Five months of study in Japan has Heidi Tapia thinking of a future career working there.

Student: Heidi Tapia, UCLA 2025
Double Major: International Development Studies/ Japanese language
Program: UCEAP Hitotsubashi University, Japan, Spring–Summer 2024

Program experience

This past spring/summer, I did a UC Education Abroad Program at Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo, Japan. As part of the program, I took a variety of different classes, including Japanese language classes, international development classes and a cognitive development class. I also had the opportunity to travel to Osaka, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji and different parts of Tokyo. Each one was very unique in terms of the environment and food, and I was able to make amazing memories.

Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to go to Japan. Once I got to UCLA, I knew I wanted to study abroad. Since one of my majors is the Japanese language, Japan was the perfect choice for me.

My most enjoyable experiences throughout the program were spending time and exploring Japan with the lovely friends I made during the program. Some were from UC Berkeley, others from UC San Diego and still others from my own campus, UCLA. We all got along from the very beginning and I was so happy to have met them during the program. Going around Japan, trying the amazing food and being able to experience college life in Japan was all enjoyable thanks to my friends.

I didn’t encounter many challenges during the program. If I had to mention one, it would be the immense weather difference compared to California. I was not ready for the extreme Japanese summers, which are very hot and humid. Someone who is unfamiliar with this type of weather can feel overwhelmed. However, I was able to get by with the help of convenient vending machines — getting electrolyte drinks to restore the salts back into my body — as well as by purchasing a small hand fan to use whenever I was walking. Japanese summers are definitely brutal, so one should always be hydrated.

Impact

My experience has impacted my ideas regarding my future career: I’m considering possibly working in Japan in the future after living there for nearly five months. In terms of my studies at UCLA, I think it has allowed me to think more broadly. What I mean by that is, since I had the chance to study and live abroad, I think beyond just LA, California, and the U.S.

Now I try to think from an international perspective about how people in other countries are affected and impacted by world events. If I had the opportunity again, I would love to continue furthering my education abroad, possibly again in Japan or even another country, such as South Korea, because I feel it has helped me grow into a more well-rounded person and opened my mind to other perspectives and cultures.

Advice for fellow Bruins

Don't feel scared about traveling abroad because it will help you grow significantly as a person and become more independent. Get out there and make friends. While it can be a little overwhelming and scary, everyone is in the same boat, so do not hold yourself back because you can make lifelong friends during the program

Explore, explore, and explore! Aside from being a student, I think exploring a country and its culture is just as important. Try to learn about the culture. For someone studying abroad, learning about the culture, as well as mannerisms, is important and local people appreciate your efforts to do so. And, last but not least, have fun!

Published: Wednesday, October 30, 2024