My experience abroad helped me not only finish my unfulfilled Japanese major requirements but also develop my Japanese language skills. I am incredibly happy and grateful that I chose to study abroad in my early twenties when I had no responsibilities in life, i.e., kids, girlfriend, pets, big boy job, etc.

As a white male in Japan, I was in the minority overwhelmingly. In a homogenous society (98% Japanese) I not only stuck out like a sore thumb being 6’1”/with curly hair/blue eyes but was forced to adjust to a new culture and rules and make new friends, all while learning the lay of the land.

During my time at the University of the Ryukyus, I nervously participated in men's club volleyball, which was my most immersive experience. Only one other French international student attended practices, and everyone else was Japanese. Greetings. Names of drills. Feedback on what we could improve. Callouts and communication during matches. Meetings after practice. All done in Japanese, and of course, college students use slang, talk fast, have inside jokes, or other things that challenged me to understand. But I continued to challenge myself to use slang and be a part of the team, and I am proud of myself for that.

Other activities that took most of my time were my classes which all were in Japanese with Japanese professors (Kanji/Grammar/Reading/Speaking) except for Friday Okinawan Culture & History classes taught in English. These classes introduced me to international students from all over the world with varying levels of Japanese, and varied reasons for traveling abroad themselves. We would study in the library together, or often go to the cafeteria together to eat soba/udon noodles, fried chicken, and rice with curry, paired with numerous side dishes such as pineapple (famous in Okinawa), Okura, tofu, mini pies, etc. For non-school-related activities, other international students (from Canada/India/Taiwan/China/Korea/France/Spain/Japan/Brazil) and I would go to the beach, bowling, the movies, and most commonly, bar-like restaurants called Izakayas. There were clubs in Okinawa as well, but since trains were not commonplace there when we were in big groups, we commonly walked to an Izakaya near campus rather than taking multiple taxis to a club.

Lastly, from living in Japan for over a year, I have learned just how kind and peaceful they are as a society and as people. Here in the States, we act in an individual-based manner (where we think of ourselves), I mean who cares if I cut someone off driving, or leave my shopping cart in the middle of the parking lot? Whereas in Japan, there is what I have grown to call a “society-based way of living” where people do not break rules as a society, to not inconvenience others. I did not see trash on the ground even though trash bins were hard to find, and not once did I see any violence/theft/robbery. I would see what looked to me to be 6- or 7-year-old students walking to school by themselves, and people leaving expensive electronics unattended in public spaces. Why? Because Japan is kind. Respectful. Thoughtful. As a person, I value these notions and am appreciative that an entire country can function in such a gentle manner. Being kind costs $0.00.

I want to explain in more detail, but I already have over five hundred words, so I am sorry! Thanks for supporting my journey to becoming a more cultured person.

Name: Alex Seelbinder / アレックス・シールバインダ―
Status: Senior
Majors: Environmental Economics & Management / Japanese
Hometown: East Lansing, Michigan
Program: University of the Ryukyus in Japan