The ELI Student Spotlight series is designed to highlight students who demonstrate outstanding commitment and enthusiasm in ELI courses.

Shuhei Kito was a stellar student in our 2025 Summer EAP Program. Angela Garner, coordinator of the program, praised Shuhei for "always being engaged in class activities and eager to learn.” It’s no surprise that his Summer EAP instructors reported that Shuhei’s English language skills improved significantly in a short time. But for all those who know him, it's Shuhei’s enthusiasm that really stands out. Shuhei eagerly participated in our cultural events and excursions, and his enthusiasm was contagious. Way to go, Shuhei.

 

Name: Shuhei Kito

Hometown: Ichinomiya

Country: Japan

Degree Program: Master’s in Business Administration

 

What motivated you to enroll in the Summer EAP program?

Since it was my first time living abroad, I was worried about whether I could adapt to life in the U.S. as an international student and improve my English enough to keep up with classes. Several alumni who had taken the Summer EAP program before told me that it was an excellent way to overcome those concerns, so I decided to join. From the very first day, the professors and staff warmly welcomed us and created an atmosphere that made it easy for participants to connect with one another, which I truly appreciated.

 

What did you enjoy most about the Summer EAP program? Why?

What I enjoyed the most was spending time with my classmates. Thanks to the supportive environment and the efforts of the staff, my Summer EAP classmates became my very first friends in the U.S., and all those friendships continue today. Outside the classroom, we shared wonderful experiences together—going out for meals, playing pickleball, having barbecues, and even traveling to Chicago as a small group. For someone like me who had lived only in Japan and interacted mostly with Japanese people, all of these experiences were fresh, exciting, and unforgettable.

 

What did you find most valuable about your Summer EAP experience?

Every part of the program was valuable, but the Capstone Project at the end left the deepest impression on me. It pushed us to bring together everything we had learned—reading, writing, speaking, and presentation skills—and apply them in a practical, cohesive way. To prepare, I spent hours refining every word of my script to make sure my message was precise and persuasive. I practiced not only what to say, but how to say it—adjusting my tone, pacing, and gestures so that my delivery would truly connect with the audience. We even went out into the streets of Ann Arbor to interview people and collect real data, which made the experience all the more authentic. On the final day, I delivered a presentation that reflected all of that effort, and walking off the stage, I felt a genuine sense of accomplishment and confidence that stays with me today.

 

What advice would you give to incoming international students at U-M?

When I first came to the U.S., I often felt frustrated by the gap between what I could express in English and what I was capable of in Japanese. I sometimes thought, “This isn’t the real me.” But through the Summer EAP and my MBA program, I’ve learned that confidence doesn’t come from being perfect—it grows as you keep trying and learning step by step. At Michigan, everyone—students, staff, and professors—truly values diversity and supports each person’s individual journey. So believe in yourself, take each step forward with courage, and remember: being different is not a weakness; it’s your strength. Embrace it and enjoy your time here with an open heart.

 

What do you hope to do after graduating from U-M?

After graduation, I plan to return to my sponsor company in Japan and apply what I’ve learned and experienced through the MBA program. I hope to become a leader who drives transformation—creating services that truly delight customers, maintaining high employee morale, and balancing profitability with social responsibility. I also want to promote Michigan and Ann Arbor in Japan, since not many people there realize what a wonderful place this is!