Read about this month’s International Studies Student Spotlight. Students were asked to share an influential experience they had that connected to their International Studies major or minor.
October 2024 - Sara Hollingshead
BA International Studies (Comparative Culture and Identity); minor, Sociocultural Anthropology ‘24
Hometown: Downriver, MI
Affiliations: Global Scholars Program, optimize, Transfer Connections Peer Mentor, Japanese Americans Citizens League (JACL) - Detroit Chapter, Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS)
“This past summer, I had the opportunity to participate in the 31st U.S.-Japan Grassroots Summit program in Wakayama, Japan. This experience allowed me to practice both the Japanese language skills and cultural insights I developed through my studies at the University of Michigan. By engaging with the local Wakayaman community and their Japanese diplomats, I furthered my understanding of the complexities of U.S.-Japan relations, particularly in relation to the Michigan-Ohio region. Additionally, I connected with my host family in Tanabe where I learned more about the world cultural heritage sites of Wakayama like Mount Koya (高野山), Nachi Falls (那智の瀧), and Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) and the history of these pilgrimages. This immersion allowed me to hone the academic skills I developed at UM to create meaningful international connections and gain a deeper understanding of the US-Japan bilateral relationship.”
Future plans: “After I graduate from the University of Michigan in December, I plan to further my knowledge of U.S.-Japan relations by completing a research fellowship in Japan. This will allow me to continue building on the connections I’ve made and deepen my understanding in the field.”
