Student Reflections on Experience in Japan at ICU 2008
Casie Ulrich, 2nd year Athletic Training Student
Traveling to a different country was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Not only did I experience a new culture, I was also able to see how athletic training crosses cultural barriers allowing me to have a global experience as a student at Washington State University.
While visiting the International Christian University in Japan, I was able to see what types of resources are available at another university from an athletic training perspective and how different it was from what I experience at WSU. The Sports Complex at ICU is comparable to Bohler at WSU. Although both buildings serve the same purposes there are differences. The gyms are not as modern; the weight room consists of a few machines and limited space to do free weights; and there is not a training room. However, through all these differences there is one major similarity. All who are involved in student athletics, whether it is playing or working with the team, take pride and enjoy being part of a team despite the amount of resources available.
Interacting on and off campus with the students from ICU taught me numerous things about life and myself. Since many of the resources were limited such as the amount of tape available or the amount of equipment, ICU made the best out of every situation. The students were eager to learn all they could from us; yet we learned much from them. This experience allowed me to be more grateful for all that we have at WSU and taught me how to make the best and most out of every situation and all of our resources. I had the opportunity to present to the students about athletic training and what our profession is all about. This made me realize that athletic training is the career for me and that it can be a satisfying career in a variety of different settings with different resources.
Although the trip to ICU was just a week, several things were learned and several friends were made. I will never forget this experience and ICU and its students will always have a piece of my heart. GO COUGS!
Matt Fanelli, WSU Baseball Student-Athlete, Psychology Major
Amazing! What more can you say about the trip of a lifetime to Musashisakai, Tokyo, Japan. From gazing through the mist on top of the 50-story city hall building to smelling raw tuna and sea urchin at 7 in the morning at the docks, to experiencing firsthand the raw excitement and power of a professional sumo wrestling match this trip topped any cultural experience I've ever had.
The fact that the students of the International Christian University opened time in their very busy lives to help us Cougars traverse around the busiest city in the world shows the generosity of spirit of our Japanese counterparts. We made fast friends in a very short amount of time with people who live half a world away from us. We experienced sights, sounds, and smell that few our ages and in our situation have ever got to experience. I don't think enough can be said about the hospitality of our hosts. Our new friends, Izumi, Minami, Yasu, Ikko, Shin, Yukiko, and Takane all did so much for us to make our trip absolutely amazing. We crammed what felt like a month into a mere 5 full days and got the full immersion into Japanese culture. Each of our guides brought something different to our experience, whether it be Izumi schooling us on the proper use of the numbering systems, or Yasu teaching us how to order food and drink respectfully in a restaurant, it was all amazing.
I know we all didn't want to leave at all and I know that I'll remember the people and places there forever. Beyond that there is only one thing I can reiterate about the exchange with ICU in Japan: Amazing.
Amy Eneroth, WSU Golf Student-Athlete, Sport Management Major
Going to Japan was the most exciting thing I have done in my life so far, as a golfer I get to travel a lot but never to a completely different culture! The customs, the language and the people were amazing! On our trip we were able to do a lot of different things like shopping and sightseeing but I think the best part was getting to know the people. We asked them hundreds of questions and they graciously answered every single one of them. One of our tasks was to give clinics and to teach the teams over there about how we play our sports and also to give them tips on making their teams better. This trip was an eye-opening one, practicing on their facilities really made me appreciate everything we have from the equipment and facilities to the academic support. The athletes at International Christian University (ICU) don't have half of what we have, yet they are just as motivated if not more motivated to play their sport. This was by far the best experience of my life and I hope to be able to travel more in the future!
Chase Rhodes, Strength and Conditioning Student Minor
Speechless, truly speechless! There are no words that can describe the experience I had in Japan. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this experience. I am so honored to have been selected for such an eye opening and life-altering trip. From the very first minute we landed on Japanese soil I was entirely blown away by their culture. I can honestly say that by the end of the trip I was completely enthralled by it. The Japan trip as a whole and the International Christian University opportunity have molded me into a more cultured and educated WSU student.
The first thing that I want to say about the Japanese experience is how amazing each member of the group of WSU athletes, trainers and coaches were. The members that were selected for this experience were all very respectful and well prepared for the experience that lay before them. Coach Willie Jude acted as a great leader for our WSU group, and constantly conducted himself in a respectful and professional manner that would make everyone at Washington State proud. Everyone in our WSU group contributed equally, and in their own special way, they helped make the trip a complete success. Though our group members only met a few times before our departure, they came together in a very special way that was a big part of the success of the trip.
Every aspect and precise detail of the trip was taken care of. Everything was so well thought out and perfectly planned, that no part of the trip went to waste. From my experience in Japan I have a better understanding of the world and a more diverse knowledge of the cultures outside of our country. I can bring back many wonderful thoughts and ideas that I came across when in Japan. I feel that after this experience, I can contribute my newfound knowledge to others within the Pullman community. This life changing cultural experience has really proven how Washington State University has the motto: "World Class, Face to Face". After this experience I now fully understand the meaning behind that saying.
Once more I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Washington State University for making this once in a lifetime experience possible. If the goal of WSU was to create a trip that would help develop more culturally diverse and open-minded students, athletes and coaches, then it was definitely a complete success.
Willie Jude's Reflections
After two hours to Spokane in the snow, one and a half hours to Portland, two and a half hours in the airport, 14 hours to Japan and then another two hours on the train, we made it to our destination safely. I a.m. both sincere and grateful for this concurrent scholarship and life experience. This study tour provided us with the opportunity to not only learn about another university, their staff, and students, but about ourselves as well. The efforts of International Christian University truly fall in line their commitment, which states: "fostering an international exchange of ideas, person, and educational opportunities as the precursors of greater cross-cultural understanding, respect, and cooperation." I am convinced that all of these objectives were met during the week of our study tour. This program has been extremely beneficial for our staff and students here in the Washington State University Department of Athletics. This global experience has enhanced and challenged our perceptions, communication, knowledge and skills. Personally, it has provided me with deeper insight on how to use athletics as a vehicle to foster the development of qualified, professional, culturally competent, intrinsically - motivated, and humble future leaders of tomorrow.
ICU seriously exemplifies the true notion of hospitality. The student leaders from the University were phenomenal. They demonstrated organization, enthusiasm, humility, leadership, patience, knowledge, and discipline. That group of young people put a lot of energy and time into this program, with the proper guidance, and impressed us beyond measure. Meeting them surely made me comfortable with the future our young leaders in the world. We really appreciated the many gifts, delicious food, and scenic tours during our time there. I think that all the time spent on and off campus, led to some great future relationships with the students. Although reluctant to leave, our students are very excited to be home and share their wonderful journey with everyone.
I am always excited to see WSU student-athletes in a positive light. That is why I work in athletics, to promote students and help them become successful in all their endeavors, whether it be educational, athletic related, or socially. I will always do what I can to promote and uplift students because it is our future. Simply stated, I desire to affect positive change. Once again, I am fortunate to have been placed in charge of this trip and I believe that I have grown professionally because of it.
GO COUGS!
