Program and Location:

Summer, Japan: Operations Management and Information Systems Management in Nagoya (Nagoya University), Nagoya, Japan

Major/Minor:

Business of Administration BS (Finance concentration, Mechanical Engineering BS

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I chose to study abroad to experience what another culture was like firsthand. Many of my friends had told me stories of how great other countries and people are. It had become my goal to travel abroad at some point to meet and learn about other cultures and societies.

How did you pick your program?

This program involved taking two courses that I had been looking forward to, as well as being in Japan, a country that I had been wanting to visit for many years. Japan is also a country known for its expertise in the classes I would take there. So, I decided it was a greatly beneficial opportunity to take advantage of.

What was something you learned about yourself? How are you different? How are you the same? Or, what did you realize about your own culture by living in another one?

The people I met during my time abroad were some of the most helpful, welcoming people I had ever encountered. Spending time among another culture also opened up my personality more, pushing me to be more optimistic and curious. It opened my eyes to the kind of person I aspire to be.

What advice would you give to another student?

Be open and be curious. When a new challenge and/or opportunity presents itself, embrace it and make the most of it. In the case of study abroad, I would specifically say get out, explore, and learn all you can during that incredible time.

How did your study abroad experience prepare you for your future career?

Study abroad allowed me to interact and learn with people very dissimilar from myself. It forced me to adapt to new environments that may have been uncomfortable at first. In the end, I became more open-minded and can now interact with new scenarios better.

How were your classes abroad different than if you would have taken them at NC State? Did you take any field trips or do anything outside of the traditional classroom?

We had the incredible opportunity to visit many Japanese businesses during my time in Japan. We saw firsthand how their business are structured and how the workplace operates. These are things we never would have had the opportunity of experiencing at NC State.

How did you connect with locals and/or meet local friends?

The program hosted different activities where NCSU students and Nagoya University students could come together and connect. We were able to share contact information and even planned some events outside of the classroom, including karaoke nights and sushi hangouts.

How did you budget for your time abroad? Are there scholarships or grants that you would recommend applying for? Did you spend more or less than you thought?

I applied for different study abroad scholarships through the university and my extracurricular organizations. I would recommend the EYE Scholarship opportunities for students like me double majoring in Business and Engineering.

Would you do it again?

 Absolutely. Study abroad opened my eyes and my heart in ways I cannot put into words. My time in Japan allowed me to meet incredible people, learn more about another country’s incredible culture, and learn more about myself.