Before Coming to Japan…
Before coming to Japan, I had traveled throughout Europe, Mexico and Canada on several occasions but I had never experienced culture shock before.
Before coming to Japan, I had traveled throughout Europe, Mexico and Canada on several occasions but I had never experienced culture shock before. That is until I arrived in Japan. It was euphoric in some sense because Japan is an interesting, inspiring and different place. Yet, at the same time it was a bit scary because of the uncertainty of not knowing the customs and culture but most of all the language. Luckily, the locals are very polite and accommodating and seem to want to help at any chance they get but appreciate any effort you put in to learn anything you can about Japanese life.
The first few days I was in Japan I traveled to Kyoto where we visited the Kiyomizu Temple. Kyoto is an extraordinary city. After some amazing sightseeing, I was able to join some friends for a meal that included blowfish, which is an expensive delicacy in Japan. I never thought I would ever have blowfish but I was fortunate enough to be treated by a friend.
The classes at Kansai Gaidai are challenging but exciting. I came here with no background in Japanese language. They structure the language courses in a practical manner and as long as you attend class, study and do your listening exercises, you’ll do fine. My history courses are very stimulating. I can’t tell you how much I have already learned. My teachers are inspiring and brilliant. Some field trips we will be taking this semester are: Trip to Hiroshima to tour the museum and then listen to an atomic bomb survivor, Trip to Peace Osaka, which is a peace museum (We have war museums, they have peace museums) a trip to a Japanese prison and a visit to the tomb of emperor Meiji. On top of that we have several guest speakers from around the world.
One last thing I want to mention about my experience here is that it is truly life changing. I have gained a deeper understanding about human nature but most of all a better understanding about myself. It goes beyond learning about the culture in Japan and becomes more about learning and understanding the world. I have been exposed to so many amazing people from all across the world and from different walks of life. There are so many misconceptions and stereotypes about Americans. I feel that through many conversations with some of the people I have met from other countries, I have been able to break some of those stereotypes and change some of their sour views about Americans. Studying abroad is about discovery and learning, inside and out of the classroom. Sometimes there are just things you can’t learn in a book. You have to step outside of your comfort zone and throw your self into the unknown because that is where the best life experience comes from. It is a great way to further your education but most of all it’s an adventure and a journey of a lifetime.