Study Abroad Experience
Chukyo University in Nagoya, Japan
In September of 2023 I came to Japan as an exchange student to Chukyo University in Nagoya, Japan. This was my second time in the country, so while I was used to many aspects of Japan already, I still had much to learn. As I write this essay I am still in Nagoya, with about 6 months left of my study abroad. This essay will serve as a reflection of my experiences as a student in Japan, including personal challenges, cultural differences, and academic goals.
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When I first arrived in Nagoya, I met up with the other exchange students at our dormitory. There were many things to be aware of compared to a dormitory in the US. Firstly, when we enter the building, we must take our outside shoes off and exchange them for slippers, which is customary in Japanese homes. When it comes to bathing the dorm has a public bath (éŠæ¹¯) that was shared among the male residence. As someone from America, this was quite a culture shock that I needed to get used to.
Classes started about 3 weeks after we moved into the dorm, my goals going into this study abroad was to improve my Japanese language ability to a point where I would be able to work in Japan; as well as to better understand Japanese culture and discover more interesting aspects of Japan. During my fall semester I took classes on Japanese language, culture, business, history, and international affairs. These classes broadened my knowledge of Japan and deeply enriched my experience here.
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I also have made many friends so far in this program, including local and foreign. This has also served to broaden my horizons as I am meeting people with a variety of cultures and values. Speaking with my Japanese friends has also helped my ability to communicate effectively in Japanese. A specific goal I had was to pass the JLPT N2, which I was able to do on my first attempt in December of 2023. Having this certification is a huge step in my goal to work for a Japanese company.
There have been several personal challenges in getting used to Japanese culture. Compared to the United States Japanese people are much more reserved, and it takes much longer to become close to other people. There is also less spontaneity in relationships. When ever I invite my friends to go out they are always busy for the entire week, so I frequently have to make plans one or two weeks in advance to see them.
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Another challenging aspect of living in Japan as a foreigner is being able to recognize social context and hierarchy; along with using respectful language accordingly. In the United States people typically speak to each other as equals, regardless of age or social status. However, in Japan one must speak to those higher than oneself in honorific language. This is a cultural idea completely foreign to many westerners and is difficult to intuit coming from the outside. Getting used to honorific language and its contexts have been a constant challenge for myself and I will continue to understand them better.
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This study abroad experience has been so far an enriching academic in person experience that has helped me think of myself not as just an American citizen but rather a Global citizen. Despite people having different beliefs and cultures; I believe that all people of the earth are more similar than different, and that we can all work together towards a more peaceful world.
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