The Joy of Japan

Many language major students study abroad for a semester or two to fully immerse themselves in that specific language. But did you know that you could study abroad even with majors and focuses other than language? Check out this unique experience shared by Abigail Cancel (junior, graphic design), who spent her time at Osaka Metropolitan University in Osaka, Japan, last semester.

Abigail, I am curious whether this study abroad program provided classes limited to specific majors, or if it was open to everyone. What courses did they offer, and what did you take?

The study abroad program I participated in was not limited to any specific major or department. However, due to the limited amount of classes available to AU students at our host university, it was most suited to students studying global studies, business, international development, and other similar areas. The classes I took mostly focused on addressing social problems and international development, but I was also able to take a couple Japanese culture and art history classes. There was not much room for options, since only a few classes were offered in English at the host university.

So it was not necessary to speak Japanese to take the classes! But speaking Japanese would have surely been beneficial while staying there. Did you speak any Japanese before you went there? How did you overcome the language barrier?

I did not speak Japanese before going to Japan, and to be honest, I still do not speak much after living there for five months. There was definitely a language barrier when I went out and about, but I was able to get by. Google Translate was my best friend, especially when grocery shopping. There was less of a language barrier with my classmates since my classes were in English. All the students in those classes could speak English. Public transportation usually had signs in English as well.

Do you think the Japanese study abroad program provides a unique perk compared to other study abroad programs, or do you think students would mostly gain similar experiences regardless of where they study abroad?

I think studying abroad in Japan offers a distinctive experience different from that of ACA programs, because it is the only full-semester program offered in east Asia. Japan is a unique country, so I don’t think the experience could be replicated elsewhere. On the flip side, anyone living in a different culture will have similar struggles and triumphs no matter where they are coming from and where they are going.

And I bet the struggles and triumphs you experienced in a foreign country widened your perspective. What do you think you gained or learned from studying abroad last semester?

A unique perspective I gained from studying abroad was being Christian in a country where that is the minority. It wasn’t a negative experience, but having grown up inside this Adventist bubble, it was completely new and different to me. Japan has their own religions, so it was amazing to learn about another belief system found almost exclusively in one country/region.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reflection today, Abigail! I think many students would find your experience helpful when deciding whether to participate in the study abroad program. But do you recommend Andrews students to study abroad? If so, why, and what are some things they should consider before making a decision?

I absolutely recommend studying abroad. I learned so much more about the world and myself from participating in this exchange program. I would encourage anyone interested in studying abroad to study as much as possible about the language, culture, and country before going. If taking a class is not an option, using a language app can still help more than you think.

I would also consider how ready you are to be independent. While staying in Japan, I was responsible for all my meals, paying bills, transportation, and pretty much everything else. I had friends and people to help me, but that responsibility was ultimately mine. Living alone in a foreign country can also get really lonely, especially without language skills. I called my family and friends more than I ever did while traveling. Having international travel experiences is also beneficial, but the experience of actually living in a different country for an extended period of time is much different. Staying in one place and settling in for a semester or more is a bigger commitment than a regular study tour, but it is worth it. I was only able to stay for a semester, but I wish I could have stayed longer. I got to be at home in Osaka and I miss it a lot now. I didn’t know how independent I could be until I went there. Only one other AU student participated, so we relied on each other a lot, but I also made so many amazing friends and had so many incredible experiences that I wouldn’t trade for anything.