Students studying in Japan safe, one may return home

One Grand Valley student participating in a study abroad program in Japan may return home after news his host institution will cancel classes for the remainder of the semester.

Matt Van Iwaarden, an international relations major from Hudsonville, said Thursday he had intended to stay and finish the semester, but now may make arrangements to fly home. Van Iwaarden had been studying at the Japan Center for Michigan Universities for three months, with only several weeks left in the semester. On its website, JCMU said it will help facilitate arrangements for students to complete their academic programs. 

Two other students said they plan to stay in Japan and finish their programs. Keren-happuch Benavides, a film and video major, is studying in the Kansai region, about 450 miles from where the March 11 earthquake devastated Japan’s east coast and triggered a tsunami. A third student has also decided to stay, and said she is traveling to safer areas of the country with her roommate and others.

Rebecca Hambleton, director of study abroad and international partnerships for the Padnos International Center, said she and others in her office have been in constant contact with the students in Japan, and their families, since the earthquake occurred. "We have offered to work with students on concerns about their credits, travel assistance home and counseling services, if needed," Hambleton said.

Both Van Iwaarden and Benavides said being in Japan during this time has been an unforgettable experience.

Van Iwaarden said local officials continue to monitor levels of radiation. "The night of the 9.0 earthquake put several people into tears and local Japanese college students who were with me at the time were in shock to say the least," he wrote in an e-mail.

Benavides, a Grand Rapids resident, has been in Japan since September. She said the mood of the people in her area is cautious but relaxed. "This is my first study abroad experience," she said. "I don't regret coming here at all."

While JCMU has canceled its classes, the other Japanese host institutions are continuing as scheduled, but monitor situations closely and have plans should they need to close.