October 31, 2023
One fine day, on Chubu University campus, a group of American students (and one Thai student) were just fooling around; doing an American line dancing to kill time before our next class. Who would have known that that act would have a lasting impact on a Japanese student there.
After graduating from Ohio University, I started working in education in Thailand. About 10 years ago, I had an opportunity to work with a Japanese school; negotiating scholarships for students who wish to further their education in Japan. A topic of being an exchange student at Chubu University came up and one of my counterparts said she was a student at Chubu University. So the year that I was there got mentioned (we shall omit the year!); lo and behold! She said that was the year that she was there as well and she remembered there was a group of American students dancing outside her building! Yes, that was us! From that point on, we worked closely together in building a scholarship program for both of our students. Isn’t it amazing how one little act from a long time ago reconnects us again.
Going to Chubu University offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards that help me grow as an individual and deepens my understanding of the world even more. It was an opportunity for me to create memories that last a lifetime and leave me forever changed with a global perspective that shapes my future decisions and interactions with the world. Moreover, it has helped me develop valuable skills such as adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving skills which I often use in my international career. After the program, I have been going back and forth between Japan and my home country. And it has become my home away from home; that would not be possible if I didn’t have a chance to study there even for a short period of time. What I value most from my time there is the friendships that I have received from my American friends and international friends that I have met. I knew no one, I was out of my comfort zone but they all have graciously taken me in as their own. Even these days, we are in touch and meet up whenever possible. We have been there for each other in good times and in bad times. You cannot find a friendship like this easily and for that I am forever grateful.
Chubu University and Ohio University have given me a long-term impact personally and professionally. The memories there have stayed with me and resurfaced in my professional life; giving the similar opportunities to the next generation of students although in different forms. The connections I have made and the experiences I have had have shaped my worldview, making me more open-minded and globally aware. In essence, I hope that my reflection is a testament to the transformative power of international education and cultural exchange conducted by Ohio University and Chubu University. Thank you for giving me the experiences that lead to meaningful connections, growth, and development of skills that are invaluable in my career.