Study Abroad: Okayama University, Japan
MLO 5: Cultural Internalization and Language Immersion
Students demonstrate that they have actively immersed themselves in authentic Japanese cultural and linguistic environments and have internalized the language and cultural experience, from which they have developed a personal understanding and new perspectives of the community.
Course Narrative
During my year studying abroad at Okayama University in Japan I was immersed in the culture and language. I took many culture courses such as Study of Okayama, Chado: Mind and Practice, and Japanese Agriculture and Rural Society. These courses taught me much about the local community and culture, and took us out into the surrounding area to obtain hands on experience. I experienced a traditional Japanese ceremony at the Korakuen gardens during my Chado course and was able to witness the what I had learned. I also took language courses that led me to expand my knowledge of Japanese grammar and my listening and speaking skills. During my year at Okayama University I worked on an EPOK (Exchange Program Okayama) project. This project was meant for students to enter into the community and research a local subject, write a paper and present on the subject at the end of the year. I presented on traditional Japanese architecture in modern society, specifically looking at Kurashiki Bikan Chiku, a local historical district. My experience abroad allowed me to be fully immersed in the culture and language and helped me solidify my wish to work in Japan in the future with the Japanese Exchange Teaching (JET) Program.
Course Work
Murtaugh_EPOK_Project.pdf |