Last Note

This will be my final entry here and as such I wanted to talk about the one thing I had not yet had the chance to mention – the handicap accessibility of Japan.  There was quite a big difference from the U.S. that many of the other international students also recognized.  Japan seemed like it was equally made for the handicapped and the fully capable.  The paper money was different sizes for each different amount.  For instance, the 1000 yen bill would be a different length than the 50000 yen bill.  This was done so blind people could tell the difference.  Also, ever present on the ground throughout the airports and train stations were wide bright yellow strips with raised dots.  The lines were a couple feet in front of the train in train stations so blind people would know when they were getting close to the edge of the platform.  They were also down the middle of walkways in the airports and train station so blind people would know which side of the walkway they were on.  When in an elevator, if listening very carefully, one could hear the elevator not only ‘ding’ when it arrived at a floor, but also softly say ‘yonkai’ (fourth floor) or whatever floor it arrived at.  I am not completely familiar with all that we do have available in the U.S., but the obvious and ever present accommodations in Japan for the handicapped did jump out at the group of students I stayed with for the six weeks and really got us talking about the topic.  For instance, how do blind people tell our bills apart?  We were not quite sure. 

Quick Reflection

Like I said earlier, I am very happy that I was able to have such a great experience abroad.  From my time abroad, I was able to notice differences in how other societies deal with social and political issues and gain a new perspective on societal normalities.  At first, I was hesitant to do a study abroad trip, but now I would recommend it to anyone.  It is hard to break out of the one way you have always seen the world, from the one perspective, the one culture you have always known.  I think opening yourself up to another culture, another perspective, and to a time when you are the foreigner in someone else’s country can give you more than you would ever believe.  You may learn how to see things differently, you may gain new ideas and ways of thinking and you may be able to relate to, not only foreigners in the U.S. much better, but also people in general. Thanks for checking out my entries here along my journey to Japan and back.  I hope you have gained something from reading and have your own abroad experience to share!

Location: Orefield, Pennsylvania, United States