MLLI Students at a Reception for Former Participants and Contributors of People-to-People Programs between Japan and the U.S.
On September 15, 2026, four of our former UMBC-Kanagawa interns attended a reception hosted by Ambassador Yamada at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence. The gathering is part of the Embassy initiative, “Japan Homecoming 250+” to create a home base for Americans who have lived, studied, or worked in Japan to stay connected to the Japanese sphere. Our interns had a wonderful time by sharing experiences and networking with professionals across various fields who are all share a love for the country. They were also connected with a UMBC alumnus who conducted researched in Japan through the Fulbright Program. To top off a great evening of food and conversation outside the university setting, they even took a few photos with the Ambassador and the minister of Public Affairs and Education.
MLLI Faculty Led Study Abroad to France, Summer 2026
Students traveled to Angers, France to spend 4 weeks in the Loire Valley, living in full immersion. They took classes Monday through Friday in a local language school, the CIDEF, housed by l’Universeité Catholique de l’Ouest, and stayed with host families (sometimes with a friend!), who shared dinner with them every weeknight. During the afternoons they participated in cultural activities like karaoke, a cooking class, a boat ride on the Maine river, or had free time to explore the city. On the weekends they did longer excursions, choosing among a visit of the Loire Valley castles, a trip to the D-day beaches and Caen memorial, and discovery of Mont St. Michel, to name a few. Students earned credit for their appropriate French course, which ranged from 102 all the way up to 304. It was a great success and we can’t wait to do it again for another cohort. The program was led by Dr. Rebecca Grenouilleau-Loescher in the French Area.
