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Spotlight on "Student Success 2006" - Stacey Pratt: Studying Abroad in Japan
Stacey Pratt: Studying Abroad in Japan
Stacey is a third year student concentrating in Asian Studies with a focus on Japanese Studies. Her career plans include education and work as a Japanese/English translator. Stacey is a 2003 Presidential Service Award recipient, and a 2004 – 2005 Gates Millennium Scholar. She also participated in the 2004 Leadershape Institute, the 2005 Leadership Connection, and has won awards for her public speaking from the Huron Valley Toastmasters Association. Below are her reflections on her study abroad experience.
What are the dates of your program? What are you studying?
I left America on September 1, 2005 to study in Hikone, Shiga Japan via the Japan Center for Michigan Universities Program (JCMU). I will return on April 17, 2006. Through this program, I am studying Intercultural Communications, Intensive Japanese Language studies, and a course on Minorities in Japan. I also take a course on Japanese Popular Culture at Shiga University.
What have you leaned in this experience that has enhanced your educational and career goals?
I have learned that everyone, to some extent, learns more about themselves through their daily interactions with others. Some days I sit and reflect on the experiences, good and bad, that have helped me learn about my weaknesses, strengths, and personality. There are times when all I want to do is return home. However, I know that many of the lessons I’ve leaned are experiences that no one can take away and that have made me a stronger person. This experience has helped me clarify my career goals. I hope to work as a teacher or a translator, and be a positive role model to younger students. I know my time in Japan has helped me move forward in my career path. I encourage students to participate in a study abroad program, especially if you are interested in learning, growing, and developing to your full potential.
Describe your studying and living conditions in Japan.
At first, it took me a while to adjust to the small food portions. I had to constantly carry a dictionary with me since all the menus were in Japanese. I also had to adjust to a 5 hour per day preparation for class and living with a complete stranger in a small 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment. Even now, it is difficult to understand the nutritional value of the food I eat and to adjust to the amount of studying required for the JCMU language program. I have learned to cook some incredible dishes like spring rolls, dombourimono, onifiri, pizza, and tortillas. The transportation system is excellent. You can take the train to any major or small city in Japan. I have traveled to Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and other cities. Despite the rigorous program, I have the opportunity to know students in the program, practice the Japanese I learn in class, and make lasting friendships with other students.
What changes have you noticed in yourself as a result of this experience?
I have grown tremendously. When I first told my parents about my decision to apply for the year-long program in Japan, they were adamantly against the idea. Despite that, I applied for the program because I wanted to see more of the world than just the southeast corner of Michigan, and I wanted the experience of living in another country.
This study abroad experience has helped me become more understanding of cultural differences. Getting to know people individually and learning about their personal experiences has fostered greater appreciation for them and their cultures. Despite the stereotype of Japan as a homogenous country, I have never been exposed to so many different cultural backgrounds in my time. I have eaten curry and various Indian dishes as well as Mexican, Chinese, and Japanese food that I have never tried before. This has definitely been a rewarding experience for me.
My listening and money management skills have improved greatly. Through the many listening comprehension tests, home stays, and living around Japanese people for seven months, I have learned to be very attentive to others around me. Because the cost of living in Japan is substantially higher than that in the US, I have learned to purchase Japanese food and to use various ways to use the ingredients to save money for more important things: traveling and sending home souvenirs.
