Despite growing up as a 1st generation Asian-American, I have never visited Asia before. My mom was born in Vietnam and my dad was born in China and all of their immediate family members also live in the U.S. so I do not have any close relatives anywhere in Asia. However, it has always been my goal to travel all around the world, starting with Asia. Since traveling out of the country is fairly pricey I never thought that I'd be able to financially afford traveling around the world until I finished pharmacy school and began my career. However, when the opportunity to participate in the Japan IPSF study abroad trip came up, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the group and that I was going to make it happen.
I remember that during orientation when I was a first year pharmacy student the 1st group of IPSF students had just traveled back from Japan. I remember that at that time I never thought that I would be one of those students being able to travel to Japan, but now here I am!
I knew that this was going to be my last 3 month summer break out of my academic career and I wanted to make it one to remember. I am thankful that as a pharmacy student in the United States I have the opportunity work as a pharmacy intern and save money for this trip.
Although the idea of traveling to another country is a bit overwhelming, I am much more excited than nervous for the trip. I know it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to go with a group of pharmacy friends and be led by Dr. Katz who is very familiar with Japan. I know that it will be very eye opening to see what pharmacy is like in Japan and I am excited to be able to meet pharmacy students and faculty at Kobe Gakuin University. Moreover, I look forward to meeting my pen pal who I have been talking to for the past few weeks. I am especially excited because after I visit Japan, my pen pal will be visiting our College of Pharmacy with a group of KGU students in Spring 2017!
Another aspect that I am extremely looking forward to is all the food that I will be able to eat in Japan. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I am always thinking about food and am always thrilled to try something new. Everyone says that once you have had sushi in Japan, sushi anywhere else in the world won't be as fulfilling. Even though I have yet to try sushi from Japan, I'm pretty confident that it's going to taste amazing. The other two foods I am am excited to try is mouth melting Kobe beef and authentic ramen. I've heard that the Japanese have perfected the way of cooking the egg and I'm excited to try that golden, yolky egg in my ramen!
Thirdly, I am also excited to get to know the travel group and Dr. Katz. I am happy that this is going to be both an educational and fun trip and I think that I will be able to build some strong friendships with my pharmacy peers throughout this trip.
Lastly, I am estactic to know that I will be able to finally see the scenic spots and beautiful architecture of Japan. As cliche as it sounds, I am excited to breathe in the Japanese air, be immersed into the culture, and to learn lots during my trip.
So far, my only fears is being able to communicate with the locals. I think many people will know a bit of English but I wish I personally knew Japanese. I think initially it will be a bit overwhelming to see most of the writing in stores, restaurants, etc in Kanji and not be able to read most of it. I imagine that it might also be a bit hard to order food. However, I also know that many Japanese restaurants have pictures of their entrees so I'm thankful for that! Despite not being able to speak or read the language, it is my goal to not restrict myself or feel limited by my language barriers during this trip!
Overall, I do not have much preconceived notions as to what each day in Japan will be like but I know that I am ready to have the best summer ever and fall in love with Japan!
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