Emily Eisenstein OC ‘19

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J.F. Oberlin University, Japan (2019-21)

Emily Eisenstein ‘19, a psychology major and East Asian Studies minor, is one of two 2019-2021 Fellows going to J.F. Oberlin University in Machida, Japan. She has a strong interest in the study of language, especially as a tool for gaining cultural understanding and building interpersonal connections. In particular, she enjoys studying Japanese and has been working toward fluency throughout high school and college. As a senior at Oberlin, she discovered a way to share her passion for language by tutoring adults in English at a local community center. During her Fellowship, she intends to continue using her enthusiasm to support others in the quest for communication and cultural exchange. Meanwhile, she hopes to take advantage of the experience of immersion to pursue her own goals of fluency and finding community in Japan.

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Hisashiburi, Nihon: Rebuilding my Life after 8 Months Away
Hisashiburi, Nihon: Rebuilding my Life after 8 Months Away

Emily Eisenstein ‘19, JFOU Fellow

Opening the door to my Obirin Coop apartment was like stepping into a slightly malfunctioning time machine: here was my past life, laid out exactly as I had left it. My favorite mug sat on the table atop a coupon from Ozeki Restaurant. The book I’d been reading remained on the stool next to my bathtub, along with a half-used Lush bath bomb. Only one noticeable change was visible: mold, everywhere.

Getting Comfortable with Discomfort
Getting Comfortable with Discomfort

Emily Eisenstein ‘19, JFOU Fellow

The first quarter of my Shansi fellowship has been a time of professional and personal growth, as I’ve been challenged by this experience in a lot of constructive ways. Reflecting on my development over the semester, I think my biggest gain (and biggest challenge) has been self-confidence and the determination to push outside my comfort zone.