Fine tea and traditional comedy sketches in Japan

My first week in Japan was daunting and overwhelming. Entering and experiencing a level of culture shock that I didn’t know was possible, took me over. I had to spend the first couple of days in my Japanese home, only leaving for some local sight seeing and grocery shopping.

Once the schooling began, the experience of integrating into the culture really began. On a daily basis I was forced to use the language with my peers and strangers alike which left me no choice but to immerse myself in the country, the people and appreciate it for all it had to offer. Although this was challenging, the program offered a silver lining in the form of language buddies. These Japanese students helped me learn the language and helped me appreciate the school and Tokyo more.

The program also allowed me to experience things that I had no idea on what I would have been missing. I got to meditate with monks, appreciate fine tea and experience traditional comedy sketches, all with my peers and teachers. These were optional for the program, however, they completely evolved my experience and appreciation for the culture.

The program allowed me to meet like-minded people who came to Japan from all over the world. I made friends from Europe, Asia and America as well as meeting more Australians who I still catch up with when I can.

Outside of the external experiences, I also grew as a person. I learned how to better understand and appreciate culture and people with a completely different way of life. This is a skill which I am still improving upon wherever I go now. I also learned how to, in a sense, live for myself, in a changing and challenging environment.

Reflecting on this trip, I can safely say that the Global Shorts Program was an extremely rewarding experience. It allowed me to create new connections and fond memories. If anybody is thinking about such an adventure, I can recommend it completely. Even though I went for an education, I got far more than what I bargained for in the form of cultural appreciation, self-improvement, and new friendships.

Calvin Leighton
Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours)
Sophia University
Japan

For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal