Study Abroad Japan Group Reunites after 35 Years

Japan 1973-74 study abroad students from all UC campuses participate in landmark reunion

In summer 1973, 18 undergraduate students from across the UC campuses anxiously packed their bags, preparing for a year studying abroad in Japan. They were taking part in the Education Abroad Program’s (EAP’s) exchange at Tokyo International Christian University for the 1973–74 academic year. At the time none would have imagined that they were about to forge friendships that would last more than 35 years.

Now with many in their mid-50s, the alumni came together for a memorable reunion in 2008. “There was always a core group that kept in touch,” said Ayako Okuno, “but for the 35th [reunion] we wanted to get together with everyone we could.” With the help of the Internet the group was able to track down all but one participant.

“Many of us stayed in touch when we came back to California,” said Wendy Wilson Sigerson. “In the first ten years after our return we got together every year. We brought boyfriends and girlfriends to our reunions, and eventually spouses, and then children. We now have a thirty-five-year history together.”

Patricia Ihara was one of those recently reunited with the group. With only two exceptions, she had not seen any of her EAP colleagues since 1974 until the reunion. “It struck me that I was with an exceptional group of accomplished people who were sincere, warm, and were almost all in jobs that make a positive difference in the world.”

While in Japan the students studied Japanese language and culture, making time to travel, teach English, and celebrate personal milestones—for example, the 100th, 200th, and 300th days in Japan, as Wendy Wilson Sigerson recalls. The passing of each day added up to an experience that triggered important shifts and transformations for many in the cohort.

“Before [EAP], I was finalizing my lower division requirements … with a trajectory to major in one of the sciences,” recalled Steve Terusaki. “I took the year in Japan to also evaluate where I wanted to focus my undergraduate education and identify a major.” After retuning from Japan Steve changed his academic focus to a double major in Asian studies and environmental biology leading to a career in landscape architecture working throughout Asia.

“Before leaving for Japan I was leaning toward a career in law,” said Lynn Shimasaki. “After my experience [with EAP], I decided I wanted a career in business related to Japan somehow. At that time investment banks were just starting to expand their business to Asia and wanted to hire people with the language ability and country experience. It’s now my 30th year in investment banking, and I have always been involved in some way with Japanese financial markets or Japanese clients, including a 15-year stint living in Japan.”

Jim Swan was five years older than most of his EAP cohort, having served in the army following his 1968 graduation from UCSB. He returned to school in 1972 to pursue a BA in Asian studies. “Now, more than 35 years later … I have come full circle,” Jim reports. “I sit on the International Exchange Committee at [Nara University in Japan] where I teach English, and I chair my department’s Study Abroad Committee. I would have to say that study abroad changed my life forever—unquestionably and absolutely.”

June Kobayashi found a passion for second-language learning in Japan. “Most of us earned some spending money by teaching English, either privately or being hired by a company to teach their employees in the early evenings. I really enjoyed the experience and wanted to do more professionally.”

When June returned home she finished her undergraduate studies and completed an MA in education with an emphasis in second-language learning. She later taught English in Japan, eventually taking a position at Tokyo International Christian, where she had studied abroad. Like Jim Swan, June describes her life as having “come full circle. EAP had given me a direction that I wanted to follow in my career.”

Wendy Wilson Sigerson summed up the feelings of many of the EAP alums. “It takes an adventurous spirit to throw oneself into a completely different environment for a year, and that is a quality that I treasure in my EAP friends. They are still interesting, and interested in the world, and are still up for new adventures. We have grown up together, from the age of 20 to 55, and I believe that we are still growing.”

As the world becomes more connected, opportunities for UC Berkeley students continue to expand. From semester- to year-long programs, Cal students can chose among more than 250 study abroad programs in more than 30 countries. Programs are available for every undergraduate major on campus, including for students in the life sciences and professional schools.

For students who lack the financial resources, however, study abroad can seem like an unattainable goal. Over 70% of UC Berkeley students studying abroad receive financial assistance. This level of support is not enough to cover their needs. Many more students would participate in the program if additional resources were available. For more information on how you can help Berkeley Programs for Study Abroad, click here.