October 29, 2024

By Shaniya Golden-Riddle

Imagine this: you are offered an incredible opportunity to travel halfway around the world, all expenses paid, and you get to learn all about a different culture and its approach to learning and teaching. You get to explore different cities, try new and cultural foods, and make connections with people of diverse backgrounds. Would you take it? Well, five students from Drexel’s School of Education took this opportunity and immersed themselves in a unique cultural experience in Japan, spending 18 days at Tamagawa University. During this time, they learned a multitude of things, engaging with Japanese culture, customs, and business practices, and attending daily classes daily. 

This learning enrichment opportunity was made possible by a generous donation from Dr. Charles Imbesi, a friend of the School of Education, who aimed to support the educational growth of students. Vera Lee, EdD, clinical professor and department chair for Teaching, Learning and Curriculum, discovered Tamagawa University’s interest in launching a summer program focused on Japanese language and culture. Five students were chosen from a highly competitive selection process to go on the trip.

While in Japan, Drexel students participated in a variety of activities that highlighted the richness of Japanese culture. On the first day, they were welcomed by the university with a campus tour and reception. David Appleton, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Affairs and one of the chaperones for the trip, stated how “the Japanese people are a fascinating, very interesting people and the Japanese culture is nothing like I’ve ever seen.” Throughout the duration of the trip, they engaged in group activities with Tamagawa students, encouraging connections through icebreakers and collaborative exercises. The program included a diverse array of courses and lectures, one highlight, according to Appleton, was a Japanese calligraphy class taught by a master instructor. The courses mixed students from Drexel with students from Tamagawa. Appleton says students also “took classes on business and teaching,” which was highly beneficial to Drexel students.

In addition to their academic experiences, students had the opportunity to explore Japan’s culinary scene. “We went out for a wonderful evening, eating at Washoku, which is a very fancy restaurant with multiple little micro-meals,” said Appleton. They also ventured into Central Tokyo, guided by Tamagawa students, where they experienced the city firsthand. Central Tokyo is like their “Times Square” as Appleton put it so students from Drexel were intrigued and excited to explore this part of Tokyo. Students also got to visit the city of Kyoto where they saw religious shrines of the Buddhist faith like the famous Asakusa Shrine. Appleton also mentions they saw the Shinto Temple which is the “oldest Buddhist temple in Japan and is credited with being where Buddhism was brought there.”

The program also included engaging fieldwork, an excursion to Hakone, and Japanese dance classes, where students dressed in traditional attire to fully immerse themselves in the cultural experience. At the end of the program, students gave their final presentations on topics of their choice.

This journey allowed Drexel students to gain insights into modern-day Japan while embracing its unique culture. Despite a few small earthquakes and hot summer weather, it broadened their perspectives and offered them a glimpse into a different part of the world. As many students in the School of Education aspire to become educators, this experience is invaluable. Traveling to places like Japan enables them to "paint a more authentic picture of the real culture," as Appleton aptly puts it. The School of Education hopes to continue this partnership and offer more opportunities like this one to students.