• Japan
  • Japan: Japanese Language and Cultural Adventure Program
  • Japan: Japanimation - Exploring Japanese Culture Through Anime Program

Each student has a unique and individual experience on their Experiment program. The following essay is a single glimpse into a program from one student's perspective.

 

Steven Banks -- Japan (JAL)

It didn’t even feel like I was on my way to another country, sitting in the claustrophobic seats on Singapore Airlines, listening to the Gorillaz on the headset, and trying to put my nearly shaking hand to use on a blank sheet of journal paper. In fact, I don’t think I actually felt like I was in another country until I woke up the next morning on an unfamiliar bed, looking at an unfamiliar ceiling, hearing an unfamiliar language issuing from an unfamiliar television. The feeling was not as profound as I had thought it would be. It didn’t jump in my face and scream that I was somewhere I had never been before, or that I was actually in the future (because of the time difference).

The epiphany came very slowly at the end of the program as I reflected upon what had passed. I had spent an incredible month, which doesn’t last long, with a group of people that had become like family. I had lived with a fantastic Japanese family that took great care of me, and I had made friends that I will remember for the rest of my life. The only thing that echoed in my head was that this was the most significant experience that had happened in my life, period.

The orientation in Tokyo was great. Our leader pushed us out into the water so that we could learn to swim, and swim we did. By the time our trip took us to Sapporo, most of us were prepared for navigation, asking basic questions, and hearing and paying attention to a language that most of us did not understand. While there, we learned so much in the way of culture and food. Integration amongst Japanese college students was a great idea and had a great impact on the enjoyment of the group.

When the homestay in little town of Muroran came around, most of us were already extremely close. This closeness in the group was essential for a support system, as most of the group had not faced a homestay before, and knew that their families wouldn’t speak English. The excellent homestay coupled with the amazing support structure among the group made this part of the program a highlight.

When the last few days in Kyoto rolled around, we were given well-earned freedom to explore and shop. After a long trip of planned activities and group sessions, we were given the freedom to travel with whoever we wanted to, and do what we wanted. It was a perfect ending to a homestay.

The last night in Tokyo, in turn, helped all of us grow even closer. We spent a couple hours straight giving compliments around the group, crying, and realizing just how amazing the trip had been not only for our newly found friendships, but for the paradigms that had constructed themselves in our heads. Stereotypes and prejudices that went unspoken among the group and between us and our hosts, and almost always unnoticed were brought to light and shattered, not only for the trip, but for the rest of our lives. I could never express how crucial this group has been for my life. I could never explain how much of a better person I am now just because I went on this program and placed myself outside of my comfort zone. I could most definitely not explain why now I have better self-confidence, understanding, and ability to cope with life than before.

To put it simply: I have never been as thankful for anything as I am for this program. This trip has changed my life for the better, as cliché as that sounds. I would recommend anyone for it, because the experiences that emerge are forever etched into one’s mind. I learned to love differently, think differently, and I learned to live independently (for the most part). If there were a better word than amazing, that is what this experience was.