Alexis Hill
アレクシス•ヒル
Study Abroad Experience
Osaka and Tokyo, Japan
Summer 2026
In the summer of 2026, I studied abroad in Japan for two months. One month at Kansai University in Osaka and one month completing an internship in Tokyo. I also plan to study abroad in Japan again for a semester in Spring 2027. The program was designed to strengthen my Japanese language skills while immersing me in the daily culture. I arrived in late May, nervous but excited, and left in late July with an understanding of myself, my academic goals, and cultural connections of Japan and the United States. What I gained from the trip was ultimately different from what I expected, and I believe that was what made the experience transformative.
Before leaving for Japan, my original goals were to immerse myself in the culture
and strengthen my communication skills in Japanese. I would say they were simple
goals, but not as thought out than I believed. I imagined myself practicing textbook
Japanese, ordering food, and maybe chatting with classmates. But once I arrived, I
realized how limited those goals were. The real challenge wasn’t just speaking Japanese; it was learning to communicate naturally, politely, and appropriately in different social contexts. For example, at Kansai University, they spoke in a Kansai dialect, which was different from the standard Japanese I had studied. This shifted my goal from “speak Japanese correctly” to “adapt to the environment and communicate flexibly.” Similarly, navigating the train system in Japan taught me that independence wasn’t just about reading the signs, it was about trusting myself to make mistakes and learn from them.
A cultural aspect that stood out to me was communication style, especially the contrast between Japanese indirectness and American directness. I learned about these differences in a Japanese linguistics class, but never actually experienced it for myself. In the U.S., people tend to express opinions openly, even casually. In Japan, communication is often shaped by politeness, subtlety, and an awareness of social harmony. Lots of incidents happened around me and it taught me to not just listen to words but to tone, pauses, and context. Despite these differences, I also noticed interconnections. Japanese youth culture is heavily influenced by American media such as music, fashion, and even slang. Meanwhile, American students like me often admire Japanese discipline, politeness, and efficiency. Cultural exchanges like these create a shared space where both countries influence each other, even while maintaining distinct identities.
Some of my most meaningful experiences came from moments that were not planned. One day in while heading to the accommodation in Tokyo, my train was cancelled and I had to ask for help carrying my luggage. I asked a young man for help in Japanese and thankfully, he helped me carry my luggage down the stairs.
He even wished me luck on my journey. That small act of kindness stayed with me. It reminded me that vulnerability can lead to connection, and that asking for help is not a weakness.
Another instance was when I first came to Japan. I was in a car accident several days before and had twisted my ankle. The Japanese staff on the plane and at the airport were extremely helpful and did their best to communicate with me in English, despite not speaking it well. That really stood out to me because it showed how important building trust with someone can really change the way you look at things. I would say that living abroad has definitely changed how I see myself. In Japan, I was constantly aware of how others perceived me, not just as an American, but as a Japanese‑language learner trying to integrate respectfully. I was often complimented for my Japanese, saying things like, “You know more than you realize,” or “I’m surprised you speak so well.” That perception of me as hardworking and earnest made me reflect on how I present myself in the U.S., where I sometimes underestimate my abilities. I also became more aware of my cultural habits. For example, I realized how loudly Americans tend to speak in public compared to Japanese commuters, who remain quiet on trains. I adjusted my behavior, becoming more mindful of how my actions affect shared spaces. I would say I have become more mindful of my surroundings.
My study abroad experience enriched my academic life in ways I didn’t expect. My listening comprehension improved dramatically because I was surrounded by Japanese every day—from train announcements to casual conversations on the streets and in stores. In my Japanese classes at Clemson, I now understand nuances I used to miss, and I can contribute more confidently during discussions. My internship also gave me real‑world experience that supports my long‑term goal of becoming a translator. I learned how Japanese workplaces structure communication, how documents are formatted, and how cultural expectations shape professional interactions.
Looking back, the trip was more than an academic requirement—it was a personal turning point. The experience taught me that growth often comes from discomfort, and that stepping outside my comfort zone was the best decision I could have made. I believe living in Japan has changed me. It expanded my goals, strengthened my identity, and enriched my academic journey. The memories of Osaka’s quiet mornings, Tokyo’s bustling streets, and the people who helped me along the way; will stay with me for the rest of my life.