Although Japanese student Kazuma Nagao had never been to the United States, he knew that studying abroad to learn English would help him inch closer to fulfilling his dream of becoming an astronaut. He had no idea, though, that this chance would bring him into contact with NASA astronauts and a community that supported his dream.
Nagao, an aerospace engineering major concentrating in fluid dynamics at Tokai University, seized the opportunity to study overseas at the English Language Institute (ELI) at Syracuse University. The 30-year partnership allows students in Japan to take part in the rigorous language learning program, studying English textually and orally five days a week. Nagao credits the ELI with giving him not only improved English skills, but also strong friendships and a new outlook on his career goals.
In this Q&A with Nagao, learn more about his experience at the ELI, the connections he made, and his favorite moments during his time at Syracuse University.
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- Kazuma Nagao visits the Kennedy Space Center.
What led to your decision to study English in the U.S. and why at Syracuse University’s English Language Institute in particular?
Since I was a kid, I have [wanted] to live in the United States. Studying abroad in the U.S. has [always] been a dream of mine. Also, I’d like to [get a master’s degree] in aerospace engineering in the United States after the end of my bachelor’s degree, so, I needed academic English and to [be able to] speak English fluently.
I enrolled at Syracuse University’s English Language Institute by applying to the program through Tokai University. Tokai University provides many programs for studying abroad. I wanted to study in the United States for the long term, so I chose Syracuse University because Syracuse is located in New York and the program was for seven months. I could visit NASA relatively easily from Syracuse compared to the West Coast. If I studied abroad in the United States, I had to visit NASA. And I [wanted] to live in New York—it’s just cool to say I lived in New York.
Where did your interest in outer space originate?
I was around 12 years old. I started [to gain an interest] in space because I watched Star Wars movies. But at that time, I was not interested in being an astronaut.
When I was in high school, I had to decide what I wanted to do in the future. I liked science, like math and physics. Being an astronaut is just cool. So, I decided to be an astronaut as a goal. It was a simple reason.
What was your experience like throughout your time at the ELI?
If I [were] to describe my experience at the ELI in one word, it’s amazing. Of course, there were many hard things, but every time I overcame them. I think this experience made me more confident.
In the beginning, it was hard to adapt to the culture and living in Syracuse. That was my first time living in the United States and even visiting. However, once classes began, I had a fun time. I met many people who all have amazing personalities and [such] kindness. Sometimes I couldn’t solve problems by myself, but my teachers and friends helped me. Teachers helped me even if it was outside of the class time. I was so impressed by all the teachers because they took the time to support each student.
Can you describe what the community was like at the ELI?
The atmosphere at the ELI is friendly and happy.
We had many opportunities to interact with students who were in different class levels, so it’s easy to make friends. All the students are international students, so it was exciting for me to have a conversation with each student.
What did you learn from both your peers and the faculty during your studies?
I learned [about] not only English but also about the culture in the United States and various countries. Also, I learned many important things [that I can use] to live a better life.
My teachers and friends [always] cheered on my dreams. They are truly incredible people. I didn’t have any confidence, and I was shy. I didn’t know how to express my opinion during classes in the United States because the cultures in Japan and the United States are totally different. But I could adapt to the culture through this experience, thanks to my surroundings.
I will never forget all the things that they taught me. Meeting with my classmates, teachers, and friends was a treasure and the most meaningful thing [to me] during those seven months. They gave and taught me a lot of things and changed me in a good way. I can’t thank them enough.
You visited Florida to witness the SpaceX Crew-8 mission launch. Syracuse local, astronaut Jeanette Epps, was one of the four crew members assigned to this launch. What was that like, and how did you get that opportunity?
I didn’t know that one of the astronauts who joined the Crew-8 mission was from Syracuse. When I learned this, I immediately decided to visit to watch the launch. I was in Florida from Friday to Sunday. So, I had to be absent from class. I told my teachers that I must go to watch her launch. And also, luckily, I got to connect with a friend of Jeanette Epps. I couldn’t watch the [actual] launch because it was rescheduled, but I saw the Dragon spacecraft and had dinner with Jeanette Epps’s friend. I had a very fun time in Florida.
What kind of networking opportunities did you get during your time in the United States?
I had several opportunities. The most memorable one was when one of my teachers at the ELI connected me with Jeanette Epps’s friend.
I also got to connect with another NASA astronaut personally. I had a phone call with him. I asked him for advice on how to be an astronaut. I didn’t expect this situation—I’ve never imagined making connections with such incredible people. I didn’t make all of these connections by myself. Many people gave me amazing opportunities. So, I’m really appreciative.
What was your favorite part about studying in Syracuse?
Visiting NASA in Florida and Houston was definitely [one of] my favorite parts but studying English at the ELI every day was [also one of] my favorite parts. At the beginning of studying abroad, I couldn’t communicate with my classmates well. However, my English skills improved gradually. After I noticed my growth, I loved to have conversations with my classmates, teachers, and native people. I never felt bored during classes.
After classes at the ELI, I hung out with my classmates. We cooked traditional food together, drove to feel nature, went shopping, and sometimes just chatted about our future and dreams. Everything that I experienced in Syracuse is my favorite part.
What are your career aspirations for the future, and how do you think your education through the ELI will help you achieve them?
My future goal is to become an astronaut. Before I came to Syracuse, I just wanted to be an astronaut for my benefit— to seek out my passion and interests, like wanting to feel how zero gravity is and to see the Earth from space. But, after seven months of studying at the ELI, my reason for achieving my goal has changed.
I want to be someone who can help others and make a good impact on the world. I’ve lived for just 20 years. In my life, many people have helped me, but I couldn’t do anything for them. So, I want to be an astronaut and dedicate my life to helping people and making a positive impact. To do things for the world, for all humanity, and even for the universe— this is my slogan.
We have citizenship and a home country, but we are all from Earth. We are one. One astronaut said there are no borders seen from space. I love this saying.
I like to work hard to achieve my goal, but of course, sometimes I don’t want to. Then, every time I [don’t want to], I remind myself of the friends, teachers and people I met in Syracuse. I hope to see them again in Florida as an astronaut. To make this dream come true, I must push myself a little bit more.
These seven months were so meaningful to me. Through this experience, I know why I want to be an astronaut.
About the English Language Institute
The English Language Institute, a department within the College of Professional Studies, at Syracuse University is a pre-degree program that prepares international students to succeed in their undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Established in 1979, this immersive year-round program allows international students the opportunity to learn English and culture in the heart of New York state.
By Isabel Bekele and Hope Alvarez