For Olivia Li, a fourth-year public health major with a minor in human nutrition at Ohio State, a 2.5-week study abroad program in Japan offered more than a change of scenery—it offered clarity about her future in public health.
Li participated in the Exploring Environmental and Human Health Issues in Japan program, which examined the country’s approaches to natural disaster prevention, disease outbreak control and environmental health protection. Organized by the School of Earth Sciences, students traveled to and explored Tokyo, Fukushima, Toyama, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Minamata, Sendai and Ishinomaki on the study abroad.
“The most memorable experience during my study abroad was being able to make new friends at the universities we visited as well as exploring all the different cities we went to,” she said, “There was so much to do, learn, eat, see and more!”
For her, going abroad carried personal and academic significance.
“It was important for me to study abroad as it was an opportunity for me to gain new intercultural perspectives as well as develop independence,” she said.
As a public health major, she found the material deeply relevant. “Studying abroad gave me such a hands-on experience as well as a holistic perspective on health, culture, environment and society.”
The experience also helped her uncover something new about herself.
“I think something important I learned about myself is how passionate I really am about learning,” she said, “It was so impactful to speak with locals, professionals and students on this trip… This is not an experience you can get through the books.”
That enthusiasm extended beyond the classroom. “I have truly developed a newfound love for learning and traveling,” she said.
Navigating a foreign country came with challenges, especially when she had to master public transportation on her own.
“I was intimidated at first,” she said. “However, I was able to adapt and step out of my comfort zone in navigating a different country.”
As a first-generation college student, she views education as one of her greatest accomplishments—and Japan helped clarify where she wants to go next.
“This program has solidified my passion in pursuing higher education specifically in social epidemiology,” she said.
The firsthand exposure allowed her to examine how social, cultural, economic and environmental factors affect public health.
The trip confirmed her desire to approach public health through an interdisciplinary and equity-focused lens. She hopes to continue studying how forces beyond the biomedical model shape health outcomes.
“It was a multifaceted experience that allowed me to explore my passions and what I would want to focus on in the future,” she explained.