Sophia Vo
"More than technology: How my exchange in Japan changed my worldview"
"Technology you learn in books. But in Japan, I learned how technology meets art, culture, tradition and daily life. This experience broadened my outlook and enriched my life . It all started with a step outside my comfort zone."
A world where technology meets art
I am so incredibly happy with everything I learnt in Japan. Not only in the field of technology, but also how they combine art with technology, which you will see when you walk through the streets of Tokyo or in the hundreds of museums in Japan.
This is something you don't easily see in the Netherlands and I found it incredibly beautiful.
Friends, stories and connection
I was also able to make many connections and friends for life. The memories I have made in new cities and with new cultures are incredibly valuable. It's so cool to experience these new perspectives.
Japan will always have a special place in my heart, and the connections I made ensure that I can seek them out again in the future. But it was not only Japan that enriched my experience, I also learnt a lot through interacting with international students from other countries. Instead of just books or the internet, you get to experience it for yourself and learn from each other. This exchange of cultures and ideas has greatly broadened my horizons.
Small details, big impression
What I also found special about Japan is how clean and thoughtful the country is. The public areas, such as the beautiful and clean toilets and the well-organised convenience stores, are really an example of how the welfare of the population is thought of. Another small detail that struck me is how everywhere you can borrow a power bank, so you never end up with a dead phone. So Japan is a reliable and safe country.
Between tradition and future
While Japan is progressive in some areas, it has also retained a bit of the old. Think of buildings but also traditional garments. This combination of modernity and tradition has made the country truly unique and beautiful.
This minor has greatly stimulated my personal growth and broadened my view of the world.
