The first time I studied abroad, I was pretty much your typical tourist. I stuck to school organized activities and hit all the major spots in Japan, but I didn’t really dive into the culture around me. I didn’t build connections with the people who lived there, and I didn’t explore the local festivals or events happening in different parts of Tokyo, whether on my own or with friends. Don’t get me wrong Shibuya Crossing is incredible, and it maybe could be the seventh wonder of the world for its business. But I’ve realized that actually getting involved in the community and taking advantage of the unique learning opportunities you get as a student abroad can make the experience so much more meaningful. This time, I made an effort to do just that by finding opportunities through Temple, getting to know my neighborhood, and simply wandering around to see what I could discover.
The first opportunity I got to experience was a one-day homestay I found through the Musashi-Kosugi community, where I live. They posted an invitation for international students in the district to meet and build relationships with local residents. I was really interested because it gave me the chance to try a homestay even though I live in the dorms, and I wanted to learn more about the people who make up Musashi. Even though I was nervous, I gathered my courage and went to a local community center, where I met Noaka-san, an older Japanese woman who spoke English but encouraged me to speak Japanese too.
We talked about our interests and the places we’ve traveled, both inside and outside Japan. I learned that she’s been married for over 40 years, has three children, plays piano, and has been studying English through a daily hourly radio broadcast for years. She also teaches English at her church and local schools. Later, I met her husband, who welcomed me into their home. They taught me how to make temaki and even played the piano for me.
The experience was comforting and familiar because it reminded me of making food with my grandmother. Even though the time we spent together was short, it helped me feel connected to the community I’m living in and left a big impact on me.
A couple of other opportunities I had the chance to experience included making gyoza with students from Showa University, trying Taiko drumming, and making Okonomiyaki. I was able to do these things through my “Practical Japanese for Study Abroad Students” class. In that course, we learned about Japanese history, language, and customs, and we also had the opportunity to experience the culture firsthand, whether by meeting local students or learning about an instrument deeply connected to Japan’s traditions. These moments were especially meaningful to me because Taiko reminded me of instruments from my own culture, and I was also able to share some of my cultural traditions with Showa students.
In addition to these experiences, I started wandering around and discovered that there are festivals and community events happening all the time. Getting to see and take part in them has been one of the most rewarding parts of my study abroad experience.
Though these are just some of my experiences, they played a big role in my enjoying the semester. So if you’re studying in another country, I really encourage you to go out and explore. You never know what you’ll find just by signing up for something new or keeping an eye out for local opportunities. It might lead you to playing Taiko drums with your classmates or sharing a home-cooked meal with a homestay family. Exploring a different side of Tokyo beyond what I was used to has truly been a wonderful experience.
Want to learn more about Temple University Japan programs? Visit studyabroad.temple.edu to explore everything the program has to offer — study abroad, student life, and more!