Since my friend told me about his amazing experience that he gained from study abroad I
decided that I also wanted to participate in a study abroad and I reached out to one of the
specialists of Global Initiatives University of Washington Bothell. Among hundreds of different
study abroad programs I chose one called Japan: “Glocal” Studies – Ehime Prefecture in
National and Global Contexts” during Spring break 2023. I chose this specific study abroad
program because the topic of this program could help me in my future career and because it was
always my dream to visit Japan and learn more about the traditions and culture of this country.
Even though this trip was amazing, and it broadened my horizons and the perception of the
world, I faced a couple of challenges in my study abroad experience. The first obstacle that I
faced was the study abroad fee that was way higher than all my savings that time. After applying
for UWB Study Abroad Ambassador Scholarship, I was selected as a recipient and was able to
pay the program fee and support my participation in the program. Second challenge I faced was
visa. Since I am not a holder of the U.S. passport, I had to apply for visa to go to Japan. Thanks
to my teaching professor who led the program, and the whole team of specialists in UW Study
Abroad I was able to find out exactly which documents I needed to provide to the Consulate-
General of Japan and got my visa in the end. And the last challenge that I faced while being in
Japan was language barrier. Since almost everything in Japan is in Japanese (which is logical), it
can be quiet challenging to buy groceries or order food in the restaurant. So, if you are going to
visit this beautiful country, I suggest you learn some basic Japanese or at least have downloaded
on your phone some helpful translation apps that will make your shopping and conversation with
locals much easier.
The main purpose of the study abroad program Japan: “Glocal” Studies – Ehime
Prefecture in National and Global Contexts” was to show us the process of implementing local
products globally, with possibly changing some features of the product, like for example,
Starbucks, McDonalds, Kit Kat, etc – worldwide famous companies that were established in the
United States but sell their products around the world. One of the most mesmerizing moments in
this trip was visiting Matsuyama Castle that is located on Mount Katsuyama. Matsuyama Castle
is one of the few original Japanese castles that survived feudal era and surrounded by thousands cherry blossom trees. No photo can convey all the charm and historical belonging of this place.
Another unforgettable moment of this trip was visiting Hiroshima city and its National Peace
Memorial Museum. It was designed to deepen the understanding of the atomic bomb tragedy that
happened on August 6 th , 1945, through photos, memories and stories of the A-bomb victims.
Hiroshima city became the place of hope for better future, for future without the war, where only
mankind’s strength can be felt. Visiting this place made me appreciate peace and amity even
more, and I promised myself that I would do everything I can to make sure this never happens
again. Considering everything that has been said I have learned so much new things from this
study abroad trip. Even though, it wasn’t the part of our learning program, thanks to the students
at Ehime University, Matsuyama, I learned how to properly recycle waste. Because Japan has the
most advanced recycling technology, it makes the country one of the cleanest in the world.
Certainly, this trip met all my expectations and left me with a great experience. I have
learned so many things from this study abroad program, and things about myself too. Before this
travel I considered myself as a shy and introvert person, but it turned out that I am very
easygoing person who likes to explore the world and makes friends easily.
