Speaking the World’s Languages: Runa Connects Through Music, Math, and English

Meet Runa Saito, a 15-year-old student ambassador from Tokyo, Japan. Runa brings her love of music, science, and language to the U.S. Dual Diploma Program. Balancing orchestra rehearsals, research projects, and her courses, she is discovering how many different “languages” connect her with the world. 

Hudson Global Scholar: Runa Saito 

Hudson Global Scholars program:  Providence Country Day Global Campus U.S. Dual Diploma 

Home: Japan  

Fifteen-year-old Runa understands that communication takes many forms: words, notes, numbers, and even the logic of science. A tenth-grade student from Tokyo, Japan, Runa is enrolled in the Hudson Global Scholars U.S. Dual Diploma Program, where, through music, language, and her courses, she is expanding her understanding of what it means to be multilingual in a globalized world.

Musician, Scientist, and Scholar  

Runa has been surrounded by music since early childhood, beginning her studies of piano at age three, violin at four, and saxophone by age nine. Music is one of Runa’s first languages and a way she connects with others beyond words. Today, she performs as a member of her school’s wind orchestra, where she plays alto, soprano, and the “very heavy,” yet beautiful, baritone saxophone.  

Runa is also fluent in the universal language of mathematics and science. Enrolled in the science track at her Japanese school, Runa is currently researching RSA encryption, a method of securing digital communication. She plans to present her research with a project at the end of the year.

Learning Through New Worlds 

Runa joined Hudson Global Scholars after an information session at her school. She was drawn to the opportunity to study subjects that are not typically offered in Japan, including Introduction to Business and Marine Science. She knew the U.S. Dual Diploma Program would give her more options for the future.  

One of the most valuable benefits of the program for Runa was the opportunity to strengthen her English—a goal that began during a student exchange visit to Boston, Massachusetts, when she was 13. Runa’s English has grown remarkably through the program.

“Before joining, I had few chances to speak with English speakers, so I was nervous at first,” Runa recalls. “But I could gradually try to speak English a lot.”

Currently, her favorite class is the most challenging: English Literature! She credits her American teacher for making it fun through creative teaching methods, such as fun learning games.  

Building Global Connections 

Beyond her academic courses, Runa has found creative ways to connect with peers around the world. In the Culture Corner, she volunteers as a Japanese teacher, sharing Japanese greetings and phrases with other students. She is also part of the Best Buddy Club, where she connects online in English with her new friend, a global scholar based in Greece.  

As a Student Ambassador, Runa is also working on a special music project for the Hudson Global Scholars Community. “My project is introducing people in this community who like music to make a music profile collection on social media,” she explains. She is already creating a flyer and preparing to interview other student musicians.

Finding Balance and Purpose 

Between orchestra rehearsals, long school days, and her online courses, Runa’s schedule is full. “My school ends at 3:30 p.m., and after orchestra I get home around six or seven,” she says. “I usually study for 30 minutes to an hour each day, and more when I have no practice.” For prospective global scholars, Runa thinks this daily commitment to studying is a good practice. Even with the challenges, she finds the routine rewarding. 

Runa dreams of studying business or physics abroad, chasing a career that is fast-moving and full of possibilities. One of her goals? To own a high-performance car! It's not just for the thrill, but a milestone of everything she has worked for. It is her way of imagining a future that is bold, driven, and uniquely hers.

A Voice for the Future 

For Runa, every new skill is another way to communicate with the world. Whether she is reading music, solving a formula, or explaining a Japanese phrase to a new friend, she is learning how different “languages,” both spoken and unspoken, connect people across cultures.  

“I definitely recommend this program,” she says. “Every experience helps my future. I have made friends abroad and can now communicate with them, which has really broadened my perspective.” 

Runa’s story is a reminder that global learning is not just about mastering a new language. It is about finding your own unique voice and sharing it with the world.