Meet Maya Nair, IUC's 2025-26 Indra Levy Scholarship Recipient

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Maya Nair (IUC '26) received the IUC Indra Levy Scholarship for the 2025-26 10-month program. Maya graduated from Emory University with a BA in International Studies and Japanese. Her research interests include government, policy and culture. Below, Maya reflects on her experience at IUC, and what receiving the Indra Levy Scholarship means for her.

It was a privilege and a joy to take 10 months to focus solely on studying Japanese at an immersive and intense level, without worrying about other obligations or how to make it feasible. It is such an obvious thought, but to a recent graduate with no savings or career, this opportunity was only made possible through the generous scholarship I received. It truly felt like a golden ticket. Thank you to all the supportive donors for making this a reality.

The IUC’s dedication and quality of education cannot be compared. What sets the IUC apart from other language schools is the demand for not only rigor, but passion. I am surrounded by the brightest peers who have unique research topics, experience, and expertise. While we all learn Japanese out of a general love for the language and culture, it is yet another tool to aid in our real passions; we learn to further our specialized paths.

When language learning becomes more than figuring out grammar, but considering the real life impacts one’s language skills will have in business meetings, bilateral negotiations, symposiums, etc., one develops a sense of responsibility towards their learning. I memorized kanji and grammar points not for tests but for myself and my goals. The IUC encourages this holistic learning by offering students specialized classes like law, politics, anthropology, etc.

I am interested in Japan and America’s relations, specifically how it impacts America’s security and military strategies. I chose to take the politics class for two quarters and it completely elevated my learning experience. I am now able to explain my political opinions using technical vocabulary, debate on difficult topics, and read political theory. I look back at where I started and I didn’t even know how to say “political party” in Japanese. The progress I made was only possible because the IUC teaches specific, career-based, Japanese.

After graduation I plan to take the U.S. foreign service exam and pursue a career in diplomacy. While I may not use my Japanese all the time, I have built confidence in interpersonal communication, cultural awareness, and curiosity.

I will never forget the life long friendships I have made with the people in the program and my Japanese friends. The Indra Levy Scholarship and the IUC have given me an opportunity of a lifetime and I am forever grateful.