together with other Asian countries such as China and Korea, and I felt frustrated that Japan's unique culture and values were not being fully conveyed to people in other countries.

Specifically, I want to start a new social networking site that will promote Japanese culture to inbound tourists. After graduation, I will work for a general entertainment company, and hope to play a part in promoting Japanese anime and artists to the world. At my new company, I would like to use my English skills to do my best when I need to, for example, research the American music market and analyze trends.

--Please give a message to Waseda students who are thinking about studying abroad.

There are many things you can do in advance, such as preparing for study abroad expenses, improving your language skills, and checking the local security situation, and you should do as much as you can. However, I think the best part of studying abroad is being exposed to values and cultures you have never encountered before, and discovering a new side of yourself through a series of unexpected experiences. No matter how well you prepare, unexpected things will happen. However, that is exactly why there are things you can learn and it is also an opportunity for growth.

Rather than being perfectly prepared, there is a lot you can feel, think, and absorb by just jumping in as you are. Enjoy your study abroad trip and discover a new side of yourself.

A photo from when she went to the beach (Isla Vista) with friends in the US

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Interview, text and photography: Waseda Weekly Reporter (SJC student staff)
Hinari Ukiya 4th year student, School of Culture, Media and Society

【Profile】

Marian (center) with friends at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she studied abroad, and where graduate Steve Aoki held a live concert.

Born in Canada. Graduated from Senshu University Matsudo High School. Her hobbies are music and watching foreign movies. She not only listens to music, but also likes playing instruments such as the guitar. Her recommended movie for college students who are faced with various life decisions is "Good Will Hunting" starring Matt Damon.
Instagram: @its_me_marian0210
YouTube: @its_me_marian
TikTok: @its_me_marian0210