Why I wanted to be a part of the program and what I looked forward to most
SJMC Japan piqued my interest immediately. Out of all the destinations presented, I knew Japan was the perfect fit for me for many reasons.
What better way to learn than to travel with like-minded peers and experienced guides on an educational itinerary? This felt like an unmissable opportunity to explore a country in a structured and enriching way. Navigating a new country independently can be challenging, but the program’s framework provided a sense of comfort. This structure ensured for a smooth journey, minimizing the chance of getting lost or missing important details. As a result, I was able to learn and adapt to the new culture more easily and quickly.
This program not only promised a sightseeing trip, but an immersive experience. To understand how another society functioned resonated deeply with my learning style. While textbooks and documentaries offer valuable information, there’s nothing quite like engaging in daily life in Japan firsthand. Seeing how people interact, observing their routines and living in their environment offer a greater insight that goes beyond what’s captured on paper or screen.
The chance to connect with fellow students who shared my academic aspirations and wanderlust for traveling was equally exciting.
The program would encourage me to hone my communication skills, both domestically and internationally. Engaging with program participants, Japanese university students, and local residents all presented a valuable chance to discover deeper levels of connection and knowledge through these interactions.
Japan had been on my bucket list for quite some time and has been a place I desperately wanted to see in person. I had been so curious about the temples, landscape, food and fashion scenes, innovative technology and customs. I wanted to get a glimpse of a country so different from my own. Besides sights, I was really excited to compare and contrast it to life in the United States. This cultural exchange would give me a chance to discover new ways of living that I could incorporate into my own routine upon returning home.
Describing the most interesting things I did in Japan
The program exceeded my expectations in many ways. Hearing Jay Allen, co-founder and chief editor of Unseen Japan share his wisdom as a journalist working for a smaller news organization sparked a newfound interest in independent journalism for me.
The visit to Rikkyo University was a definite highlight. We toured the campus with Japanese students, shared a meal in their cafeteria and learned about students’ personal and academic lives. One particularly surprising detail was that the final exams are the sole determinant of their grades.
Of course, I can’t leave out enjoying the beautiful nature and architecture at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Kamakura and the bonsai and torii gates at Meiji Jingu. Each place provided a sense of peace and opened my mind to something new. I was so impressed by how well kept each public space was considering millions of people visit these places every year.
Beyond the program’s itinerary, I delved into the heart of Japanese culture with my new friends. We got to try coffee at an adorable cat cafe, a dream for any animal lover. We scavenged the Oedo flea market with its never-ending rows of vendors where I found the most unique gifts for friends, family and myself such as authentic vintage jewelry, ceramics and decor. Kyoto’s electrifying nightlife was an unforgettable time. I really enjoyed singing my heart out at karaoke, a quintessential Japanese pastime. I indulged in the most flavorful tuna and yellowtail from Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo and the best desserts such as tangulu strawberries I’ve ever had in my life at the Nishiki Market in Kyoto.
A short walk from our hotel in the neighborhood of Asakusa, charmed us with its late open shops and enticing aromas from the street food. The list goes on, but these were all personal favorites from our trip.
One last highlight was the selection of stationary stores overflowing with an array of adorable stickers, pens, sticky notes, letters, envelopes and more. I love to journal and scrapbook so this was heaven for me.
What I learned academically and personally
Aside from highlights, this program contributed significantly to my academic and personal growth.
Documenting my experiences for assignments elevated my senses. The sights, sounds and smells took on a heightened intensity as I became more attuned to the intricate details around me. Capturing these details in writing and content creation pushed my creative boundaries, enriched my storytelling and brought Japan to life for my audience.
Adding onto this, being surrounded by students who are talented writers, photographers and content creators inspired me to grow and refine my own skills.
When you’re in Japan, not a minute is wasted and everything seems designed to maximize time. Japan’s efficiency extends even to downtime. Subway rides become work sessions, walking becomes exercise and every corner offers inspiration. From the convenience of vending machines on every block to the immaculate public transportation system to the high-tech toilets, every detail added to the appeal of Japan which I could see as a potential home for me one day.
Japan’s remarkable efficiency and technological advancements were impressive. However, this came alongside a contrasting reality: a culture where overwork seemed to be the norm. Witnessing so many exhausted people sleeping on subways served as a reminder of the importance of striking a balance between professional ambition and personal well-being.
This trip ignited a spark in me, a yearning for the efficient infrastructure, convenience and dynamism of a fast-paced city. I strangely felt at home here. Perhaps it was the echoes of living in San Francisco for a year of high school where I got a small taste of Japantown and Japanese community.
This program not only gave me academic enrichment, but a sense of community. The camaraderie amongst classmates who started out as strangers made this trip so much better. I loved discovering hidden ramen shops and getting lost in the neighborhood of Tokyo and Kyoto.
The genuine kindness of the locals left an everlasting mark on me. Their politeness, patience and respect wasn’t just a formality; it came from a genuine warmth. This welcoming spirit was evident in countless interactions like when locals helped a lost classmate navigate the subway system or offered enthusiastic recommendations for hidden local snacks.
What’s next? What the program meant to me and how it will impact my collegiate career and future
My participation in this program was about acquiring valuable skills that will benefit me throughout my life and career. Connecting with inspiring professionals from diverse fields opened my eyes to a wider range of career paths and underscored the importance of networking.
Traveling to Japan broadened my perspective and exposed me to new ways of thinking and learning. In today’s interconnected world, a globalized mindset is crucial. The ability to adapt to diverse cultures and navigate unfamiliar situations are skills highly sought after by employers and essential for success in any field. This trip was the best way to practice and build my independence, adaptability and resourcefulness. These qualities will undoubtedly contribute to my overall success in college and beyond.
Most importantly, the program reinforced the belief that the most profound learning often occurs outside the classroom, through immersive experiences in new cultures. The time flew by on this trip, yet the impact it had on me will last a lifetime.
