STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Study Abroad Japan
SUMMER 2024
Study Abroad Japan
SUMMER 2024
A collaborative effort to bring together two programs at East Tennessee State University from two different colleges, joined together by a unified love for pop culture and media, taking 21 students 6,000 miles away to the land of the rising sun.
When Zachary James from ETSU’s Literature & Language department asked about incorporating his passion of pop culture into a new study abroad opportunity for our Digital Media students, a world of possibility opened up. Most of our students had never been to Japan before- or even flown before- giving them an opportunity to experience independence and networking in a city where they’d never expected.
Students studying abroad spent three weeks traveling between Ueno, Kamakura, Osaka, Kyoto, Asakusa, and Akihabara. The trip consisted of 17 undergraduate students, and 4 graduate students- all from varying programs across ETSU. There were 10 Digital Media students on the trip, all with varying focuses. The agreement for the trip was that Digital Media students would have to create an Art Test for their final exam based on their experiences in Japan during their three weeks.
This was our first study abroad trip we planned and executed together.
Additionally this was my first time abroad, ever.
Students studying abroad spent three weeks traveling between Ueno, Kamakura, Osaka, Kyoto, Asakusa, and Akihabara. The trip consisted of 17 undergraduate students, and 4 graduate students- all from varying programs across ETSU. There were 10 Digital Media students on the trip, all with varying focuses. The agreement for the trip was that Digital Media students would have to create an Art Test for their final exam based on their experiences in Japan during their three weeks.
This was our first study abroad trip we planned and executed together.
Additionally this was my first time abroad, ever.
Students were hosted at Chuo University, where they learned both beginner and advanced Japanese based on their experience.
Students were also assigned an international "Chuo Buddy"- a Japanese student that would also partner with the ETSU students to guide them around Japan, and give them more of a local experience.
ETSU students practicing their Japanese with Chuo University students
Ikebukuro, Sunshine City after the first official day of classes
Exploring Tokyo, and Chuo University's Korakuen campus in Bunkyo, Tokyo
ETSU students were given daily experiences that allowed them to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. Several of these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities included visiting a Japanese High School and talking with their students.
Traditional temples and shrines were part of a daily routine, visiting and learning the history about some of the world's most famous religious sites. This includes Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, one of the most frequented temples in the world.
Kanda Shrine, also known as the shrine dedicated to business entrepreneurs- including animators and indie game devs. This shrine has a long history of being known for a place frequented by those in technical fields asking for prosperity. Many small start-up businesses come here to pray for success, additionally is where many people in the Digital Media come to pray for success.
Of course, we gave our students the intimate moment to pray for their Digital Media dreams.
Tokyo Skytree, one of the top 10 tallest buildings in the world
Taiko Drum Club performance and hands-on activity at Chuo University Tama campus in Hachioji
Suginami Animation Museum in Tokyo with Digital Media students
Touring UNSEEN Inc. in Tokyo. Students sat down and listened to a presentation from Ikumi Nakamura, as well as had a one-on-one session with professionals about their portfolio work, and to ask questions about the industry.
Misc. Osaka, and Kyoto photos from memorable experiences.
Students had a day at Universal Studios Japan to immerse themselves in Japanese language, as well as to see how their Digital Media degrees can be utilized in hospitality fields. Other students attended local art exhibits, including Mononoke Kyoto, Takahashi Murakami's first solo exhibit in twenty years.
Students had a day at Universal Studios Japan to immerse themselves in Japanese language, as well as to see how their Digital Media degrees can be utilized in hospitality fields. Other students attended local art exhibits, including Mononoke Kyoto, Takahashi Murakami's first solo exhibit in twenty years.
Study Abroad Art Tests from Digital Media Students
Jay McCoy, Taiko Drum Animation
Gabe Hamilton, Godzilla Conbini Animation
Lydia Myers, Mascot 3D Model "Amami"
Nathaniel Barton, "Peace Among Bustle"