Japan: Angelina Vang
Program: UW Wellbeing and the Art of Forest Bathing in Japan, Winter Intersession
Major: Microbiology
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
In my classes at UW-Madison, learning typically takes place in large lecture halls; however, during this program, I found myself learning more in outdoor settings and in smaller groups. I appreciated this change because it allowed for deeper engagement, meaningful discussions, and stronger connections with my classmates. Throughout the program, we were able to directly experience what we were learning about well-being, sensory awareness, and the exploration of Japanese aesthetics and culture. This hands-on, immersive approach felt very different from my usual coursework at UW-Madison and encouraged me to reflect more intentionally on how environment and experience shape learning.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
One of the most memorable experiences from the program was my frequent visits to convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart. These visits helped me appreciate how accessible everyday necessities are in Japan, where a convenience store is down the street or around the corner. I was especially struck by the availability of fresh, satisfying food at nearly any time of day, which made daily life feel easier and more efficient. Being able to rely on these stores for affordable meals and drinks highlighted how different this experience was compared to what I am used to in the United States. Beyond food, the wide range of services offered, such as ATMs, transit card recharging, and portable chargers, showed me how thoughtfully designed these spaces are to support daily living. This experience made me reflect on how much convenience stores contribute to quality of life, and it is something I wish could be more fully adopted in America.
Through this experience, I became more aware of the benefits of being outdoors and learned to be more intentional about how I use and engage with these spaces.
What challenges or barriers did you face as you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad? How did you work through them?
Some challenges I faced during my time abroad included the language barrier as well as differences in public behavior and etiquette. Before leaving for the program, I did limited research and practice with basic Japanese phrases; however, once I arrived in Japan, I realized there were many more commonly used phrases, which made communication difficult at times. Fortunately, English translations were often available, and many people were able to speak some English. During the program, we learned survival Japanese and more commonly used phrases, which greatly improved my ability to communicate. Doing additional research and practicing phrases daily, especially using them in real situations, was very helpful. While many Japanese people understand English, making an effort to use basic Japanese phrases is important as a sign of appreciation.
Another challenge was the limited availability of public trash cans, which often required carrying trash until finding an appropriate place to dispose of it, such as convenience stores or during purchases. Being mindful of waste and knowing where trash can be discarded is essential. Additionally, understanding when to keep voices low in public spaces is an important aspect of Japanese culture. When unsure about appropriate behavior, I found that observing and following the actions of local residents was helpful.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
Throughout the program, there was a strong emphasis on spending time in green spaces and understanding their connection to health and well-being. Through this experience, I became more aware of the benefits of being outdoors and learned to be more intentional about how I use and engage with these spaces. Rather than viewing green spaces as something I simply pass through, I began to see them as places for reflection and mental reset. This shift in perspective has helped me recognize how time spent outdoors can support my overall well-being, especially during busy or stressful periods.