Author: Joe Wilkin | Major: Computer Science | Semester: Summer 2024

Exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto

As I researched study abroad programs, I knew that I wanted to make the most of my experience by visiting a country with a very different culture and way of life than what I am used to in Arkansas. Few places offer a greater culture shock to Americans than Japan, and this combined with the country’s rich history and global influence quickly made it my dream destination. When the stars aligned and Honors Passport Japan was announced for the 2024 May Intersession, it was an easy decision to apply for and commit to the program.

This program consisted of a 16-day tour across Japan. We never spent too much time in one place, beginning our journey in Nara and moving north to Kyoto before taking a quick excursion southwest to the cities of Hiroshima and Okayama. We then travelled west to Tokyo, where the program eventually ended.

Visiting Himeji Castle, the largest and most famous castle in Japan

I took an Asian History course while in Japan; however, I never actually stepped foot into a classroom. All our learning was done on-site at the many historic places we visited during the trip, which included Ginkaku-ji Temple, the Hiroshima Peace Museum, Himeji Castle, and many others. I found this interactive style of learning to be far more rewarding and memorable than any sort of traditional lecture or reading from a textbook. Additionally, as an honors course, each student was required to perform some sort of in-depth research and prepare a presentation to be given at one of the sites we visited. I greatly enjoyed this component of the course, as it allowed me to get familiar with the places we visited beforehand, making the actual experience at the sites more insightful and rewarding.

While I greatly enjoyed the academic components of the trip, I had much more fun exploring Japan with my classmates after our scheduled itinerary was complete each day. I particularly enjoyed my personal experiences on the last day of the program, after all the required events were over. I visited some thrift stores in Tokyo (and found a Razorback shirt somehow), went up the Tokyo Sky Tree with my friend and got to observe the city in its entirety, and spent the night in a capsule hotel.

Picture with the Lee Ufan Museum Arch at Naoshima Island

I would advise students interested in studying abroad to start the process early and to have a good idea of what country you would like to travel to. Finding a program seems overwhelming at first due to the number of them that are available, but having a specific country in mind narrows down your options significantly and allows you to focus on the actual process of preparing to go abroad rather than being stuck looking at every possible option. Also, it is important to note that any student can study abroad, regardless of your major or degree plan. My major is computer science, and I was worried because very few programs offer classes that count towards this degree. However, the experience of going abroad is incredibly educational and enriching on its own and is absolutely worth doing even if it won’t help you get ahead in your coursework. Taking classes outside of your major can make you a more well-rounded student and can lead you to discover passions that you didn’t know you had. Approach the process with an open mind—you are most likely going to have an incredible experience even if the “perfect” program for you isn’t available. Trying new things and leaving your comfort zone is what studying abroad is all about, after all.