This summer, rising junior Thomas Monroe is diving headfirst into the language, culture, and daily life of Okayama, Japan, thanks to a scholarship from the U.S. State Department.
A psychology major at Fordham College at Rose Hill and a member of Fordham’s Army ROTC program, Monroe earned a prestigious Critical Language Scholarship to study Japanese at Okayama University, located between Hiroshima and Tokyo. The federally funded scholarship offers intensive overseas language instruction to students learning languages critical to U.S. national interests.
A Love of Language Meets a Military Mission
For Monroe, the scholarship is a chance to dig deeper into his longstanding interest in Japanese language and culture.
“I first became interested in learning Japanese after reading books translated from Japanese in high school,” Monroe said. “I’d like to try translating books once my skill improves.”
It’s also a skill he hopes will come in handy during his future military career. Growing up in Coronado, a peninsula in San Diego Bay with a strong Navy presence, the military shaped much of Monroe’s early life. His dad was in the Navy before he was born, and Monroe participated in Navy Junior ROTC in high school before joining Fordham’s Army ROTC program.
Monroe (center row, fifth from left) with the Fordham Army ROTC.
“When I found out I could graduate from college debt free, I was sold,” Monroe said. He hopes to be stationed in Japan when he enlists after graduation.
Sharpening His Japanese Language Skills Through Immersion
This isn’t Monroe’s first experience with Japanese language immersion. Last year, he participated in Project GO, an intensive Department of Defense language program for ROTC students, and spent seven weeks studying Japanese at the University of North Georgia.
He credits that experience with helping him secure his spot in the Critical Language Scholarship Program this summer, and helping him develop basic proficiency. Scenarios like ordering at restaurants are now easy enough for Monroe, but he’s hoping to build more fluency during his time in Okayama. Fortunately, his roommates for the summer are two Okayama University students, and he’s been matched up with a native-speaking partner for language exchange.
“I’m getting lots of practice,” said Monroe, who arrived in Japan in June. “I’ve been going to dinner and doing other fun nights out with my language partner, who’s been introducing me to his favorite spots in Okayama.”
Monroe in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, with friends.
Swords, Spells, and Shrines
When he’s not studying, Monroe is pursuing two of his favorite hobbies: practicing kendo, a Japanese martial art that uses bamboo swords and armor, and playing Magic: The Gathering at local card shops.
“It’s both very fun and great language practice,” said Monroe.
He’s also getting out and exploring the countryside. Monroe has already been south to Hiroshima, where he visited the Itsukushima Jinja shinto shrine and the Atomic Peace Museum, and climbed Mount Daisen with friends. He hopes to see more of Japan before returning stateside.
Monroe was one of two Fordham students who earned a Critical Language Scholarship this year. Rising junior Fathema Siddiqua was accepted into the online Critical Language SPARK program to study beginner Russian. To learn more about applying for a Critical Language Scholarship, contact the Office of Fellowship Advising.
Monroe and friends at the summit of Mount Daisen.