I have long been interested in foreign culture, language and most importantly, the people inhabiting those cultures. Throughout the course of this study, one of my main objectives is to interact with and learn from a diverse range of individuals and cultures. I chose to study in Japan specifically because I have been studying the language, culture, and want to further my skills in Japanese and learn more about life in Japan. Finally, this experience will also help further my professional goal of teaching English, or possibly a different career, as the experience I gain, I feel, will be invaluable.

As I am coming to the end of my time in Hyogo, I have taken some more time to reflect on my time that I have spent here, and the friends that I have made. Throughout this time I have been able to experience more than I could have dreamed of and have been bless with so many opportunities. My time here has grown me as a person, a scholar, and has grown my language skills and cultural awareness. Being able to meet and communicate with so many people from so many countries has made me want to go out into the world more and experience all I can. Though there have been some things that have taken some time to get used to culturally, I have also found some enjoyment in being able to experience what makes humans so great, our differences. I plan to take these experiences back home with me, and throughout the rest of my life.