
Fund Jacob's Cultural and Academic Adventure
Donation protected
Hello, I’m Jacob Tyler, a junior at the University of North Georgia, majoring in Cybersecurity with a minor in International Affairs. Since I was a child, Japan has held a special place in my heart—a dream destination where I hope to study, connect with people, and build a foundation for my ultimate goal: serving at the U.S. Embassy in Japan to strengthen global ties through cybersecurity and technology. After making the President’s list at UNG this past year with a 4.0 GPA, I’ve been accepted into a year-long exchange program at Nanzan University, and I need your help to make this transformative journey possible. By supporting one or more parts of my adventure, you can invest in me so I can grow, and make a difference.
My Journey and Heart for Service
Growing up, I faced challenges at home, but I poured my energy into doing what was right—helping my family and others. After high school, I moved in with my grandparents to care for them after my grandfather’s stroke. Following his passing in 2022, I stayed to support my grandmother with her ministry, home, and business, ensuring her stability. I’ve also traveled on mission trips to distant corners of the world, from building homes to serving communities in need. These experiences taught me the value of selflessness and fueled my desire to be part of something bigger than myself.
Japan has always called to me—not just for its language, which I’ve studied diligently to include summer school, but for its vibrant culture, and people. I want to immerse myself in this world, learn from its traditions, and forge connections that will shape my future. Studying at Nanzan University is my chance to deepen my understanding of Japan’s culture and language while advancing my education and connections to work in Japan.
Why This Matters
This program is a stepping stone to my dream of working at the U.S. Embassy in Japan, where I work to foster U.S.-Japan cooperation. By studying abroad, I’ll gain cultural fluency, build international relationships, and hone skills to make a lasting impact. I’ve saved $5,000 through hard work, but I still need $12,300 to cover the remaining costs. Your support will help me take this critical step toward a career of service.
How You Can Help
I’ve broken down my needs into smaller goals, so you can choose which part of my journey to support. Every donation helps me get closer to Japan and my embassy dream:
Flight ($2,300): Fund my round-trip airfare to Japan, so I can begin this life-changing experience.
Housing and Tuition ($5,500): Cover one semester at Nanzan University and safe accommodations for a semester of learning.
Food ($3,000): Keep me fueled with meals to focus on my studies and cultural immersion.
Miscellaneous ($500): Support train tickets, fees, and supplies for daily life in Japan.
Laptop and Equipment ($1,500): Equip me with the tools to excel in my cybersecurity coursework.
Pick the piece of my dream that inspires you most! Whether it’s funding my flight or supporting my education, your generosity will shape my future and contribute to positive U.S.-Japan relations.
I look forward to sharing my journey with you. I will be VLOGing my experiences and/or thoughts. I promise to make the most of this opportunity, sharing updates on my studies, cultural adventures, and progress toward my career. Your investment in me is an investment in someone dedicated to learning, growing, and making a difference.
Thank you for believing in my dream to work on something bigger than myself.
Co-organizers (2)

Jacob Tyler
Organizer
Gainesville, GA
Cindy Ashby
Co-organizer