Tokiwa Final Report

I firmly believe that studying abroad is the most valuable experience a student can have. Without exposure to a culture other than one's own, it is difficult to imagine, let alone become used to, a way of thinking or living different from your own.
Since I have returned to America from Japan, people, who may or may not know much about Japan, have told me comments such as, "They are old-fashioned, huh?" or "They seem really close-minded" or "I heard that they party heard in Tokyo."Japan, to me, is a place that no matter how hard I imagine it, without truly experiencing it, I would never really get to know it. All the films and popular movies, the music videos and commercialism, the hearsays, articles, and books are wonderful introductions and teasers to Japan, its culture, and its language, but it is not sufficient in providing enough information. Even as I am outside of the country and society right now, I know that what I knew about Japan while I was there will not be the same, if, for example, I had the opportunity to return at a later date, as the country is quickly changing and seems to be constantly in flux. Besides this, four months, although intensely rich and filled with experiences, is a very short amount of time, and from thsi amount of time, I feel I cannot make any objective conclusions about Japan, as I am affected by my own subjectivities and experiences. In other words, there is so much to Japan, that entrusting someone else to tell you about it (as opposed to experiencing it yourself), is the worst thing one can do to one's self.
The experience of being an international exchange student as opposed to a tourist is in itself rewarding. As far as living and working and studying in a foreign country, no matter how difficult it may be to adapt, be away from family or friends, learn the language, or get along with people, I feel that these hardships are a natural part of the learning process and are worth it in the end. On the other hand, I did not suffer many hardships, so it may be easy for me to say such a statement. I definitely feel lucky to have been a part of the Tokiwa program, where I was blessed with the company and aid of wonderful and helpful people and also extremely lucky to have been sent to Japan with a great group of exchange students.

When you are in a different country, I have found that it is best to allow yourself to absorb the culture, whether you agree with it or not. In order to adapt, it helps to create some kind of sane schedule or regime that you have control over (since everything else will be out of your hands). For example, finding foods that you like and afford and can regularly cook and eat, making friends that you can regularly spend time with, and finding hobbies or activities that can be done in the other country (to replace hobbies or activities that you did back at home but may not be able to do in the other country). Sometimes, I found it easier to allow myself to be completely absorbed by the culture, temporarily disregarding all my ingrained thoughts and ideas from before my arrival to the other country. It was only when I mulled over my own pre-conceived thoughts and ideas that I experienced a kind of inner conflict. It was also when I struggled to continue living the way I did in America that I realized since I was in Japan, I needed to adapt and therefore live differently. I was able to learn more about Japanese lifestyle and culture and language and also appreciate the country more this way, I feel. In Japan, there were times where I did long for many American and Filipino and Californian things, but as I am here in America, I have many fond memories and experiences in Japan that I mull over also. It makes me miss so many things about Japan, things that I might not have experienced or enjoyed experiencing if I did not open my heart and mind and allow myself to experience it in the first place.