Introducing Global Fairfield’s newest staff addition - Study Abroad Advisor Shoki Araki. In his short tenure in his position, Shoki has made a substantial impact. As both an advisor for Fairfield students going abroad and the international students attending our University, Shoki is able to speak from experience to both audiences. He helps the visiting students with acclimating to Fairfield University and to living in Connecticut and with the current undergraduate students he assists in navigating the study abroad application process with them.
Shoki was born in Japan before moving to Connecticut at the age of twelve. Shoki recalls how it felt to be new to the United States and the pressure to speak the English language. His first-hand understanding of this situation is useful when working with both international students and study abroad students as they take the leap and immerse themselves in a new culture and language. Using his lifelong love of sports, specifically soccer, Shoki quickly made new friends and new connections here in Connecticut, eventually finding himself at Norwich Military Academy for his undergraduate studies. He was a double major in International Studies and Spanish and a member of the soccer team.
His area of study, and existing interests for other cultures, naturally led him to wish to participate in study abroad in his junior year. Once again traveling to immerse himself in a new language and a new place, Shoki studied abroad for a full semester in Barcelona, Spain. What he called the “greatest four months of my life” fueled his existing passions for travel, meeting new people, and learning a new way of life.
After his graduation from Norwich, Shoki began looking for jobs that aligned with those passions. When offered the position from Student Advisor position at Global Fairfield, Shoki saw it as a natural choice for him to continue to engage with those of different cultures and backgrounds, and a place where he can use his own stories of both Japan and Barcelona to help guide students to undertake a study abroad experience or adjust to a new "home". Shoki enjoys sharing his personal experiences when working with both international students as well as Fairfield undergraduates. Shoki’s favorite part of his role is the students he gets to interact with who share his passion for exploring new places and new cultures, and he loves that he can use his own positive experiences to help guide students to make equally positive memories.
Shoki is currently working towards his certification to be a Designated School Official (DSO), which will allow him to sign official documents for international students, like visas, as it gives him access to a government portal. Through his work in just six short months, Shoki is making his mark on the study abroad office, helping every student that walks through its doors feel informed and educated through the application and preparation processes. For international students, Shoki offers a unique perspective that allows his advice and direction to be both informed and from the heart. His passion for his work shows in the guidance he is able to give, and through his continued dedication to international education.
For more information about how to connect with Shoki, and the rest of the Global Fairfield staff and advisors, check out the Studio Abroad Fairfield website https://fairfield.studioabroad.com/ to start your study abroad journey today.
