“As an aspiring medical professional, I think it is imperative to be aware of how healthcare and social welfare systems differ globally and consider what we can learn from other countries to continually improve community well-being,” reflected Alana Guo, a biology major on the pre-medicine track who participated in the ‘Exploring Environmental and Human Health Issues in Japan’ program.
The group attends university lectures at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Azabu University and Tokyo University of Agriculture to analyze the intersection of environmental earth science and society, with a special emphasis on human health issues.
“It was especially important for me to go abroad because it was an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and familiarize myself with a new culture. At the same time, it was a way for me to learn about public health through a comprehensive experience, rather than lectures and assignments alone. As a biology major on the pre-health track, I wanted to broaden my knowledge about human health beyond a scientific perspective,” Guo shared.
Along with the classroom presentations, students visit museums as well as culturally and historically significant sites across the country to gain an in-depth look at life in Japan.
“This program has taught me many meaningful lessons about public health in Japan, such as how the Japanese government is addressing the growing aging population and declining birth rate. We were encouraged to compare how these structures are similar and differ from systems in the United States, which really put into perspective what truly matters when preserving the well-being of society,”
For Guo, navigating the language barrier was an initial challenge, but the program taught her that the willingness to connect bridges language and cultural divides, allowing her to forge meaningful relationships while abroad.
“Some of the most memorable moments from this program were meeting fellow university students and exploring Tokyo with my classmates. This was my first experience making friends outside the U. S., and it was incredibly insightful to learn about Japanese culture from a peer's perspective while bonding over shared interests.”