On April 10, 2014, we released the first episode of “Noriko’s Study Abroad Story,” an online video drama series offering useful information on studying in the U.S.

One of our most important priorities is increasing the number of Japanese students studying in the U.S. We believe that this is a crucial task essential to the future of U.S.-Japan relations. The Report of the U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON) Task Force for 2013 states, “Over the past 15 years, there has been a 57 percent drop in the number of Japanese students studying in the United States from over 47,000 students in 1997-1998 to fewer than 20,000 in 2011-2012.” The report sets a goal of doubling the number of Japanese students studying in the U.S. and American students studying in Japan by 2020.

To support these efforts, we have produced a video series that shows students how to fill out a visa application online, sign up for a visa interview, obtain free advice on studying abroad at an EducationUSA advising center, and much more, in an engaging and friendly format. Noriko, a Japanese college student who hopes to study in the U.S., and Tom, the U.S. Embassy’s social media ambassador, play the starring roles in the drama series. A new video will be released each week for a total of eight episodes.

“Noriko’s Study Abroad Story” promises to be a useful resource not only for Japanese students and others who hope to study abroad, but also for education professionals and parents.

Episode 1 “I want to study in the U.S.!”

Episode 2 “Let’s go to America EXPO!”

Episode 3 Part 1 "How to Prepare for Applying to College in the U.S." (Click CC button and select English to watch with English subtitle)

Episode 3 Part 2 "How to Prepare for Applying to College in the U.S." (Click CC button and select English to watch with English subtitle)

Episode 4 “TOM’s Lesson on Filling Out the DS-160 Online Visa Application Form”

Episode 5 “TOM’s Lesson on Paying Visa Application and SEVIS Fee Online”

Episode 6 “Preparation for Visa Interview – Noriko’s Nightmare” (Click CC button and select English to watch with English subtitle)

Episode 7: “Noriko’s Visa Adventure at U.S. Embassy Tokyo”

Final Episode "Departure to the U.S." (Click CC button and select English to watch with English subtitle)