Study Abroad
Temple University, Japan Campus
Spring 2017
During the Spring 2017 Semester, I am studied abroad at Temple University’s branch campus in Tokyo, Japan. I lived with a host family who spoke no English to improve my Japanese language fluency and truly become immersed in the Japanese culture. I enrolled in four business courses to pursue my interests in International Business.
I enrolled in a Data Science class to explore opportunities in MIS and Data Analytics. We learned to use technology and applications such as Microsoft Excel and Tableau to clean and understand big data, as well as resources to find access to data records. The class culminated in a final project for which my team analyzed crime data for North Philadelphia using. Our final presentation can be found here. I also enrolled in an Asian Business Studies class where we spoke with industry professionals about marketing and advertising strategies in Japan, specifically how to market in Tokyo. During this class, we visited a small start-up in Tokyo and discussed ways to expand and advertise to new markets. I also attended professional events, like the university career fair, to explore career possibilities and internship opportunities in Japan.
In addition to my studies, I traveled all throughout Japan, including west to the historic cities of Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. I also traveled to Seoul, South Korea, where I toured the De-Militarized Zone and learned about the country’s sad, current political state first hand. My study abroad experience truly gave me a new appreciation for the Asian cultures and traditions, and opened my eyes toward its impact on society.
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- Tokyo Station- the busiest station in Japan and one of the many stops on my commute to school each day.
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- Attended the 41st Annual Grand Sumo Wrestling Tournament. This arena will also be the location for Boxing in the 2020 Olympic Games.
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- Sensoji Temple, the oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo.
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- Traveled 6 hours north of Tokyo to Yamagata where I learned to ski for the first time!
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- Enoshima Island, my first of many excursions in this country
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- The “Daibutsu” (Great Buddha) of Kamakura, which is nearly 800 years old.
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- Warabi Station in Saitama, where I lived with my host family about 40 minutes outside of central Tokyo.
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- I witnessed a traditional Buddhist wedding at the Meiji Shrine.