Alumni Voices: From Akita to the World: A Career Inspired by Akita International University – by Ethan Hoggan, University of Utah, U.S.A.

What do you want to experience at AIU? Who do you want to become through study abroad?　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　In this series, we would like to introduce the articles written by former AIU exchange students to share their most memorable experiences, what they learned and how the AIU experience has helped them get to where they are now, and what they would like to tell international students who are thinking of studying at AIU.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　The purposes and goals of studying abroad are different for everyone, but we hope that the stories of these alumni will encourage you to consider choosing AIU as your destination..　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Here is a message from Ethan Hoggan. He was an exchange student who studied at AIU in the Fall 2019 for one year.

This article is based on an interview with one of our alumni, who shared his experiences during and after studying at AIU. Five years have passed since he wrote about his study abroad experience at AIU — what is he doing now, and what kind of journey has he had since then?

How has your study experience at AIU impacted your career/ personal life?

Studying at Akita International University (AIU) transcendently transformed both my career and personal life in countless measures. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was warmly greeted by a globally diverse community coming from Australia, Brunei, the UK, the US, Mongolia, Latvia, Japan, among others. Such pluralistic representation within educational spaces at AIU provided me a great sense of peace among differences which has remained with me today. This feeling has led me to pursue a career in international education, in which I endeavor to encapsulate the same feeling I felt at AIU and replicate this for the students I serve at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC).

*Ethan with the party glasses having fun with his friends*

How has your life changed since you studied at AIU?

It was at AIU, and through AIU’s ethos, in which I discovered and formulated my primary motivation in life. That is, building bridges of understanding between people, cultures, and ideologies to promote intercultural relationships. This newfound motive altered previous degree aspirations and guided my life trajectory in a way previously unexpected. Needless to say, I would not be in the field of international education without AIU!?

*Ethan, the second from right in the middle row, in front of the massive Akita-inu plush at Akita station.*

What personal achievements are you most proud of since participating in the exchange program?

Upon the completion of my exchange at AIU as well as my BA in International Studies from the University of Utah, I immediately applied and was accepted to the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT). Being placed in Akita, I returned to my home in Japan under new and exciting circumstances. Spending two years in Yurihonjo City, I reflect with pride on my contributions to global and English education systems in both Akita and Japan.?

Once my time in Akita came to an end once more, I was accepted to the MSc International Education program at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. I am delighted to state that I have just graduated in the Spring of 2025 with a final mark of Distinction. I am eager to apply the knowledge I gained and developed in both theory and practice within the field of international education.

*Ethan’s MSc International Education graduation at the University of St Andrews*

By way of conclusion, I must mention the pride I feel in my current work promoting international education at SLCC in the US. Acting as a facilitator of global experiences and learning, I am both honored and humbled by the opportunity to collaborate with students, staff, and faculty to co-create international courses and programs.

*Ethan presenting at the State of Utah’s Governor’s Mansion*

“Only in Akita”: Aside from how study abroad in general has influenced your personal/professional/academic life, tell us about what you found to be unique about Akita in particular as a study abroad destination

Akita, the prefecture with the fewest foreigners per capita, offers something no other region in Japan can provide. With regional cuisine such as Kiritanpo and Inaniwa Udon, the mystifying Namahage, the distinct dialect, and its abundant snowfall, Akita provides a unique and time-honored perspective of Japanese culture and society. I would argue that these factors alongside Akita’s unique isolated location and other distinguishable cultural qualities within Japan is what leads to such strong promotions of global connection and understanding at AIU.

I am profoundly indebted to Akita, AIU, and everyone I met along the way. To anyone considering AIU, you will indubitably discover both yourself and the world. Akita will mark the beginning of this journey, and its impact will remain with you forever.

What advice would you like to offer to future Exchange Students at AIU?

My biggest piece of advice to offer future Exchange Students at AIU would be to not be afraid to branch out of familiar cultural groups and norms you are accustomed to. Step out of your spheres of comfort, your boundaries of routine, and try to discover the world through its people. AIU provides an unparalleled opportunity to meet the world at its most human level and I would encourage all to rise to this occasion with curiosity and excitement.