The Impact I Expect From Studying in Asia

I wrote this paper for a winning scholarship application ;)

I am currently pursuing an Associates Degree at Georgia Perimeter in Foreign Language with a concentration in Business. I then plan to go to Georgia State for my Bachelors Degree in International Economics. My two major languages include Spanish and Japanese. I expect a month in Kyoto, Japan to be an important step to becoming more fluent in the Japanese language which will make me more attractive to the job market while gaining the social skills required in doing business with a culture different from my own.

The need to communicate and adapt to one’s surroundings is the greatest motivator and best learning tool. I expect that studying abroad for a month in Kyoto is the most economically feasible way of being submerged in the culture and language pertinent to my course of study. Spending a month in Kyoto will provide me an opportunity to practice using the Japanese that I have learned so far as well as hearing it being used in everyday interactions.

Fluency in an Asian language is not common amongst most Americans. Many American companies do business with Japan. They are a hub for technological advancements and have much to offer the business world. I expect that the experience of studying in Japan along with greater fluency in the Japanese language will make me stand out in the job market. Also, there will be many other opportunities available to me in line with my field of study, such as an interpreter if I do not find the job I want right away.

Studying in Japan will help me gain the social skills required in doing business with people of an Asian culture. People like to do business with people who understand and respect them. Business and culture run hand in hand. Just like the Japanese have learned to adapt to the cultures of business in western countries by shaking hands, I feel that it is important for me to do the same. I expect that learning to socialize with Japanese people will help with my future business relations with the Japanese.

Words can only scratch the surface of how I expect studying in Asia will impact my life and career. The week I spent in Tokyo on vacation has impacted my life in ways that can not be explained. Just the thought of spending a whole month in beautiful Kyoto makes my eyes well up with tears. I admire and respect the beauty and history of Japan’s culture and I expect that my experience in Kyoto will further galvanize these feelings in my heart.