Jaselyn Taubel

Jaselyn Taubel is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Japan.

Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.

I don't know that there is anything specific, but the constant interaction that we had with the Japanese students made a very lasting impression of the types of friendships that are possible if one has an open mind and a willingness to learn from others who are different.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated? 

I have always been interested in Japan, the Japanese culture, and the language. Also, I had done foreign exchange to Austria as a high school senior and wanted to go somewhere completely different.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

Absolutely. I am more confident and more myself. I dress differently--you can't not be affected by the styles in Tokyo. I'm also contemplating moving to Japan indefinitely, something that was never even on the radar before my trip.

How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?

A semester abroad in Japan is one of the most life-changing experiences you can have. You meet the most amazing people, all of whom are friendly, helpful, and polite. You get the chance to see sites that can't even be imagined in America and touch history that is older than anything we have here. You cannot leave an experience like that without becoming changed for the better.

What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

Take chances. Explore. Don't just sit on your butt in front of the computer. The time flies too fast to not take every opportunity that comes your way.

Travel on your own. Interact with students who aren't Bennies and Johnnies, but make lasting friendships with the other students on your program. When you come back, they're the only people who understand exactly what you've experienced.