MLO 5: Internalization and Immersion
MLO Facets:
5.1 Students demonstrate that they have actively immersed themselves in authentic Japanese cultural and linguistic environments and have internalized the language and cultural experience, from which they have developed a personal understanding and new perspectives of the community.
MLO Narrative:
MLO 5 was achieved during my study abroad at the University of Kitakyushu. I was able to successfully immerse myself in a Japanese environment to reorient my thought process to be more like that of a Japanese student, but this adjustment was far from easy. Since Kitakyushu is not a popular tourist location, very few people can speak English fluently. This also means that the city and university were more removed from western influence than I initially expected. This transition took place over the entire year of my study and continues to influence me today. While most of the students that I interacted with were exchange students, English speakers were in the minority, so I needed to use Japanese in order to communicate with my classmates. I also had the opportunity to experience and observe Japanese lifestyle from several perspectives due to the internship that I was offered.
All aspects of my life became steeped in Japanese Language and Culture. Physically, I was surrounded by people that spoke Japanese and all of my classes were dedicated to furthering my Japanese knowledge in some way, even if the class was taught in English.
All aspects of my life became steeped in Japanese Language and Culture. Physically, I was surrounded by people that spoke Japanese and all of my classes were dedicated to furthering my Japanese knowledge in some way, even if the class was taught in English.