An Exceptional Opportunity for Students to Connect with Japanese Culture
Jenn HOUTBY-FERGUSON, professor
－ What has impressed you the most about this program?
This is my second time participating in this program, and last year was amazing--but this year was even more incredible, if that's even possible. We had the opportunity to connect with faculty colleagues, meet new students, and of course explore the beauty of Japan. Our colleagues here at Kansai University of International Studies are exceptional hosts. We really have had an immersive experience. We had the opportunity to visit Sakoshi, Ako City, which is my favorite place with truly genuine Japanese hospitality. We also had the opportunity to visit Kyoto and sort of explore what overtourism looks like, how it feels, and what it's like to again visit a beautiful Japanese city--but with many more tourists. For me, it was the first time that I heard a tremendous amount of English spoken in a place where, everywhere else, folks were speaking only Japanese.
So, just a really incredible, immersive couple of weeks here in Japan.
－ What are some concreate ways you have seen students grow as professionals or people during this program?
This program is truly an exceptional opportunity for students to connect with Japanese culture. For many of them, it was their first trip outside of Canada or North America, and that's unique and special. They really bonded closely and quickly together as a group. The ability to stay together at a guest house, eat together, travel together, and explore Japan together--this is life-changing for them. The students who traveled with me last year--there were two of them, both women--continue to stay connected to this day. They also remain connected with their colleagues in California and Hawaii.
As faculty, we've grown much closer together and continue to stay connected. This program is so critical to develop those skills, and it has tremendous value both to the students and to the faculty.
