As a first-generation college student, studying abroad has always seemed like a distant dream because of the costs associated with it. Fortunately, scholarships and support from the study abroad office and my college have made this possible. This experience not only broadened my horizons but has instilled in me a sense of resilience and ambition. It is truly a testament to the transformative power of education abroad, and the possibilities it can unlock. The vibrant atmosphere of Japan that used to be a dream, was a daily reality while I was there.

Academically, the program was very rewarding as well. Partnering with Shimane University gave us the ability to work with students who were our age, and in the social science sphere. The program requires students to pick a topic in order to research it in Japan, and complete this “inquiry project” throughout, and a little after the program. My project was on mental health in Japan, and one thing I noticed, was that you can learn so much just by being in Japan and having to be very aware of what’s around you. As I was looking for things regarding my topic, I came across knowledge that I wouldn’t have dreamed of getting if I were to have simply taken a random program to Japan.

The friendships and connections I made during this study abroad also speak to the importance of this program. I never imagined that I would have made as many relationships as I did. This does mean that there were lots of tears though, even before it was time to board the plane to leave. I was able to share this experience, not only with the other people that came on the study abroad with me, but the Shimane students that came along as we travelled Japan.

While being in Japan was so fun, it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows. It was an intense lesson in adaptability and self-reliance as well. Having to balance a rigorous academic schedule with intensive cultural immersion was quite challenging, but in the end so very rewarding. Having had to do a lot of research on Japan before going, as it was a requirement for the program, I thought I was very well versed in Japan, the people and culture. It was quite humbling how wrong I was! You can’t possibly learn all there is to know through papers and articles, I know, but there were even some facts that were just flat out wrong. Correcting my preconceived notions was also quite rewarding though.

This opportunity has given me the ambition to learn even more about the world around me. I hope to travel a ton more and inspire kids whose backgrounds look like mine. I want them to know that it’s okay to step out of their comfort zone, meet new people, and embrace the unknown.

Name: A’Lvinia Spicer
Status: Junior
Majors: Social Relations & Policy and Social Work
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Program: A Day in the Life of Japan