UP students share their experiences during the 2014 Global Studies Program

Claire Aragon

I wanted to go to Japan in order to experience the food and the culture for myself. I only know of Japan through dramas and movies, so when I was chosen to be a part of the Global Studies Tour in Japan 2014, I readily agreed. There were seven of us who participated, all of us studying traditional Japanese theater forms, Bunraku and Noh in UP Center for International Studies under the course GS 197.

It was a great experience participating in an academic event outside of your country. Having the opportunity to share cultural concerns close to your heart to other Japanese students meant a lot to me. There are a lot of cultural heritage conservation concerns in the Philippines, and it meant a lot to me to be given the chance to share this with another culture, and exchange ideas about the matter. The other workshops in YNU, like the introduction to Japanese culture, student movement, and the state of Filipino nurses and caregivers broadened my ideas on the interaction and relationship of the two countries as well.

My favorite part of the tour, like the others, was the Tokyo tour. It was the longest time we spent with almost all of our Japanese counterparts, and we got to know them well and became closer during that time. I especially liked Asakusa. I was able to eat a lot of Japanese sweets and snacks along Nakamise, and all of them were delicious! The time I spent there, although short, was really precious.

Rica Papa

When we found out we were going to be part of the Global Studies Tour program in YNU, I don't think any of us had anticipated just how great an experience was awaiting us in Japan. I believe that since we went to Japan as students and not just regular tourists, we really had an immersive experience with its society and culture.

One of the most interesting things we experienced was the way Japanese people moved around: those in a hurry walk to their left, and those who weren't could keep to the right. In convenience stores, people queued up properly. And everywhere we went, it always seemed like people were rushing but maintained a respectable distance between one another. This discipline, efficiency, cooperation and consideration for others embedded in their culture was astonishing.

But the thing I appreciated the most from our stay there was the workshops we had with the YNU students about issues in both the Philippines and Japan. The workshops gave us a personal view into individual experiences we had from living in Japan and the Philippines.

Reynamae C. Longay

To be able to go to Japan is the number one in my bucket list of the things that I want to do. It is because of the tour that I finally got my long-time dream of stepping to the home of my favorite animes, mangas and food. I did not only get a first-hand experience of the things that I want to see, touch and taste but it also gave me experiences that I will never forget.

If asked what my most memorable experience is, it is hard to pick only one because I really enjoyed my whole stay. I met new teachers and friends from Yokohama National University whom made us feel very welcome and at home as they guide us with our trips especially with the Tokyo tour. The karaoke nights and food trips are things that I miss doing the most. I won’t ever forget our stay in Naoshima too with the Onna Bunraku teaching us their art and the places and people their that are welcomed us with open hearts.Though it was a short stay, it was very unforgettable. I will go back to Japan soon. Promise. :)

横浜国立大学訪問を取りあげたフィリピン大学の記事
http://www.up.edu.ph/7-upcis-bunraku-students-participate-in-the-4th-upcis-global-studies-tour/