Ripple Effects 3.5: Studying Abroad Has Been Indispensable
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Listen Now on Soundcloud for Season 3
Subscribe with iTunes for future episodes or sign on to for the RSS feed
Listen Now on Soundcloud for Season 3
Subscribe with iTunes for future episodes or sign on to for the RSS feed
Smiles spread on the Japanese storekeepers' faces as Jonathon, an obvious foreigner, asks them a question in their language. Jonathon, a University of Iowa graduate student who is spending a semester abroad, loves this interaction with the locals, both for absorbing the culture and practicing his Japanese language skills.
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When images of Japan post-earthquake and tsunami bombarded us, it made it difficult for anyone familiar with Japan to remember the extreme organization and efficiency of this awe-inspiring nation. Soon after I read a Newsweek article, “Apocalypse Now?”, which said “Before now, Japan has never been pitied”.
Dr. Jack Godwin has made international education his life mission. He is changing the assumption that it’s just about one study abroad experience as an undergraduate. Throughout his professional career as a university administrator, he has participated in the U.S. Department of State-sponsored J. William Fulbright Program to different countries every few years.
While an international experience is voluntary, he finds those who choose it to be most interesting.
Face to face with this man, I still feel as weak as a child before an adult. Each time I manage to plant my feet, he twists or jerks me off-balance again; his movements fluid and relaxed like those of a dancer. The men gathered around the circle shout, “Niko! Niko! Haraigoshi! Gambate Gambateee!” and I plant my right foot, turning and lifting this short, powerful man. My left foot slides up to meet the right and I sweep my opponent’s legs, throwing him over my hip and onto the mat.
Miles first discovered his interest in Japan in elementary school. His best friend was always wanting to show him the latest manga and anime that she had discovered, but Miles wasn't interested and would always say that he would try to look at it later. That "later" came when he was 13 years old and he read his first piece of manga. That led to him watching an anime show. Between the Japanese language, storyline and school uniforms, Miles was hooked.
From time to time we get inquiries from people with ADHD wishing to study in Japan, and they are overwhelmed with the confusing maze of rules and regulations vis-à-vis their medications. Japan’s rules for medications, such as those related to ADHD or pain management, are unique, and they required a unique tipsheet.
A Yakkan Shoumei is a certificate authorizing permission for you to bring medication into the country.