Study travel programme

Zayed University students experience Japanese culture

It took seven hours and fifty-five minutes to fly from Dubai International Airport to Kansay International Airport in Japan. But to the group of Zayed University students from Dubai and Abu Dhabi making the trip, the hours meant nothing.

After all, the idea of organising an educational trip to Japan was first proposed by us students. It seemed the perfect way to gain exposure to a new culture. And we believed very firmly that it would result in the strengthening of UAE and Japanese friendship.

First stop - Kyoto
The second capital of Japan, according to its history, was the first stop for us. For Eman Al Madani from the College of Arts and Sciences in Dubai, Kyoto turned out to be one of the best cities they visited.

“In addition to its religious importance, its people are very kind and friendly,” she said. “They kept on smiling and bowing to everyone who passed their way just to show respect.”

We visited a number of shrines and temples which gave us a new perspective on Japanese history, tradition and culture.

Second stop - Nara
The first capital of Japan according to its history, was the second stop. Nara has one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. This temple has bearings on the origin of Buddhist religion and its concepts.

Calligraphy, kimono dressing and tea ceremonies are three traditional art forms that still form a part of everyday Japanese life. We were treated to a display of these art forms by well-known teachers.

Third stop - Hiroshima
Well known for its efforts to forge peace in a world fraught by violence, Hiroshima was the next stop for us girls.

During our stay, we visited the Peace Memorial Museum. We saw another side of the deadly nuclear attack that decimated the city. We were so touched that we all made our mark on the great wall made of signed peace blocks.

We then visited Hiroshima City University where we mingled with Japanese students and faculty members. It gave us a chance to find out how Japanese universities function and the kind of curriculum they follow.

Hiroshima City University also invited us to participate in their 10-day Hiroshima Peace Programme.

Fourth stop – Hagi
Trains were used, bus rides were taken and we students reached Hagi. The city is known for its beautiful pottery. The students were taken to a workshop where they were shown how pottery of all shapes and sizes is made. Yet another eye-opener for us.

Fifth stop - Fukuoka
This was the next city on our tour. In Fukuoka city we visited local public schools. While one group visited an elementary school, another group went to a junior high school. At both, the students were welcomed like family members and invited to stay for lunch.

The visit helped us realise the difference in emphasis on subjects. While the Japanese place great emphasis on the arts sector, with students being taught music till quite an advanced age, in our country the focus is more on science and business.

Sixth stop - Tokyo
We took a flight to Tokyo. The city was huge - different from any other city.

“I loved Tokyo,” said Aisha Ahmad Al Khateeb, an arts and sciences student from the Dubai campus.

“It is a place I would love to live, in the future. I like big cities and Tokyo definitely meets my requirements. It is rich in both social and educational life. What else would I want?”

When the students reached Tokyo they were taken to the NHK television studio where they learnt more about the world of television in Japan.

We later stood beneath Tokyo Tower, one of the tallest in the world. We learned how it was built, for what purpose, and the architect behind it.

By now some of the students had started feeling homesick. It was our 12th day, and we were due to visit the UAE Embassy in Tokyo. It was like going home. We were greeted with open arms and wide smiles.

Last stop - Hakone
The trip came to an end when we retreated to Hakone, a mountain resort on Mount Fuji. We stayed in a traditional Japanese inn and experienced the traditional Japanese life. We finally got on our flight back home.

There was so much to tell our families and friends. We are also planning to share our experiences through workshops on campus. It will ensure that our memories remain fresh for many days, weeks and months to come.

The writer is a communications and media sciences student at Zayed University