Study Abroad: Caitlin Weingarden Finds Confidence and Connection in Japan

For Caitlin Weingarden (JCMU 2025, BFA ​‘27, User Experience), studying abroad in Japan was more than an academic adventure; it was a journey toward confidence, connection, and self-discovery.

Her interest in language learning first drew her to the 10-week program, but it was the kindness of others that left the most lasting impression. Taking a single step outside her comfort zone led her to moments she could have never imagined, including a weekend trip to Osaka with a new friend who introduced her to all her favorite places in the city.

Immersed in a new learning environment, Caitlin found inspiration in the dedication of her peers and professors. The intensive pace of the program pushed her to ask for help more openly and strengthened her communication skills. Culturally, she learned to embrace opportunities to meet new people and to approach life with a more relaxed mindset.

Balancing travel and academic work posed a unique challenge, but through careful prioritization, Caitlin found a rhythm that allowed her to enjoy both. The photos and videos she captured along the way now serve as creative fuel for her future projects at Stamps, each one holding a memory and emotion from her time abroad.

For Caitlin, studying abroad became a defining experience of growth and self-assurance. She encourages anyone considering it to take the leap — sometimes traveling far from home is what helps you discover who you truly are.

Learn more about Study Abroad opportunities at U‑M’s Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design.