Hokkaido Application
Purpose to Study Abroad
Present-day lifestyle is no longer affected within a single vicinity or locale; the expansion of international trade and communications has allowed the once secluded area one lives in to become the participant of an all-encompassing global society. Technological advances such as the Internet have granted people, who could not have done so otherwise, to communicate and share information with others instantly and around the world. As a result of this now frequent exchange of information and culture, viewpoints and ideas formerly unassociated with one’s primary perspectives are beginning to re-shape the way one interprets themselves and the outside world. It has become imperative for both the success and continuation of a society to work in collaboration with its fellow international partners. In establishing this relationship, communication is the essential key in tying together nations and individuals. For this reason and through an allure of languages during high school, I have enrolled in the College of Humanities at The Ohio State University; pursuing a degree in East Asian Languages and Literature studies.
When studying a language, it is essential to not only be skilled in grammatical aspect but also possess knowledge of the context and culture to which it applies. Although Ohio State is a diverse university and offers the best Asian Studies in the state or perhaps the country, one can only gain true fluency and comprehension of a language by participating and interacting within the native society. Experiencing the actual lifestyle would help me gain a better understanding of the language and of the community to which it exists. Therefore, studying Japanese in its land of origin is greatly significant in achieving my academic pursuit; and is why I desire to participate in the HUSTEP program of Hokkaido University in Japan.
If I am accepted into the Hokkaido University HUSTEP program, not only will I have the benefit of receiving a superior education in the Japanese language but also in various cultural and societal courses which will significantly further my understandings in a culture outside my own. By enrolling in these courses and experiencing life outside of the United States, I hope to acquire new perspectives and insights only obtainable by leaving one’s environment of familiarity. Although difficulty living in a foreign land is inevitable, I feel that through overcoming these difficulties I will be able to improve myself both in person and in character.
Of course, failing to mention the abundance of events and activities outside of the classroom I would like to participate in would be a great misrepresentation of my decision to take part in the HUSTEP program. I would like to attend the various festivals, especially the University and Snow Festivals, which seem to be one of the school year’s largest and most enjoyable events. Also to note, the powdery texture of snow present in Hokkaido gives rise to fantastic skiing and snowboarding; an ideal setting for one such as myself who would like to be trained in the sport. Lastly, the beauty of landscape as described in text and picture and its offering of exquisite seafood cuisine make Hokkaido a very attractive destination to both live and study.
The University of Hokkaido features not only excellent education in my field of study but also many extracurricular events which will make for an enjoyable and unique experience. For this and of the reasons stated above, I strongly desire to participate in the Hokkaido University HUSTEP program.
