I am extremely grateful for all that I?ve learned on my study abroad trip. The opportunity to immerse myself into a new culture has been incredibly humbling and extremely rewarding. I loved this program because it offered the perfect balance between educational and cultural experiences. Our mornings were filled with insightful company visits, where we had the opportunity to interact with professionals, learn about international business practices, and gain firsthand industry knowledge. Our evenings were usually free to explore and immerse ourselves in the local culture. We had a couple of cultural visits planned on our itinerary as well that allowed us to visit areas we might?ve been too intimidated to explore on our own.
I have noticed that the intersection of culture and technology has been a recurring theme throughout my company visits in Japan. I was really intrigued to learn about Japan?s cultural values and how it impacts the design and adoption of technology. In almost every single presentation, it is mentioned that conservatism dictated a huge part of Japanese business culture. This idea involves maintaining a cautious and risk-averse approach, valuing stability, and long-term relationships over immediate gains. Before companies agree to commit to anything, they go through a thorough analysis of risks and outcomes. This is how Japanese businesses have built a reputation of reliable, high-quality products and services.
One aspect of the Japanese culture that stuck out to me was the genuine care and attention fast food workers put into the service they provide. I have gained immense respect for its workers and have changed my perspective of the industry as a result of this trip. Despite the fast-paced nature of their job, the workers took the time to help translate the menu, smile, and respectfully bow. This is a drastic difference in how you would be treated in a fast-food restaurant in America. Everyone here is so kind and patient. Before coming to Japan, I was excited to see materialistic things. I was excited to eat at the convenience store and try all the foods. After leaving Japan, I cannot wait to go back so that I can interact with the people.
