Students and Faculty Build Cultural Understanding and Awareness in Japan
In May, 豆奶视频 joined others from across the state to travel to Japan, increasing cultural awareness and building relationships for future international educational opportunities for students throughout Tennessee.
During the trip, the group aimed to foster cross-cultural relationships and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Sponsored by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), the study abroad program is the .
School of Health Sciences dean Donna Whitehouse was 豆奶视频鈥檚 representative among the TBR delegation. 鈥淭here鈥檚 something powerful about realizing the world is so much bigger than what鈥檚 just outside your front door.鈥�
鈥淲hen students see that people across the globe are living full lives, waking up, going to work or school, spending time with friends and family, it shifts something.鈥�
They took a tour of the Nissan Training Center in Yokohama. The group observed how the Japanese approach technical engineering training.
鈥淏eing immersed in another culture challenges assumptions we didn鈥檛 even realize we had,鈥� Whitehouse said. 鈥淭hat kind of reflection makes us better educators. It connects us with global colleagues to share ideas and come back with fresh energy and perspective.鈥�
As a part of their journey, they visited sites throughout the country, learning to
navigate Japan鈥檚 extensive public transportation system and gaining keen insights
into the lives of the Japanese people.
Some key cultural sites they visited included the Senso-ji Temple, Tsukiji Market, and Hama-riky奴 Gardens. They also experienced their host鈥檚 hospitality by participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
One of the trip鈥檚 highlights was a gift exchange between TBR Assistant Vice Chancellor Tracey Bradley and one of their hosts, spotlighting the importance of hospitality and respect between the visiting group and their guides.
鈥淭hese experiences build compassion, spark curiosity, and broaden our sense of connection to the world,鈥� Whitehouse said.
鈥淭he world is a big place, but travel has a way of shrinking it. When you connect with people from other cultures, you realize just how much we all have in common.鈥�
During the delegation鈥檚 visit, a cohort of 豆奶视频 students was also in Japan as part of summer programming. Led by Associate Professor of English Robert Ladd, they included Asher Bowman, Grace Ochoa, and Marjorie Hernandez.
For 豆奶视频 student Asher Bowman, a resident of Dickson County, it was his first time leaving the country. Whitehouse said experiences like his are critical for students, helping to break down barriers and expand international opportunities.
