Are you interested in expanding your geographic horizons and gaining a deeper understanding of Japanese culture? SJMC Japan students, recently returned from Japan, are proud to present highlights of their work on final presentation day, the culmination of its study abroad program.
Join us at 10 a.m. Friday, June 28, in Old Main Room 320, for a unique opportunity to see Japan through the eyes and experiences of 16 undergraduate students and two graduate students who participated in the program. For those unable to attend in a person, the meeting can be watched live via Zoom; register at this link: https://txstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYuce2hpz4qG9f2LgAeKjjnvi1VXLHpiYq8
“This program was a dream,” said Laura Restrepo Posada, digital media innovation junior. “I worked very hard and achieving it was one of the best gifts I could have given myself. This trip helped me step outside of my comfort zone.”
This showcase will feature student presentations of their most compelling feature stories, offering a glimpse into the heart of Japan through the lens of study abroad students. Additionally, students will share insights from their own personal travel essays, providing a unique perspective on the cultural immersion they experienced.
“The program for me was a life-changing experience,” said Rosey Mendoza, digital media innovation sophomore.
Designed as a program where students learn by doing, SJMC Japan offers majors and non-majors alike to be student creators, improving writing and multimedia storytelling skills.
SJMC Japan was an immersive two-week journey in Tokyo and Kyoto that unpacked the nation’s cultural and media landscape. SJMC Academic Program Director Gilbert D. Martinez and faculty partner and Lecturer Sara Shields led the program, which was designed to inspire students to create work for the class website (www.sjmcjapan.com) and for the class Instagram account (@sjmcjapan). This was the third time Martinez has conducted the faculty-led Education Abroad program, having gone to Japan twice before with Senior Lecturer Jon Zmikly in 2019 and 2023.
“I’m so proud of the SJMC Japan students for all of their hard work,” Martinez said. “They took to heart my reminder that we weren’t on vacation. Now, they have a lifetime of memories and terrific work to add to their portfolios. These student creators vastly improved their feature writing skills, social media skills and digital media skills.”
As part of SJMC Japan for the first time, Sara Shields agreed.
“I was amazed at the content students were creating on the go during our time in Japan,” Shields said. “Our students weren’t just walking around sightseeing, they were fully immersing themselves in Japanese culture while taking photos, videos and notes to tell those stories on Instagram. The presentations on Friday will be a great opportunity for students to show parents, faculty and our local community the hard work they put in during the trip.”
Students spent the first week in Tokyo, a dynamic metropolis teeming with innovation and tradition. While there, they ventured to bustling markets like Tsukiji Outer Market and saw thrilling heights at Tokyo Tower. A day trip to the historic town of Kamakura to visit iconic locations such as the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), Hase-dera Temple and Enoshima Island offered a glimpse into Japan’s ancient past.
In Tokyo, students also visited Rikkyo University, the Tokyo bureau office of the Wall Street Journal, the Tokyo Fire Museum and Unseen Japan, a news and culture site.
“I really enjoyed the Rikkyo University visit as well as the small, daily interactions I had with the locals,” said Abigail Tuttle, advertising senior. “The biggest thing I learned was that things work better when people work together and Japan has that covered.”
The second week unfolded in Kyoto, where students explored magnificent shrines like Yasaka Shrine and Fushimi Inari and serene temples like Kiyomizu-dera. Additionally, students toured the 145-year-old Kyoto Shimbun and learned how the publication combines its print product with online delivery of news.
Beyond sightseeing, the program emphasized cultural immersion. Students braved the bustling metro system, deciphering signs and navigating the “keep left” rule.
But the learning didn’t stop there. The program’s rigorous curriculum kept students engaged every day. They crafted captivating Instagram reels, composed insightful blog posts and dived into feature story writing. The program elevated their journalistic skills and challenged them to translate their experiences into compelling narratives.
Now, the culmination of their journey has arrived.
The showcase event on Friday serves as a platform for students to share their stories and the profound impact of their immersion into Japanese culture. Prepare to be transported through their presentations as they unveil their best feature stories, narratives that capture the intricacies of Japanese life, from busy cityscapes to peaceful temples.
The beauty of this program is that everyone had a unique experience. One presenter might captivate you with a deep dive into the bustling Tokyo markets, highlighting the intricate details of daily life. Another might paint a picture of serene beauty, examining the history and spiritual significance of a temple they explored. Whether it’s the technological marvels of Tokyo or the timeless beauty of Kyoto’s gardens, each story promises a unique perspective on the land of the rising sun.
Beyond capturing the essence of Japan, these presentations offer a window into the students’ personal journeys. Expect to hear about their most cherished discoveries: the delicious and unexpected culinary delights, the kindness and hospitality of locals and the breathtaking natural beauty they encountered.
But prepare to also hear a touch of wistfulness, as they share what they’ll miss the most: the fluorescent 24/7 konbini (convenience stores), the calmness of everyday life and the blissfully low prices for both merchandise and food.
“My favorite thing was getting food at the konbinis every day and that is what I will miss most along with being able to go anywhere in Tokyo on the subways,” said Kaitlyn Maurer, mass communication sophomore.
Maurer isn’t alone in her admiration of Japan’s public transportation system.
“About Japan specifically, I’ll for sure miss the prices the most, whether that be for merchandise or food, but almost as equally, I’ll miss traveling so conveniently by train,” said Cade Gulley, electronic media sophomore.
The event is not just for Japan enthusiasts or aspiring journalists. It’s an open invitation to anyone curious to explore the magic of Japan and witness the transformative power of immersive learning.
Join us at 10 a.m. Friday, June 28, in Old Main Room 320 and be transported by these student presentations. Dive into the heart of Japan, gain insights into its rich culture and celebrate the remarkable growth of our SJMC Japan students.
Witness firsthand how this program went beyond academics, forging a lasting connection between our students and Japan. Hints of future travels and career goals inspired by this experience might just pique your interest through their presentations.
The SJMC Japan program is a testament to the power of travel and cultural exchange. It broadens perspectives, fosters global understanding and ignites a passion for exploration. We invite you to be a part of this inspiring event and discover the magic that unfolds when cultures connect.
