Where I belong
International studies and Asian studies major John Mabilangan uses his experience as an immigrant and his knowledge and language skills to help others avoid communication missteps.
John Mabilangan wants to speak your language. That is, if that language is Tagalog, French, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean or English. Throughout his life Mabilangan has been enriched by the influences and languages of the international community. He is pursuing a double major in international studies and the Asian studies concentration with a double minor in French and Japanese.
His interest in cultures and language inspired Mabilangan to embark on a quest to become fluent in French and Japanese. He enlisted TU’s French foreign language professors George McCool, Alisha Reaves and Katia Sainson and his Japanense sensei, Reiko Nonogaki and Kanji Takeno as his allies.
“ The interpersonal relationship with the foreign language professors is what makes Towson University different. ”
“What I value most is how supportive the faculty are toward the students. The interpersonal relationship with the foreign language professors is what makes Towson University different.”
Mabilangan says the professors challenge students to develop professional level language skills while simultaneously offering encouragement and support. He makes it clear that language learning is not always easy. As languages evolve, confidence and fluency become life-long endeavors. Mabilangan is up to it. As a member of the International Students Association (ISA), he had the opportunity to meet international students new to America. As a first-generation immigrant himself, his knowledge and language skills helped him welcome these new arrivals into TU’s campus community. He was gratified to be able to help others avoid communication missteps.
Mabilangan is currently an intern at the Japan America Society of Washington DC as a part of their Volunteer Outreach and intends to explore entry-level jobs both in the United States and abroad where he could apply his language skills. He will land where he can provide the most help to those who need his language skills. That’s where he belongs.