UWF students immersed in Japanese culture through study abroad
University of West Florida students were recently given the opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand through the 2013 Summer Semester in Japan study abroad program.
This year, four students participated in the program, which was organized by the UWF Japan Center and the Jikei Group of Colleges in Tokyo, Japan. The main purpose of the program was to provide an opportunity for undergraduate students to learn about Japanese language and culture by immersing the students in the culture for six weeks.
Each student that participated had to complete two courses focusing on child welfare as well as a Japanese language course. Erica Jordan, assistant professor in the UWF School of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences, served as the faculty advisor for the trip.
“Eventually, we wanted the students to engage in a cultural exchange and develop long time friendships with one another,” Jordan said.
The study abroad program had an impact on many students’ educational experience by exposing them to things they could never have experienced.
“Studying in another country broadens your worldview and opens up doors that you may have not considered before,” said Grace Chartier, a senior fine arts major who participated in the 2013 program.
For additional information about the 2013 Summer Semester in Japan, visit the uwfjapan2013.blogspot.com.
