Study Abroad Final Report – Alex Robles
I was fortunate to spend a six-week study abroad trip to Japan this summer. For the first two weeks, I attended lecture classes for business, while for the rest of the four weeks, I interned at an international school called “Growing Tree”. Within these six weeks, I was privileged enough to tour a Japanese college, stay with a Japanese family for the weekend, travel to Disneyland, Universal, and Team Labs, and go sightseeing during my spare time. The 500 dollars that was granted to me went to all these expenses.
During the first two weeks of my stay, I attended lecture courses on global business. The professor was a native-born in Japan and had operated in the business world in Japan and the U.S. Her experience brought the class to life. She taught multiple components that are linked to her business experience. She also performed field studies for every class focusing on different topics: entertainment, food, clothes industry, etc. These field studies granted me access to Japan’s business model and how a business interacts on a global scale from country to country.
Furthermore, the last four weeks of my stay in Japan were dedicated to my internship. I interned at a private international school called “Growing Tree.” The kid’s grades ranged from preschool to middle school, and I worked with all grade levels at some point during my stay. My sole task was to assist the teachers on their lesson plans with the students and monitor their behavior, ensuring there was no quarreling. The school had a strict diet of healthy, low sugar, and the least processed food. So, they provided food for all the students and staff that fit these criteria. I also assisted in class games and craft activities.
In addition, during my spare time in Japan, I explored different cities outside of Tokyo, stayed with a Japanese family for the weekend, and went to multiple amusement parks: Tokyo Disney, Disney Sea, Universal, etc. I also attended multiple museums and interactive artwork facilities such as Team Labs. My favorite parts were trying new food, getting to know new people, gaining insight into Japanese culture, and shopping.
Thus, my study abroad experience was a memorable and life changing event. The business coursework, the internship experience, the Japanese family homestay, and all the other places I traveled to while in Japan have been a true blessing. My outreach project aims to portray this experience. I am already in the process of giving a speech to my college school district about my internship experience and allowing my school to interview me on my overall experience. In future study abroad meetings, which will not be held until a couple of months, I plan to share my experience with the following potential students.