Japan

Persephone Dakopolos
MU in Nagoya at Nanzan University, Fall Semester 2005

"Japan always seemed like a very distant place with especially foreign culture and tradition. Walking into the International Center, I was able to begin closing that gap. For Fall Semester ’05, I studied abroad in Nagoya, Japan, at Nanzan University. In those 5 months, I was able to experience a new and different life in a less traditional destination.

"Although few English speakers are said to exist in Japan, I found it quite easy to travel independently. My weekdays usually consisted of class and local travel, but on the weekends, I found myself in historical and beautiful destinations, surrounded by traditional Japanese culture. Places like Kyoto, Ise Jingu, and Tokyo were short train rides away, and there was never a lack of new friends to join the excursion.

"Everyday life in Japan was also an adventure, as it’s a bit different than anything I previously experienced. For example, buying and cooking Japanese food was a challenge, but some of the most fun my roommates and I shared. I lived in a dorm off campus and commuted to class everyday. Looking back, I recall that no one day was the same as the next; even something as simple as the commute held excitement.

"Japanese proficiency should not limit your decision. It’s not a prerequisite to experience a different life abroad. With the classes offered at Nanzan, and the help of friends made along the way, Japan became an experience that will last life long.

"Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns by email at: pd98f@mizzou.edu."

Kim Vo
MU in Nagoya at Nanzan University, Fall Semester 2002

"My name is Kim Vo, and I am currently a senior in the Communication Department. This past fall semester I attended Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan, where I took part in one of Japan's most intensive Japanese language programs. In addition to learning more about the Japanese language and culture in my courses at Nanzan University, everyday tasks-like grabbing a quick bite to eat at a Japanese fast food restaurant or going to the post office-literally brought all that I had learned about the Japanese language and culture in the GCB building at MU alive! Of course, spending only five months in Japan could not make me as proficient as a native speaker, but one semester in Japan taught me so much more than I could have learned in the previous four semesters of Japanese language taken here on campus. My only regret is that I could not stay longer.

"Going beyond the classroom and actually having the chance to experience firsthand all that one has learned is an opportunity no MU student can afford to miss out on. I recommend to any student to take this opportunity now, while still in college! More MU students need to know that study abroad could be one of the best experiences of their life. It will not only improve one's knowledge of the language and culture, but it will also broaden the world perspective of anyone who dares to take on this challenge.

"If you'd like to know more about studying in Japan, please send me an e-mail at: kim_m_vo@hotmail.com."

Tim Ponce
MU in Tokyo at Sophia University, Winter Semester 2002

"I can honestly say that studying abroad at Sophia University in Tokyo was, without out a doubt, the most fun and exciting thing I've ever done in my life. I made so many Japanese friends and experienced so much while studying and living in the beautiful metropolis of Tokyo. I had never studied a word of Japanese before going to Tokyo, but that was not a problem. The large majority of Japanese speak at least a small amount of English, and I learned the language quickly at school (although classes are taught in English). While at Sophia, I took a lot of general education classes: Religion & Art, Intro to International Relations, Survey of Western Art 1, Intermediate Spanish 1, and Japanese 1. But taking classes in Japan wasn't the most important thing to me. Japan has so much more to offer than just school. I lived in the men's dormitory where I met the nicest group of people ever. I'll never forget partying with my Japanese friends or exploring the gorgeous temples, shrines and landscapes of Japan. Going out for karaoke, yacht-sailing at Enoshima and having "hanami" parties beneath the cherry blossom trees of Sophia University are all favorite memories of mine. I highly recommend studying abroad in Japan where the rich cultural backdrop makes everything that much more fascinating and new.

"If you have any questions about studying abroad in Japan or studying at Sophia University, in particular, please feel free to e-mail me: trp300@mizzou.edu."