John Hoellen, a Boise State University senior majoring in electrical engineering, visited Kyushu University in Japan in the summer of 2025 through the UPWARDS for the Future program.

Although this was fourth visit to Japan, Hoellen said he was grateful for the opportunity to engage in a uniquely rich opportunity, providing insight into the educational experience alongside a profound cultural exchange.

"I learned a lot about how a Japanese university operates," Hoellen said. "I think it is important to visit other universities for experiences like this, especially internationally, because professionally or academically you will meet and work with people from diverse backgrounds."

At Kyushu, Hoellen worked in a computer architecture lab, learning Gen5 simulations and studying how parameter changes affect program runtime efficiency. A project he described as an exciting and distinctive component of his education, since many of these processes were new to him.

He credited his success to the guidance of Kyushu faculty and the collaborative support of the students he worked alongside, emphasizing the value of learning in a new academic environment. The connection to these students provided Hoellen with insights about the Japanese culture, how they live, what and how they study, and the importance of cross cultural experiences.

"The student buddies at Kyushu University were fantastic. They were very helpful in the research portions, and I had a lot of fun hanging out with them during the stay," Hoellen said. "I really appreciate the efficiency and politeness of day-to-day activities, as well as the fun you can have with new acquaintances in broken English or Japanese."

One of Hoellen's key takeaways was that the experience deepened his desire to live and work in Japan, ideally within the semiconductor industry. He shared that whether it's with a Japanese company or a western firm with operations in Japan, he hopes to combine his professional interests with the opportunity to live abroad and continue engaging in international collaboration.

"I was already planning on hopefully making a career in semiconductors, but this summer program reinforced that," Hoellen said.

Japan has long been a global leader in semiconductor processing and manufacturing. Local Boise partner, Micron Technology, operates multiple sites across the country, and companies like Tokyo Electron play a central role in advancing the global technology industry.

For students pursuing careers in semiconductors, Boise State's connection to Japan through UPWARDS for the Future represents a distinctive and invaluable partnership: one that opens pathways to international research and career opportunities like those Hoellen hopes to pursue.

With industry partners such as Micron and Tokyo Electron, along with collaborations with five Japanese universities, Boise State students continue to gain access to a global network that prepares them for careers in the semiconductor field through both technical expertise and industry-aligned education.

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