I would really like to study abroad because I know from experience how much influence it can have on me and because I consider it an important step toward achieving my goal of creating an international space agency.

I live to experience changes; visiting a new culture is a big change in life. Even though I was born in the United States when my father was working toward his Ph.D. in chemistry, I grew up mostly in Japan. Coming back to the US at age 12 completely changed my future. Attending schools in the US helped me set a goal in my life of becoming an astronaut and allowed me to realize that continuing my education in this country would help me more toward achieving my goal. This led to my big decision at age 14 of staying in this country when my family had to return to Japan. Since then, I have had an extremely valuable life full of challenge and excitement. I learned that visiting a new place can give me opportunities that may significantly change my future positively. Finally, I want to learn more about other countries because I will be promoting international cooperation in space exploration until I achieve the goal of creating a global space agency.

I will try to achieve three objectives through my studies in Russia this summer. I aim to have a productive start in learning the Russian language. I aim to make friends with whom I can exchange letters. I aim to learn how people in Russia live and think. With these objectives, I will make the most out of my experience to fully meet NSEP’s mission. My study of the language will enable me to start communicating with Russian people as a first step to becoming involved in global issues. It will help me better communicate with Russian astronauts, scientists, and policy-makers in the future. By making friends and other personal contacts in Russia, I will begin making international relationships. Especially with the economic crisis in Russia today, I believe that a friendly and responsible relationship between the United States and Russia is essential for continuing collaborative space effort successfully. In addition, learning how people in a different society live and think will allow me to deal effectively with global issues including those related to international cooperation in space exploration. Finally, I am very eager to spread my cultural learning to others so they can have more global perspectives.

In the long run, the experience in Russia will help me meet my goals of creating a space agency of Earth and of becoming an astronaut and astrophysicist of Earth. Along with the US, Russia has a long history and great expertise in space development. Knowing some Russian language will enable me to make contacts with people in the Russian Space Agency as a starting point in working toward establishing the space agency of Earth. By promoting international cooperation in space exploration, I will naturally be promoting peaceful relationship between countries. Having a background rich in international experience and knowing some Russian will enhance my qualification to be a globally active astronaut who takes part in international projects. What I gain from the experience abroad will also help me become a globally active astrophysicist who interacts with scientists around the world and can take advantage of research facilities worldwide including those in Russia. I would really like to be able to consider the Earth as having no national boundaries so that I can explore the opportunities anywhere.

After finishing my studies in Russia next summer, I will utilize my learning as a basis for further studies of the language and other international matters. On the way back from Russia to the United States, I plan to visit my family in Japan for the rest of the summer. This will give me a perfect chance to reflect on the differences among the three very distinct cultures. When I return to Caltech, I look forward to sharing my experience and findings with my friends to see how they react. Also, my language study in Russia would be an excellent preparation for further study back at Caltech to improve my Russian. I will use my acquired language skills to try talking to Russian students and faculty members. I will write letters to friends I make in Russia, too. All this will help me stay involved in international interactions. Such continued studies and continued involvement will allow me to benefit maximally from the summer program to aid the realization of my goals.

Now that I have a purpose and desire to go to Russia, I am ready to take another big step toward achieving my challenging goals.