My short-term study abroad in Taiwan and Australia, where I learned the process of incorporating diverse ideas into my day-to-day life.
■Name: Yuta Aihara
■Faculty/Department (at the time of study abroad): 1st year, Faculty of Liberal Arts
■Period of study abroad: August 2023, March 2024
■Destination: Fu-Jen University, Taiwan; Australian National University (ANU), Australia
■Form of study abroad: Social Engagement Programs (Global Leadership Program, Australia Summit Program (during pilot phase))
Every year, many Sophia University students study abroad in countries all over the world outside of Japan. How did they manage to find their way through the differences in languages, cultures, and lifestyles? Here are some voices of students who studied abroad.
Why did you decide to study abroad?
I became interested in environmental issues in high school, and I came to Sophia University hoping to take my knowledge to the next level. Once I was enrolled, I discovered how extensive the programs offered by the university were, and I wanted to take advantage of them. I decided to participate in the Global Leadership Program*1 in Taiwan because the theme of the program was marine conservation.
*1The countries and regions where the Global Leadership Program is offered vary from year to year.
How did you choose your study abroad destination (country/university)?
I based my decision on the theme of the practice-based program and the availability of financial support. I chose the Australia Summit Program (theme: Diversity and Inclusion) because I could learn about Diversity and Innovation (D&I), which I discovered in Taiwan, and the effectiveness of public policy as a means to realize innovation, which I learned in Jakarta*2.
*I was impressed by the perspectives and values of students from different countries who came together for the Global Leadership Program in Taiwan, and their diverse proposals for solutions. I then traveled to Jakarta for a “Mock ASEAN+Japan” off-campus program, where I became aware of the effectiveness of public policy as a means to bring practical solutions to the topics.
Did you have any concerns before going abroad?
I felt comfortable participating in both programs because they were both about a week long, the faculty member in charge of the program accompanied us, with thorough arrangements and risk management guidelines, etc. I was rather looking forward to the program with a positive attitude.
What did you do to prepare for your study abroad program and what do you wish you had done?
I did a lot of research on global trends and Japan’s position in relation to the topics of the program. In addition to preparing souvenirs to attract interest in Japan, I also made sure that we could build a good relationship that would last beyond the program. On the other hand, I think I should have had a good understanding of the current state and conditions of Japan other than those related to the topics of the practical program. Although I had a good understanding of some aspects, I was limited in the areas I could elaborate on. As a representative of both Sophia University and Japan, I wish I could have at least presented a wider range of topics.
What was the overall atmosphere at the university and among the students?
In Taiwan, the students met us at the airport and welcomed us with open arms. Not only during the program, but also in the evenings, they showed us around and had a good time socializing with us. While the classrooms and facilities at the university were new, the air conditioning was very strong as common in overseas, and long sleeves were required even in the middle of summer.
How did you expand your circle of friends?
Because it was a practical study-based program and basically only representatives from each school participated, we were able to maintain close communication with a small group of people, so naturally we became very close to each other.
Did you find any differences in class activities, study contents, exams, etc. compared to those in Japan?
The students there were much more proactive. They are used to reflecting on their own thoughts and expressing their opinions on a daily basis, and I felt that the pace of discussion was much faster there.
Apart from your studies, what did you put the most effort into?
I tried to immerse myself in the local culture and lifestyle as much as possible. The program itself usually ended around 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., so I made sure to make the most of the time afterwards.
What did you find unique about your study abroad destination and your new discoveries?
The program in Taiwan was fascinating because it was a conference-style program where students from five different countries came together for a hands-on session, so we were able to make extensive cross-cultural connections. Even though the only students on the program in Australia were from ANU and Sophia, I found that the diversity of opinions expressed was not at all compromised, which was another important takeaway from that program.
Comparing before and after studying abroad, how do you feel you have grown and how has your awareness changed?
There has been a shift in my awareness of purpose and process. In the Australian program, I was thinking about how to promote D&I through public policy; I realized that D&I had become the goal. However, as I reflected on my experience with diversity-induced innovation in Taiwan, I realized that D&I is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. I realized that by looking at the realization of D&I as a means to the generation of innovation, I could begin to look at it as a matter of my own: jibungoto.
How do you think your study abroad experience will affect your future life?
I saw the value of learning on a global scale. I was able to encounter “differences” in many areas, ranging from differences in daily life to how discussions are conducted, not to mention the diversity of opinions, having to interact with others from different countries. I also realized that I am gradually learning the process of adopting the good qualities of other people and cultures.
What advice would you give to people who are considering whether or not to study abroad?
The encounters and experiences you will have while studying abroad are truly a lifetime treasure. The lessons you learn will definitely take you to the next stage of your life. Sophia offers a wide range of support for studying abroad, so please make the most of it!