Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; for many high school students, it’s the dream of a lifetime. But for Silas-Henry Adkins, studying abroad in Japan led to something extraordinary: becoming a published author as a teenager. Silas isn’t your average student—he’s a passionate achiever with dreams of becoming a pilot and a deep connection to Japanese culture. His journey highlights the profound impact studying abroad in Japan can have on students.
From Learning Japanese to Studying Abroad in Japan
Silas-Henry’s journey to studying abroad in Japan began with a love for the Japanese language. “My interest in Japanese culture started with wanting to understand my heritage,” he shares. Being of Japanese descent, Silas dedicated eight years to studying Japanese before immersing himself in the culture. While researching study abroad opportunities, he found Youth for Understanding (YFU).
“YFU was affordable and offered scholarships, which is why I chose it,” Silas explains. Thanks to his dedication and passion, he won the Japan-American Friendship Scholars (JAFS) scholarship, which opened the door to his adventure in Japan. However, Silas’ father, Mark, had reservations about letting his son go.
Overcoming Parental Concerns: A Family’s Growth
For many parents, sending their children abroad can be a challenging decision. Silas’ father, Mark, shares the emotional struggle he faced. “It was incredibly hard,” says Mark. “As a dad, you have to let him grow up, and I had to grow up.” Mark was initially apprehensive but, with support from Silas’ chess coach, came to understand the importance of the experience for his son’s personal growth. After many discussions, Mark and his wife Stacy agreed to let Silas study abroad in Japan.
“It broke me down, but I had to realize that I was stunting his growth,” Mark reflects. “I didn’t want to hold him back.”
Facing Challenges While Studying Abroad in Japan
Silas faced several challenges while living in Japan, particularly with language barriers. “The students in Japan used a lot of slang, and I didn’t understand it,” he remembers. Fortunately, Silas had a supportive host family. His host mother spent hours each evening helping him understand the nuances of Japanese slang. “I had a very loving and nurturing host family. I even got to spend New Year’s with them.”
The time zone difference was also tough on his family back home. Mark recalls, “It was hard not having him here, and if he didn’t call on time, his mom would be upset.” Despite these challenges, Silas’ time in Japan was a transformative experience that allowed him to develop greater independence and cultural understanding.
The Journey of Publishing a Story: From Study Abroad to Becoming an Author
Upon returning from Japan, Silas dove into his high school capstone project, eager to share his experiences abroad. As he worked on his project, Silas published his story for the world to read.
“Publishing the book was a trial and error process,” Mark says. “His mother and I helped him create an outline and timeline for the book, and we walked through the process together to make sure he included all relevant information.”
Silas credits his parents for helping him navigate the self-publishing journey. “My parents helped me through the entire publishing process,” Silas explains. “I sent them pictures of my time in Japan, and they talked with me about what to include in the book. Everything I learned about self-publishing the book came from YouTube. One of the hardest parts was figuring out how to format it.”
Silas’s book An American in Aichi, Japan, was officially published in November 2023. It chronicles his journey abroad and the lessons he learned.
Advice for Students and Parents Considering Study Abroad in Japan
For high school students considering studying abroad in Japan, Silas has this valuable advice:
“Take the leap, and you won’t regret it. You’ll interact with amazing people, it provides understanding, it’ll get you ready for college, and you’ll get support from your host family. It exposes you to the world on your own in a different environment.”
Mark offers this heartfelt advice to parents: “It’s hard watching them grow up, but you have to support your children. Our role as parents is to help them grow and develop so they can have a future and a life. For future students, I say be open and don’t have preconceived notions. You’ll grow exponentially, and you’ll really understand what global citizenship is.”
What’s Next for Silas?
After graduating high school, Silas took another giant step toward his future by joining the U.S. Naval Academy, where he is the youngest midshipman. His passion for aviation remains strong, and once his training is complete, Silas plans to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. But Silas’ journey doesn’t stop there. His retirement goal is to return to Japan and become a cabbage farmer. “I lived across the street from a cabbage farm when I was on exchange, and the farmer always looked so happy and peaceful!”
Mark continues to be incredibly proud of his son’s accomplishments. “After studying abroad and publishing his book, it really showed Silas’ confidence, mental fortitude, and independence. Even when Mom and Dad were afraid of losing our son, he gained so much more. He’s growing into a fine young man.”
Take the Leap: Study Abroad in Japan
Silas’ story is a testament to the life-changing opportunities that studying abroad in Japan offers. From mastering the Japanese language to embracing cultural differences, students who study abroad in Japan gain invaluable skills and insights that shape their future. Whether you’re a student considering studying abroad or a parent looking for the best opportunities for your child, Japan offers a rich and immersive environment that encourages growth, learning, and global citizenship.
Purchase Silas’ book, An American in Aichi, Japan, at Barnes & Noble.