Rhea Blog # 4



Well here we are, the final blog post to end off the 2019 Japanese Spring Study Abroad Program.
It has been a very fun and eventful trip this spring. I’m so honoured I got to experience the beautiful culture
that was Japan, alongside many good friends, classmates, and wonderful teachers. I have learned a lot throughout
this trip and have grown tremendously as a parson because of it. The experience of an entirely new culture was one
that had to get some getting used to, but was definitely worth the wait for. Japan is a beautiful place filled with
wonderful people, and I think that, that location and the people residing within it were able to teach me new ideas
of adaptation, communication, improvisation, and of course reflection. This trip was one of the best experiences I
have had in my youth. I learned a lot about Japanese customs, society, and even more about the language.
Although I still have trouble speaking out in public to some Japanese people, I have seen my conversation skills
improve slightly over the course of this trip. It’s nice to know that, when I’m talking to my host family, or even
some of the Japanese locals in I-House (our dorm), I’m able to make a somewhat coherent conversation in order to
get through with basic tasks. I also was surprised by my listening, and reading skills when it came to basics such as
sign reading, or even watching Japanese television. TV for one has inspired me to watch more Japanese television
back in Calgary in the hopes that my listening will improve more and I will be able to follow along with the various
scenarios on screen. The cultural aspect of Japan was also an eye opener and very helpful in terms of finding out
about new cultures around the world. I didn’t have to experience culture shock to badly while overseas, as I have
been to Japan for a short period once before. So with that out of the way, I was able to enjoy every moment of
being in Japan and  being surrounded by one of the kindest nations I have experienced so far. My stay in Japan has
been a worthwhile and fulfilling adventure full of up’s, like quite literally going up the Tokyo Sky Tree, or visiting
one of my favourite places Harajuku, and Low’s like getting a bad case of heat stroke one day or sometimes missing
home. All of these scenarios and places making me a stronger, more well educated individual. All of the people,
food, and places I got to see along the way of this month exertion have all made an impact on me and who I am
today. I have gained more confidence in my knowledge of Japanese language and culture. I even have a strong
start into my future career path involving living in Japan, whether that be temporarily or as a permanent residence
. I hope to carry all this new found knowledge with me as I do more travelling in the future. Wish me the best of
luck. Japan, I will be back to say hello to you once again, that’s a promise.

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