Name: Lawrence Matthew Crowl

Home University: Clemson University

Host University: Kobe University

Trip Duration: June 23rd, 2014 – July 3rd, 2014

 

My experience with the Kakehashi Project has left a strong impression with me. I was moved by how friendly the students at Kobe University and Rikkyo University were and how many of them learning English related to my struggles to learn Japanese.

 

More than ever, I seriously believe that language learning is a very important skill that can expand one’s horizons and bridge cultural understanding between nations and people despite how different they may appear. In this time of economic frustration, I think it is more imperative than ever for people of different countries to work together and help share their own ideas to better the global economy. With that said however, I think it is also vital for every nation to protect and cherish its own culture. Keeping in mind all the historic sites we visited, I was certainly impressed by Japan’s ability to preserve its own culture and tradition for such a long time. I think that the west can learn from Japan’s cultural attitudes on respect, politeness, strong work ethic and a focus on maintaining societal harmony.

 

In a future career in international business, I plan to use the knowledge I gained from this trip and future trips to help build understanding between American and Japanese businesses. I think that the Japan and US have a healthy and positive relationship, however perhaps American business can learn to be more patient with Japanese business culture. The process of building trust between business leaders needs time and I hope I have the maturity and patience to build and maintain that trust in some form.