Japan: Veronica Kurr
Program: UW Retail Trends in Japan, Summer
Major: Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies
What is the moment you are most proud of?
I was really proud when I realized that I was identifying retail trends faster and naturally. I started my program unsure whether I could focus on observing trends because of all the excitement of being in a new country. I was so excited, but once I began to stare at clothing and make connections, I couldn’t stop. A few days into trend spotting, I noticed that I was observing trends even if I was making a quick convenience store run or simply flipping through a magazine. When I noticed this, I was extremely proud of how I grew as a student and in this program. I began connecting my education with my fun activities, which made learning about fashion trends even more of a fun experience.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
I learned that I can do a lot more than I thought I could! I was nervous about being in a new country (and continent) without family. While I knew a lot about Japanese culture, I still felt as if I would be out of place and struggle finding food I would like or navigating the trains and buses. Little did I know that navigating would become one of my favorite things. I realized that my navigation skills were so strong and I was confident in leading myself and my group to our destinations. I also feel like I found many foods I enjoy, tried new things, and have adapted my lifestyle to fit Japan. I am confident in my ability to face change and uncertainty, something this program has lots of, and learned that I can do a lot more than I thought I could do! I have grown as an individual and as a student in my capabilities and my confidence to achieve my goals.
I began connecting my education with my fun activities, which made learning about fashion trends even more of a fun experience.
How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?
Being a foreigner in Japan is a unique experience. Japanese culture is very conservative and vastly different from American culture, which causes Americans to stand out strongly. While many people in Japan speak English, they can’t be expected to know many words or common English phrases.
I would advise future program participants to learn the following things about Japanese culture before they go. What side of the sidewalk do they walk on? Do they talk on trains? How loud do they talk? I’ve noticed that people are very kind and respectful if you do the same, however, disrespecting the social norms there, such as speaking loudly on a train, is frowned upon. Do your research on the country, learn some common phrases in the language, and be prepared to adapt to their social norms. It is their country and their culture and we as students should respect it.
What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?
One thing I noticed in Japan was how thankful and hard-working people are. Service workers enjoy their job, act professionally, do their services diligently, and are polite to every customer. They are always cheerful and happy and care about their work. I find this extremely admirable and something I want to take forward as I move on in my college career. I want to be more thankful for those around me and to care about people and focus less on individualistic and selfish views—viewing the group as a whole and not many individuals. I also want to be diligent in my work and to care about all of it. I don’t want to do a sloppy job on something; I want to do well and show that every piece of work that I create has immense value and precision in the details.