Nick Norman, Reflections

The Best Decision I Ever Made

When I was finishing high school and looking at universities to attend, the deciding factor for me to go to Ohio University was the fact that they had an exchange student program with Chubu University. I had high hopes for the experience, and I was not let down in the least. I can without a doubt say that my participation in the study abroad program with Chubu University not only helped shape my path in life, but also gave me some of the richest experiences and deepest friendships as well.

Growing up I had always had an interest in Japan. On a cultural, historical, and societal level, Japan intrigued me and I knew that no matter what, I wanted to be involved with the country. Unfortunately, my hometown of Cleveland does not have a prominent Japanese community, so my opportunity would have to wait.

At Ohio University, my first real life exposure to Japan came thanks to the exchange program with Chubu University. I was a freshman and had met several students from Chubu during extracurricular activities on campus. To say the least I was beyond excited to finally meet Japanese people in person after a lifetime to that point of only experiencing the culture secondhand. I introduced them to American culture just as much as they introduced me to Japanese culture and I learned that I had a passion for international relations. On both sides we were fascinated by where the other came from and what our outlooks on life were like.

Initially when I enrolled at Ohio University, my first choice for a foreign language was Japanese but unfortunately the classes were all full by the time I was able to apply. After meeting and becoming friends with the students from Chubu University, however, I was renewed with zeal. I made it a priority to ensure that I was first in line to join the Japanese language program at Ohio University so that I could go to Chubu University myself and reunite with all the friends I had made in Athens.

Thanks to that reinvigoration I felt from befriending students from Chubu University, I exceled in my Japanese classes far beyond my peers. I amazed myself by how much I took to it – when I was in high school I struggled through my four years of Latin as my foreign language choice. I ended up becoming a tutor so that I could help my classmates succeed and thanks to my connections with Chubu University, I was able to introduce them to students from Chubu University themselves.

Despite only having completed the 100 levels of Japanese during my sophomore year, due to my prowess and passion in the subject, I spoke with Dr. Krzic and signed up for the exchange program as soon as I could. At the start of junior year I joined other students from Ohio University that were further along than me in Japanese just so that I could fulfill my lifelong dream of finally going to Japan. Sadly, despite desperately wanting to spend an entire year at Chubu, my family could only afford to send me abroad for the three month course. Those three months, however, were some of the most impactful of my life.

Immediately upon landing in Nagoya, I was amazed. Japan had been everything I hoped for and more. It filled me with energy and wonder despite having just completed the longest airplane ride of my life to that point. Our group was soon met by a welcoming committee of students from Chubu University who wasted no time in making us feel at home. They were kind, they were funny, and above all they were welcoming. To this day I remain in contact with many of those students. That was just how impactful the experience was to me.

Not long after we began our classes at Chubu University and they were at times difficult, but always worthwhile. I was even able to experience the famous tea ceremony that I had heard of so much growing up. My friends from Chubu helped me explore Kasugai and even Nagoya and made sure that I always felt

safe and appreciated. Truly the only regret I had out of the whole experience was that I was only able to go for three months.

When I returned home to America, I was inspired to be as present and available for the new exchange students from Chubu University. I signed up for every opportunity to welcome them and give them the same sort of enriching experience that they had given me when I was in Japan. Not only that, the experience had given my life direction and taught me two important lessons about myself: that I loved helping others and that I loved learning and experiencing other cultures.

At the end of my junior year and start of senior year, I realized that I could utilize both of those passions by joining the Peace Corps after graduation. Though Peace Corps did not have a program in Japan, I was able to volunteer in Cambodia at a high school that was sponsored by a group from Saga prefecture. The international relationships I had built during my time at Chubu University and the Japanese language I learned during college allowed me to teach my students in Cambodia about Japan and Japanese culture.

Following my two years in Cambodia, I returned to Athens and ended up working a dream job – working with Dr. Krzic to help exchange students from Chubu University as well as other foreign universities. The work was as rewarding then as it was when I was a student. It also inspired me to further my education and get my Master’s Degree in Japanese in graduate school. Following that I worked in Nagoya as a teacher and translator and made even more deep friendships.

Without a doubt I can say that the Ohio University and Chubu University exchange program is invaluable and one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.