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Joseph Trost
Joseph Trost is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Japan.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
The nezu shrine festival. It is a festival held every year and I believe previous programs have participated in it. It just really immersed me into the culture and the people of Japan right from the get go, and it certainly helped that it was near the start of our program. Everyone was having a blast, and even though we knew not what was being chanted as we carried the giant shrine down a bustling, street you just knew that the people were so happy to have us and we were so happy to be there.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted a program that would challenge me both mentally and physically, Japan looked to be a program that would put me in a situation most unfamiliar to me. I also had much interest in the country of Japan prior to applying.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
I would describe this experience, as cliché as it sounds, as a life time chance that they should take on. It will change their lives and they will certainly gain a lot of knowledge about our world from a different perspective, all while having the time of their lives.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
It really just put things in perspective for me. I had my views of Japan and the U.S before coming over, now that I am back I am a much more patient and outgoing person than I had been before. I guess now I can say since I survived the craziness that is Japan, I can handle just about anything.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
Please, please, please do not hesitate to get to know the people of your country if you can. Japan was fantastic because we got to go to a Japanese school and meet all sorts of wonderful people. Also, please try and be up for anything, of course exercise caution, but try and be open to things, it really makes for a great experience.