Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Global Studies student, Mila, travelled to Japan after being selected to participate in a study tour through the Mitsui Educational Foundation. The tour is one example of the many opportunities available through La Trobe Learning Abroad’s semester exchange programs.
Mila shares her impressions of Japan and how the study tour has impacted her career plans:
I was fortunate enough to participate in the Mitsui Educational Foundation’s 2023 Japan Study Tour from 21 November to 12 December.
Both before and after the study tour, my main impressions of Japan were that the country was miraculously both highly innovative, yet deeply reverent of its traditional culture and that the people were highly polite and community oriented. Not only were these impressions very much affirmed, but the reality greatly surpassed my expectations.
I have always perceived Japan to be a very safe place and in many ways the study tour affirmed this view as well. However, I found the Kobe earthquake memorial to be a very eye-opening experience because this preconception was challenged somewhat. I was always aware of Japan’s struggles with earthquakes and tsunamis, but I had never grasped the full devastation that these natural disasters create, nor the imminent return of it within the next few decades. As a student of global studies and a citizen of Australia, this taught me the vital importance of the global community providing relief to Japan as it navigates these issues.
I was also surprised by the willingness of Japanese people to respond to our attempts to learn the Japanese language and speak to us in Japanese. As a Japanese learner, I had heard that foreigners are often responded to in English no matter what, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that Japanese people were willing to speak with me in Japanese. Furthermore, several Japanese people we encountered on the study tour expressed sincere gratitude that we had made the effort to study and speak their language. This indeed was just one of many manifestations of the friendly, welcoming reception we received from Japanese people.
An inevitable consequence of being in a place as homogeneous as Japan is that even when you are being treated with the utmost respect, there is generally an immediate assumption that you are an outsider, which often leads to amused or fascinated reactions. For example, we were often offered ‘fist bumps’ from strangers on the street or were asked to take photos with them. Though we found these interactions to be pleasant and enjoyable, they did also serve as a reminder of the connection between physical appearance and belonging in Japan. In these moments, I realised just how impactful the heterogeneous nature of Australia is on its attitude towards interpersonal relationships and the synthesis of diversity and belonging.
Something the students on the study tour often discussed amongst ourselves was how nice it was to be surrounded by like-minded peers.
Most of the Japanese people that I spoke with about Australia had positive impressions of my country, telling me it was beautiful and that the people were warm and friendly. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that people felt this way, and it furthered my determination to conduct myself as a good representative of Australia even more.
Something the students on the study tour often discussed amongst ourselves was how nice it was to be surrounded by like-minded peers. Many of us agreed that we had experienced imposter syndrome to a degree and questioned whether we were deserving of the scholarship or other achievements and opportunities we had been granted. Ultimately, this discourse reassured me that this is a common experience and lessened the self-doubt that I feel. The joy I experienced on the study tour ultimately made me feel more worthy and encouraged me to seek out other valuable opportunities wherever I can.
One unexpected influence that the study tour had on my plans for my career and further studies was the other students participating in the program. The program was full of students who were pursuing their passions despite the hurdles they’ve faced, such as students who made late career changes or who are grappling with job prospects.
Kate on the program inspired me with her journalistic work and studies, which is something I have always been interested in. Therefore, I think there is a real value in including students with a wide range of studies and interests in the program.
Being a part of the study tour sparked an intense love and passion for Japan that I always suspected I would have, which has led me to harbour ambitions of future study or work in Japan. I do not know if I will indeed be fortunate to have such an opportunity, but if it comes, I will pursue it!
Find out more about our Exchange/short-programs. Semester 1, 2025 Semester Exchange applications are open until June 3, 2024. Visit the How exchange works page for more information on how to apply.