Jumping Into a New Environment: Mihye An, Seoul National University, Korea

Mihye (rear, 8th from right) with her International Perspectives on Japanese Society classmates visiting a bracken farm.

Deepening the Exchange Experience in Class

Student exchange programs provide you with opportunities to broaden your horizons by being exposed to unfamiliar milieus. However, it is more difficult than anticipated to make deep observation, discussion, and understanding of cultures. To students who have special interests in comparative study in cultures, I would like to recommend “Intercultural Perspectives on Japanese Society”.

As it is conducted in Japanese language, it requires a certain level of Japanese language ability. If the language ability is met, this course will be a unique experience.

In this class, students learn some vocabulary terms related to the theme of the week and hold discussions. Students compare and share experiences from their home countries. Topics we have covered so far are Japan’s holidays, religious beliefs, views on education, and community development. It was a good time for both international and Japanese students, because we could give critical reflections on what we could not easily catch in our everyday life.

Also, by interacting with many international peers from Asia, I could discover diverse cultures in Asia, which is often merely thought to be similar.

Field Trips

Also, this class includes several field trips. We have visited Karamatsu Shrine (唐松神社), a famous Shinto shrine in Akita, and to Y