Home

 

Getting Experience

- # of # Filtered -

Soaking Up Japanese Culture

Q&A with Mitchell: Studied in Japan
Share this
Print this
Mitchell
Studied in Japan
Mount Royal University
His thoughts on Motivation
I was introduced to the world of Japan through comics, and from that I was motivated to do more research.
His thoughts on Pre-Departure Preparation
Getting everything in order early will give you time to think of anything you might have forgotten, and give you a chance to relax before you travel.
His thoughts on Cultural Differences
The way that the Japanese perceive themselves in relation to everyone else around them, and in different situations, dictates everything from how they act to how they speak. Hierarchy is very important.
His thoughts on Taking It All In
Meet new people. All of a sudden you'll have a life outside of the exchange program, and your life in whatever country you're in becomes much more exciting.
His thoughts on Personal Growth
To judge something like this as a "success" is an understatement. In reality there isn't a word I could put to such a massive thing as my year in Japan. I just want to go back.
His thoughts on Communicating Abroad
The meaning of a handshake, or a bow from the waist, or a smile often says more than a word ever could.

When and where did you study abroad?

My student exchange location was Hirosaki University in Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan. I studied there from October until August the following year.

What made you want to study abroad?

I became interested in Japan years before I started university. It's a long story that includes a physics class, me sleeping during it, and two chatty otaku girls who sat behind me. The girls were discussing a manga called Naruto in loud enough voices to wake me up. I got curious and decided to find out what exactly Naruto was. I was introduced to the world of Japan through these comics, and from that I was motivated to do more research. Eventually I found out that English speakers often go to Japan to teach, and that all I needed to do that was a degree, so I enrolled in university to study the only subject I was ever truly great at, which was, coincidentally, English. In my first year of school I had to take a second language in order to meet my degree's requirements. I took Japanese. In my Japanese class some students came by to tell us about the exchange program. With dreams of going to Japan to teach someday, I thought that there would be no better way for me to test the waters and go outside of my comfort zone. So I applied, was accepted, and went. It was my sheer curiosity and the willingness to test the capacity of my own adventurousness that made me go.

How did you search for programs? What made you select your program?

My university has a broad and varied student exchange program. My school's partnerships in Japan provided two opportunities for studying there: one school is the Mukogawa Women's University in Hyogo, and the other is Hirosaki University in Hirosaki. As I'm not a woman I couldn't apply to attend Mukogawa, so my only choice was to go to Hirosaki. Although my choice was limited, the opportunities I had while I was living in Hirosaki were varied and amazing, and I would recommend that if your school has a partnership there, and you're interested in studying abroad, you should go to Hirosaki University.

Do you have any tips on writing applications and preparing for a study abroad term? What was your application process like?

The application process for the student exchange program at my school had three steps. First, the interested student must attend an information seminar that provides students with details about what an exchange is like, and provides them with the opportunity to ask any questions they might have. They can then pick up an application from the exchange office. The application package includes a checklist asking for things like a letter of intent, unofficial academic transcripts, recommendations from professors, and other such things. The second step, after waiting for an agonizing amount of time for all the applicants to be screened, is for the student to have an interview with some of the coordinators from the exchange office. My interview didn't take more than 10 or 15 minutes, but is a critical component, because the administrators are choosing students who will be able to properly represent the school abroad. The last step, assuming the student is accepted into the program, is to fill out the necessary paperwork to actually enroll in your foreign university.

The best advice I can possibly give any student aiming to travel on exchange is to make sure to dot all the i's and cross all the t's. Getting everything in order early, like getting your passport or buying your plane ticket or saving up money, will give you time to think of anything you might have forgotten, and will give you a chance to relax before you travel, which will make all the difference on the day of your departure!

What was the biggest surprise about your study abroad experience?

Although I was expecting it, the biggest surprise was how relationships work in Japan. The way that the Japanese perceive themselves in relation to everyone else around them, and in different situations, dictates everything from how they act to how they speak. Hierarchy is very important. For example, if a person who ranks higher on the social scale goes out for drinks with someone of a lower rank, the lower will usually pour the higher's drinks. If I were to go out for drinks with a professor at my home university, I wouldn't think twice about how I spoke to them; to me they would be an equal in nearly any setting that is not academic.

Did you participate in extra-curricular or social activities abroad? If so, how did they differ from social activities in your home culture?

Within Hirosaki University, the social groups that were set up were pretty much the same as the clubs at my home university At Hirosaki, there are clubs and circles. These clubs and circles focus on interests that range from Japanese calligraphy to rock bands to sports. The only distinction between a club and a circle is that a club is more structured and requires a certain amount of participation, whereas a circle is much more casual, and is geared more towards meeting people, having fun, and going out for drinks and karaoke.

For more culturally-driven events, there were two ways to go about participating. A good example would be the Nebuta Festival (which is specific to Aomori prefecture), where students could sign up to participate in the parade as a part of the school's group, as a member of a community, or as part of another sort of organization that they might be affiliated with. I was able to march in Aomori city's Neputa parade as a part of the post office group, for example, because the father of a close friend of mine worked for the post office in Aomori city. The best way to get involved in events and activities is to go out by yourself and meet people. Find out who they are and get interested in the things they're interested in. The difference that this makes is that all of a sudden you'll have a life outside of the exchange program and university campus, and your life in whatever country you're in becomes much more exciting.

What made your study abroad experience a success?

How could I measure such a huge part of my life as a success or a failure? Is it that I've made friends with people from around the world? Friendships that will last forever and that span continents? Is it that I have been touched and changed by sceneries and experiences that I would have never been able to have anywhere else? Is it that I've fallen in love with a country of gods, and earthquakes, and sakura and lion-dog guardians? To judge something like that as a "success" is an understatement. In reality there isn't a word I could put to such a massive thing as my year in Japan. I just want to go back.

What international career skills did you develop?

Probably the most important skill that I learned while I was studying and working in Japan was networking. It's easy enough to network in your own city, but when you're trying to make connections in a place that's completely foreign to you it's a different beast. Forging lasting friendships will not only help you find new professional opportunities, but will also broaden your understanding of life and society.

How did you deal with the cultural divide?

Research, research, and more research. The thing that I was worried about most when I left, even more than the language barrier, was culture shock. I've read about how it can ruin a person, both psychologically and physically. So what I did to combat that was to know as much as I could about what it would be like to live in Japan.

What was the most important thing you learned about cross-cultural communication while you were studying abroad?

Communication is a concept that isn't necessarily limited to words. The meaning of a handshake, or a bow from the waist, or a smile often says more than a word ever could. When I was experiencing the aftermath of the Tohoku Earthquake, I felt more connected with the people of Japan, and felt more sympathy for their loss, than with the people of any other disaster in my own country. Sympathy and empathy are more important than nationality or languages when communicating with someone.

What was your return like?

Coming back was exhausting. With my not-necessarily-bad habit of planning things way in advance, I organized myself so that I arrived at Narita airport nearly a full day before my plane was to leave. I didn't sleep. I did not want to experience the massive amount of jetlag most Pacific crossers do, and so I kept myself conscious with caffeine. Needless to say when I arrived home I was beyond tired. In the first months here I found myself having a hard time settling down. I didn't really fit in anymore, and I couldn't relate to the humor or experiences of people my age so easily. That might sound arrogant, but I do admit that I had lost myself. I had separated myself from the people around me with my exchange experience, and it took a long time and a lot of reflection to come back to the idea that I'm not really that different. It might have been reverse culture shock, but I managed to overcome it and find a new identity for myself. It was a challenging process.

What is your number one tip for anyone hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Again, do the research and be thorough when you're making preparations. You can never know enough or do enough to make your trip easier.

What did you miss most about home?

Steak. Hamburgers. Food. The only food that I could find in my area that tasted anything like food from home was McDonald's, sadly enough.

Do you have anything else to add?

No matter where you are or what you're doing or what sorts of things you have to go through, keep your head and your optimism up. It makes all the difference to look at things positively, or to at least see an end as well as a new beginning. Enjoy your life and your environment, be kind to your friends and colleagues, and always wear sunblock.

What are your future plans for going abroad and for your career?

I set my life up in a series of goals that I want to achieve. I leave room for fluctuation and circumstance that might change the route to my goal. Regardless of what sort of variables come up I still maintain my vision, which is to move to Japan through the JET program to teach for five years. While I'm there I plan on visiting friends in Korea, China, and other parts of the world. After my contracts in Japan are finished I would like to go back to school to either complete my master's in English, or else pick up a dual degree in Japanese language and international communications with the goal of becoming a translator.

Advice from MyWorldAbroad
Jean-Marc Hachey, Publisher

Mitchell has given a lot of thought to his specific goals for the future and for that we applaud him. We'd suggest that at some point Mitchell take time to explore and immerse himself in other regions of the world, but for the moment he is determined to learn as much as possible about Japanese culture. We encourage him to network with former or current English language teachers and experts in Japanese language and culture. Professional networking can be extremely rewarding for anyone with an interest in a particular region of the world.

Mitchell's Application Documents
See how He got started.
Mitchell's Next Steps
Advice from MyWorldAbroad
by the founder of MyWorldAbroad
Jean-Marc Hachey
Want to Have the Same Experience?
9776
- # of # Filtered -
  • 102
102
10923
Insight And Education In Korea
1
16392
Building International Career Skills Online
2
16320
Independent, International, Virtual! A UN Internship Online
3
16382
Making the Most of Lockdown with a Virtual Internship
4
16312
Virtual Internship for a Cross-cultural Future
5
16157
Zoom Zoom! A Virtual Internship with Central America
6
9775
A Year Of Feeling French
7
10153
China, South Africa And Beyond!
8
9776
Soaking Up Japanese Culture
9
9764
Do It Yourself! A Proactive Intern in Rome
10
15631
An International Career in the Making: Asia, Africa and Beyond
11
15405
From Daydream to Reality: Teaching Abroad
12
15401
From Korea to Oman: Teaching English Around the World!
13
9761
Communicating Creatively In Spain
14
9773
Independent In India
15
9791
Making Contacts Count In The UK
16
9740
Sports, Study And Fun In France
17
9743
Hooked On Volunteering!
18
16316
Exploring the Sights, Sounds & Tastes of Mexico City
19
16387
An Epic Internship in Malaysia
20
9756
Springtime In Spain
21
9763
A Professional Visit To Vietnam
22
9780
A Year In Marvelous Mexico!
23
9751
A Canadian Globe-Trotter Visits The US
24
9768
Going Solo In Spain!
25
10188
Now Or Never In Colombia
26
9792
Rolling With The Punches In Seoul
27
9745
An Unforgettable Adventure In Nanjing
28
9774
Gaga For Ghana!
29
9783
Off The Beaten Path In Africa
30
9755
People, Places And Passionate Volunteering In Peru
31
9778
Study And Adventure In New Zealand
32
9777
Into The Wild In Alaska
33
9754
Building Memories In India
34
9750
Host Hospitality In Morocco
35
9747
Fun And Friends In The Netherlands
36
9748
Adventure In The Alps
37
9786
Kids And Culture In Korea
38
9772
Learning To Go With The Flow In France
39
9762
American Freshman In London
40
9771
Learning To Love London
41
9742
Take-Charge Travel: Germany And Beyond!
42
9746
A Cross-Cultural Co-Op In West Africa
43
9760
Getting In Sync In Nairobi
44
9759
From Cold Feet To Confidence In Germany
45
9779
One Summer, Two Internships!
46
9785
Motivated In Madagascar
47
9741
Adapting to Work In Peru
48
9784
Skill-building in Bonn
49
9753
A Season in Sweden
50
9765
Simpatico in Florence
51
9782
Making The Most Of Milano
52
9737
Passionate About Panama
53
9766
Short-Term Trips For Long-Term Gain
54
9781
A Hospital Helper In Costa Rica
55
9789
Loving Life In Lyon
56
9790
Design And Dining In Korea
57
9770
Contributing To Change In Ghana
58
9757
Teaching And Learning In Tanzania
59
9738
Living For The Moment In Valencia
60
9767
Beyond The Call Of Duty In Africa
61
16174
An Empowering Virtual Internship in Nicaragua
62
9744
Food, Fun And Festivals In Germany
63
16161
A Bright & Friendly Cross-cultural Workspace
64
16017
A Globally-minded Visit to Qatar
65
10204
Across Europe In A Caravan!
66
9758
Learning The Local Ways Of Addis Ababa
67
11645
A Love Affair with Shanghai
68
11996
Daring to Go Solo in Ireland
69
12058
Architectural Adventures in Australia
70
11845
Hospitality and Hosting in the DCR
71
15333
A Literary Education in the UK
72
14088
An Eye-opening Experience Teaching in South Korea
73
14483
Finding Home, By Teaching Abroad
74
14594
Growing Abroad: Hong Kong & South Korea
75
15347
12 Months, 12 Countries!
76
15383
Hustle and Bustle in Vietnam
77
15327
An Open Mind & Open Arms in Spain
78
15387
Bliss on a Budget in Brazil
79
15644
Discovering the World on Campus: International Skills at Home
80
11467
Stepping Outside the Box in Sweden!
81
9752
Giving In Guatemala
82
9769
Getting Sporty In Switzerland!
83
9788
Business And Pleasure In Australia
84
9787
A Spring Semester in London
85
9807
Fast Friendship in Korea
86
11557
Un stage au Cambodge (Français)
87
10230
Getting Caffeinated In Bolivia
88
11468
Learning While Teaching in Beijing
89
10145
Real Stories And Real People In Mexico
90
9803
Ten Years Teaching In Seoul
91
10851
Tips From Tasmania
92
9799
Getting Settled In Seoul
93
10258
Encountering Cultures Across Europe
94
10218
Adaptation And Appreciation In Japan
95
9812
Caring And Career Skills In Belize
96
10157
Changing Course In China
97
11850
The Warmest Welcome in Guatemala
98
11904
Enthusiasm, Education and Experience in Greece
99
10163
English Teaching In Eastern Europe
100
10192
Out And About In Paris
101
10143
A Warm Welcome In Mexico
102
9776
All Job Boards
452
All NGOs
1427
Au Pair Resources
39
Awards & Grants Resources
64
Business Directories
21
Canadian Federal, Provincial & Territorial Government Profiles
60
Canadian Government Resources
31
Children And Families Abroad
5
Consulting, Economics & Finance Job Boards
61
Cross-cultural Skills
123
Engineering Job Boards
62
Engineering Resources
81
Expatriate Networking Sites
29
Foreign Students Working in the US
9
Freelancing Abroad
33
General Job Search Books
16
Global Education & Social Action
65
Health & Medicine Job Boards
51
Health Career Resources
72
International Associations with Clubs on Campus
43
International Development Career Resources
87
International Internship Organizations
312
International Internships & Student Programs with Canadian Governments
35
International Internships with the US Government
38
International Job-hunting Resources
16
International Law Careers Resources
115
International Law Job Boards
28
International Studies in the US & Canada
13
International Trade Resources
25
International Volunteer Organizations
488
Internship Directories & Advice
53
Internships with the UN & Other IGOs
160
Language Careers
32
Learn a Language
115
Licensed Teacher Abroad Job Boards
35
Licensed Teacher Abroad Resources
39
Loans for Studying Abroad
18
Low-cost Travel
72
NGO Directories
33
NGO Job Boards
49
Regional Job Boards
107
Relocating Abroad
7
Resources for International Students Studying in Canada
31
Resources for International Students Studying in the US
48
Stories From Abroad
102
Study Abroad Resources
203
Teach English Abroad Job Boards
100
Teach English Abroad Resources
76
Tools for Travelers
91
Top International Blogs & Podcasts
85
Travel Guides
101
Travel Health & Safety
55
UN & Other IGOs
271
UN & Other IGOs Job Boards
27
UN & Other IGOs Resources
74
US Government Profiles
76
US Government Resources
47
Virtual International Internship Organizations
93
Volunteer Job Boards & Advice
65
Working Holiday Resources
78