My Experience in Japan by Donovan R. White
Are you wondering what it’s like to be in the KCP program? Summer short-term alumnus Donovan R. White shares with us his KCP experiences. He also gives us a glimpse of the warmth and diverse culture of the Japanese. Thanks for sharing, Donovan!
In their college career, almost everyone dreams of studying abroad somewhere. It is one of those college goals that seem intangible for most. When I was a freshman, my friends and I talked about where we would go if we could study anywhere in the world. I said that I would love to go to Japan and study Japanese. At the time, it was a far-fetched idea. I had no means of travel and didn’t know how I would get there.
Needless to say, I managed to make my way to Japan. As soon as I stepped off the plane, I immediately wondered what I had gotten myself into. Japan was so different from home. It was stressful living. However, the moment I found KCP and Tanaka-san said to me “Welcome to KCP,” I knew I would be taken care of.
Street fun. | KCP Flickr
I originally chose KCP for my study away experience because they offered the best pricing for the longest stay in Japan. Knowing what I know now, I realize they offer something far more precious. KCP provides a family. The staff was always extremely helpful and supportive to any of my needs. Also, they really seemed to understand how I felt being in the foreign country and knowing little Japanese. I think Michiko-san said it best, “You students must feel like you are losing control of your lives.” That summed up my feelings perfectly. The fact that she understood made the transition so much better. The staff at KCP go far out of their way to supply our needs. On the day I got sick, Tanaka-san took me to the hospital and stayed with me for over two hours until I got all my medication, and even helped me pay for it because I had not planned on going to the hospital that day so did not have enough funds.
In my years, I have done a good bit of traveling. I find Japan special because its culture supports its traditions fully along with its modern appeal. Yes, you will see high-tech robots carried by cars through the streets, but you will also find some of the most beautiful works of traditional architecture.
Maman, giant spider sculpture at Roppongi Hills. | KCP Flickr
The most amazing thing is that these two cultural styles exist right next to each other, yet the other’s presence does not take away from their individual appeal. I traveled to Tokyo, Yokohama, Okinawa, and Kyoto and the amount of creative and beautiful things I saw in Japan has no limits.
To top it all off, the Japanese people are extremely nice. They are so kind to foreigners that in some cases I was treated better there than I was at home! Whenever I needed directions somewhere, any Japanese person I asked would not rest until I knew the right way to go even if they initially did not know.
Meal time! | KCP Flickr
They would pull out their phones or go find a map and work until they had the answer. One man even left his family so that he could direct me to where I needed to go. When it came to me practicing my Japanese and I was fumbling through words, all the Nihon-jin (Japanese people) were kind enough to help me through my pitfalls.
I definitely recommend Japan and KCP to anyone! It was the greatest experience, and I am already planning my return trip for the 2020 Olympics.
For more of Donovan’s photos, visit KCP Flickr.
