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Alex Schroer
Alexander Schroer is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Japan.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
We were able to witness (and even participate in) a shrine festival. What that largely consisted of was teams of men carrying and bouncing heavy shrines of varying sizes, bound to wooden frames for the men to hold onto. They (and later we) would carry these up and down the streets, grunting in pain and excitement. I have never seen anything like this before, the streets are flooded, people are hanging out of their windows to watch, it felt as though all of Tokyo was out at once. We really don't have anything to compare it to where I come from.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I had heard my dad tell me all my life that his study abroad experience was one of the best parts of his life, so I had known that it was something I wanted to do for a long time. We are a family that travels a fair amount, and I had already been to Central America and Australia, so I wanted something different for this trip. I didn't want to go to Europe, because I felt that was a trip I could more easily make on my own, so I decided on Japan. I had always found Japanese culture to be interesting and entertaining, and so this seemed like the perfect opportunity for me.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
What began as a trip to "have a new experience" and have fun along the way turned into another home. I won't pretend that I even close to understand Japanese culture at this point, that would be arrogant and impossible. What I got away from this trip was the overwhelming desire to be closer to understanding Japanese culture. It feels like I learned a lake, but I know it is really just a drop in the ocean. One of the best and worst things about going abroad is the friends you make along the way. I can't imagine not having them right now, but I also have to manage 3 places I call home. A small sacrifice. Of course, we learned history, customs, and saw important places, but the things that will stay with me are the people.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
I feel much more aware of the difference in the cultures, in general. I have traveled before, but it is a lot of difference between a vacation and really living somewhere for four months. Coming back, the reverse culture shock was actually greater than the initial shock. I couldn't help but notice how people interacted differently, and frankly I longed for Japan. Since my study abroad, I am determined to return to Japan, at least for a visit if not to live there. I fell in love with the country, by which I mean I fell in love with the Japanese people.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
If you are abroad, in your room, and not sick, sleeping, or studying, get out. Facebook will be here when you get back, make the most out of your precious time. Even if it just means walking aimlessly for a couple of hours, go do it instead of doing nothing. You will thank yourself.