program

Comparing America and Japan

I had a fascinating and fantastic experience in my study abroad program to Japan this May 2019. As part of the program/course, I wrote a blog post on any topic of my choosing related to Japan. I chose to compare & contrast some aspects of life in America and Japan.

Here are my top 20 differences between the two countries based on my observations of transportation, people, and my experiences at the University of Tokyo and Azabu University:

TRANSPORTATION

All of Japan seems to be connected by transportation!
Japan’s transportation system to me is very complex, detailed, and efficient. There’s city buses, the bullet train (shinkansen), local trains/subways, and rapid express trains. It was intimidating to me at first because of all of the different lines and signs, but maps are helpful and so are the Japanese. Even when my friends and I were looking down at our phones for Google Maps, a few elderly individuals approached us to ask if we needed help. The transportation gets you places quickly too. Trains and buses come on time.

A map of the Tokyo Metro subway system. Source: Tokyo Metro

What plays a role in the efficiency is that people form lines for boarding transportation. In America, people form clumps or clusters, and not organized lines like in Japan.

Public WiFi is available almost exclusively at train stations in Japan.
It is extremely difficult to find WiFi to access at restaurants or stores, which is why tourists are suggested to purchase a pocket WiFi to have on hand when traveling. Meanwhile in the U.S., many places have WiFi. Not having widespread WiFi can be a barrier for travelers on a budget, because mobile routers are around $100 or more.

Connecting to WiFi is a process that often involves registering with an email address and clicking through pages of terms and agreements.

Japan’s transportation vehicles are so much cleaner and nicer than America’s. In Japan, subways and buses are brightly lit and have no litter at all. The stations in Japan are also incredibly well-kept. I usually see workers sweeping the floor in the stations to keep it clean and dust- and dirt-free. Meanwhile in America, I have seen stations visibly grimy; some have the wretched smell of urine. People did not clean up after themselves. I was so impressed by Japan’s transportation systems.

The shinkansen is roomy and very comfortable!

Buses in Japan have some differences; in some buses, you board in the front and pay the fare up front whereas in others, you board in the rear and pay as you leave from the front. From my experiences taking buses in America, I always board at the front of the bus and pay upon entering.

Japanese train/subway platforms often have gates to prevent people from getting onto tracks and rushing into the vehicle. These gates can prevent injuries and deaths. University of Tokyo students mentioned to me that some individuals die by suicide from getting hit by the subway/train. This is a troubling occurrence and relates to public health, as it is a population problem and social issue. Many Japanese in white-collar work are overworked and stressed to the point where they are pushed over the edge. From hearing these anecdotes, gates are one way to stop people from physically coming into contact with trains as they approach the platforms, but broader intervention must be done to treat people’s mental health, and the multiple factors behind their depression. On the other side of the world, American subway platforms do not appear to have these gates, from what I have seen. In my home country, train suicides are not a concern like in Japan. America does have incidences of people falling onto the tracks, whether it’s because of overcrowded platforms or people pushing each other.

These barriers hope to protect people from accidental as well as intentional injuries and deaths. These doors help with human health and help lessen train delays. Source: The Japan Times

In Japan’s subways, some cars are designated as “Women-only” during certain times of the day, as marked by the pink signs on the windows. Only women can enter these cars. Children are allowed in as well. This action is meant to address molestation on trains. When train cars inevitably get crowded and reach up to 250% capacity during rush hours, men and women are literally touching each other. This can be very uncomfortable. Therefore, “women-only cars” aim to create safer environments for women, and I have not experienced anything like it in the U.S., which is something we could consider.

In Japan, subway tickets get taken back by the machine, which can reduce waste! In Cleveland and Columbus, where I’ve taken public transportation, people can keep their train and bus tickets. These people could throw these tickets away and not necessarily recycle them. I feel that Japan recycles their tickets. In Japan, citizens can use plastic electronic cards to swipe through; during my program, we use the Pasmo card, which can be reloaded at any time. A smart card like the Pasmo can be found in some U.S. metropolitan cities, like Chicago or Los Angeles, but this is not widespread for all American cities. I would like this to be more prevalent so we can reduce the waste spent on making physical tickets.

I just tap my Pasmo card against the reader on the gate and it lets me pass through!
Source: Japan Rail Pass

A striking contrast is that Japan’s roads are paved so well and smoothly. I have not seen a single pothole in the country, whereas in the United States, potholes are aplenty, especially in Ohio. Potholes and general wear and tear of the roads make driving challenging; drivers have to maneuver around holes and their tires also take a toll. It is a public health hazard for drivers!

Sidewalks in some smaller cities are marked by lines.

Sidewalks can be uneven and people can trip if they are not looking or stepping carefully enough, in both Japan and America. On our walk from the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center to the Yoyogi-koen Station, several of my peers have tripped at night from bumps in the sidewalk. This bumpy sidewalk can be a public health hazard to pedestrians, but injuries would not be too serious aside from scraped knees. Likewise, many sidewalks in America are not smooth or even, due to poor construction or just erosion from time. Sidewalks can rise at certain points and resemble stairs. Sometimes, sidewalks are nonexistent. These sidewalks would not be stroller or wheelchair friendly. Overall, Japan’s sidewalks have been great.

Speaking of the walk from our hostel to the station: when it is nighttime, I turn my phone’s flashlight on to light the ground and see where I am walking. More street lights could be implemented in certain areas for safety. Trees do line the paths, which are good for the environment and aesthetics, but can obstruct any lamps if there were any. Similarly, the U.S. could also add street lights in neighborhoods. This last school year, I walked 15 minutes from the bus stop to my home off-campus, and I felt slightly fearful. Back then, I turned on my phone’s flashlight too to help me see where I was going because it was so dark.

Bike racks by Japanese stations and universities can hold hundreds of bikes, which amazed me. In America, bike racks do not hold nowhere near that capacity! At my school, The Ohio State University, we need more bike racks. With 60,000 students enrolled at my school’s main campus, there should be a greater capacity for bikes. Having more spaces for bikes and scooters would be beneficial and encourage students to be more active while reducing their carbon footprint and emissions.

This is a massive area for bikes outside of a station near University of Tokyo.

PEOPLE

Japan is a relatively homogenous country when it comes to races and ethnicities. As my peers and I were visiting cultural and historical landmarks, Japanese primary students were excited to see Westerners and foreigners. They took the opportunity to practice their English that they’ve been learning since elementary school. Some youth said to us, “Nice to meet you” and “Hello.” Meanwhile, America is very multicultural, with Americans hailing from hundreds of various races and ethnicities. It was a culture shock to come to Japan since it was the first time I went to a non-Western country and the first time I have ever been to Asia. It was also interesting though that Japanese advertisements/billboards have European/Caucasian American models.

Japanese people are very polite and respectful, and I do not see the same levels of etiquette in America. For example, when taking public transportation, Japanese are more mindful of space. They give priority seating to elderly, pregnant women, injured people, and people in vulnerable conditions. Two schoolboys were insisting on giving my peer a seat on the train, but she wanted them to take her spot. It was a cute encounter and an example of courtesy.

UNIVERSITY

Costs of going to college can differ drastically in Japan and in America. According to University of Tokyo (UTokyo) students, tuition is $5000 US dollars for the whole school year. At OSU, in-state tuition is about $10,000, so double that price! The UTokyo students went on to say that there is no tuition difference for out-of-state students or international students. Regardless of background or status, everyone pays the same tuition. (I wish that I had asked about scholarships for students who are low-income.)
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/university-of-tokyo-500

At Azabu University, a student told me from his research that more than half of university students live with their parents. Living in dorms are rare. Some students live in small apartments, which he said was 600 yen on average per month for rent. This is a contrast to OSU, where it’s mandatory for students to live in dorms for the first two years of undergraduate. (There are exceptions to this rule for students already living in Columbus, transfer students, etc.)

HEALTH

Japanese carry around handkerchiefs for restrooms, which often lack paper towels and hand dryers. This reduces waste and saves energy. It is also more sanitary than drying our hands on our clothes or flinging our hands. Our professor, Dr. Ibaraki, or as we call him, Ibaraki sensei, gave each of us a handkerchief with patterns of Mount Fuji. Likewise, people do not blow their noses in public because the noise can be distracting or a nuisance. It is a social norm to instead dab at the nose with a napkin or handkerchief.

Many Japanese wear surgical masks that cover their mouths for several reasons. While some may wear these face masks for fashion (the masks can come in different designs), there are practical purposes for their use. These masks can protect against the spread of germs. People who are sick and wear the masks can help prevent others from becoming contaminated. Additionally, people wear masks to reduce exposure to pollutants in the air.

Source: Pixabay

In terms of body size, Japanese people tend to be more petite. I occasionally see overweight people and a few obese men. Generally speaking, Japanese are much more healthier looking than Americans.

Japanese people appear to be more physically active compared to American counterparts. I saw people of all ages riding bikes and walking. Elderly people get up around sunrise to hike and jog in the local parks. There’s ample space for bikes in the city. The country is not built for many cars. Additionally, people do considerable amounts of walking by taking public transportation. According to my public health studies, the built environment (how cities are designed and laid out) play significant roles in how people live their lives and their health habits.

Japanese women use umbrellas for shade from the sun’s UV rays; this does not happen in the U.S.. The Japanese women want to avoid tanning and increasing their risk for skin cancer. Furthermore, beauty standards prefer lighter skin and complexions as opposed to darker skin. However, Japanese men can be tan; I have not seen a Japanese man use an umbrella on a sunny day.

CONCLUSION
From my few weeks in Japan, there is a multitude of aspects to compare and contrast. The transportation sector was very unique and insightful. It appears that transportation is very efficient and stream-lined. People are able to travel throughout Japan within hours. The built environment of cities also contributes to people being physically active. Mothers ride bikes with babies in attached carriers. People walk their dogs. Sidewalks and roads in general are smooth. There are trees and flowers everywhere, so people get to enjoy nature and breathe cleaner air. College is affordable for students from different backgrounds. Students live with their parents for the most part to save money and to be with their family. Japanese people also take better care of themselves, and their lifestyle and cultural factors contribute to their health. They take public transportation daily and protect themselves from germs and the sun. Overall, the way that society is designed in Japan helps people maintain good health and community relationships.

Applying to a Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)

Research was once intimidating to me, but that changed when I took a “Research Methods in Sociology” course the first semester of my sophomore year (Fall 2017). It was a very interesting class that introduced me to research and allowed me to learn more of about what that encompasses. I learned that there are two major subgroups of research: qualitative and quantitative. This ended up being one of my favorite classes ever taken at Ohio State.

I have blogged about my eight weeks at University of Iowa through the Big Ten Academic Alliance’s Summer Research Opportunities Program. I separated the blog posts into two parts: part I (June 2018) and part II (July 2018). This specific blog post will be dedicated to sharing my experiences of APPLYING to the program, and my experiences with rejections from several programs. I hope to help others in their academic journeys towards graduate school and professional school!

(The following information are my own insights. Feel free to follow the advice laid out, but I do not guarantee acceptances.)

Source: http://www.sjhemleymarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/iStock_000041965580_Full.jpg

 

Research comes with a multitude of rewards: enhanced reading and writing skills, stronger critical thinking, better evaluation of sources, patience, networking, enhanced analysis skills, and more! By participating in a SROP, I prepared myself tremendously for graduate school and my junior and senior years of college. Through the SROP at University of Iowa, I was able to conduct research for eight weeks, attend workshops on topics related to research and graduate school, write a strong personal statement and CV, study for the GRE, and present my findings at a conference.

I am speaking specifically about the Summer Research Opportunities Program through the Big Ten Academic Alliance.

Here are the steps that I took in applying to and being accepted into a SROP:

During my first year of college, I heard about SROP from a current graduate student in public health. He discussed how he participated in two SROPs and enjoyed both of the experiences, as it helped him strengthen his skills and build his knowledge of public health and biology. They helped inform him of his career goals and aspirations. I kept “SROP” in my mind, and wanted to develop more as a student and scholar before I applied for one.

1. Around October of 2017, which was my sophomore year, I attended a grad school event in the Union. (I like preparing myself early, and even though sophomores may not really concern themselves over graduate school, it was useful for me.) This was like a career fair, and events were scattered in different rooms of the Union. During the one session I attended, the presenters talked about SROP and provided some handouts on SROP and graduate school at OSU in general. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, take notes, and ask for handouts, which contain helpful info! In my personal network, almost nobody had completed a SROP. None of my peers had participated in one, but some staff in Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) had. Ask around on your social media networks too. Somebody may know somebody who did partake in a SROP.

2. During winter, I did more research on SROP on the Internet, and asked people questions to see what they knew about it. I asked around at my own college to see if faculty typically have the time to be mentors for SROP at Ohio State. Looking at the SROP website and exploring its pages, including viewing videos and testimonials from past participants and faculty mentors, was incredibly beneficial for me.

** View the Eligibility Requirements before even starting an application. **

3. I began a Google Document to keep track of the SROP requirements and deadlines. Sometimes transcripts and letters of recommendation are due at different times than the actual application. SROP has a Common App-like application to fill out, and then some schools that have a SROP require their own supplemental applications. In this document, I wrote down my username and password for the application.

4. During winter break, I began brainstorming my content for the essays. This entailed free-writing for me, and typing out whatever popped into my mind that I thought could be used for my essays. There is a PERSONAL STATEMENT and a STATEMENT OF RESEARCH INTERESTS. These are different essays, and you should take the opportunity to showcase different sides of yourself in these essays. Try not to repeat information in these essays. You also do not just want to list out your achievements like you are just writing out your resume or CV. You do want these essays to tell a story! It also should not read like a formal paper; it should still feel like it is your voice that is coming across to the reader. It can be hard to explain what to do and what not to do with your essay, but I hope that my advice makes sense, at least a little bit! Also, there is no magic formula for writing a stellar essay.

https://www.papermasters.com/images/personal-statement.jpg This can be helpful for people in crafting personal statements. Keep these tips in mind! (This infographic is targeted to people who want to go to law school, but you get the idea.)

For my 250-word-limit personal statement, I tried to give the readers a glimpse of who I was, and how I was shaped into the scholar and resilient individual I am today. Additionally, I painted a picture of my background, because that is fundamental in my development. I wrote about why I was motivated to seek a research experience. I included how SROP can help me reach my goals. I also mentioned some experiences of mine, like participating in a college prep program from the sixth grade onwards, and earning 55 college credits during high school. This statement was short and sweet. I had a friend proofread this for errors. Never would I submit a piece of writing before a friend or two scan it over.

For my statement of research interests, which was also a 250-word-maximum, I mentioned my upbringing in the inner-city, and how the challenges/issues I witnessed and faced prompted me to study public health, sociology, and gender studies. With my range of academic interests, my studies would help me address multidimensional, or interdisciplinary, issues, especially health disparities, which I am most passionate about. Then I mentioned how a Research Methods class allowed me to get firsthand experience with research, and I wanted to do more research, which was why I intended to participate in a SROP! My last paragraph consisted of me saying that I wanted to immerse myself into research and what I hoped my future research will be.

** I would share my actual essays, but decided not to in order to avoid the potential for plagiarism. Do not plagiarize. Do not steal/appropriate ideas from others’ essays. Your writing has to be your own. **

5. When spring 2018 started, I made time to work on my essays on the weekends. I was unemployed, but still volunteered at least eight hours a week, and spent eight to ten hours a week for student organizations as well. Many hours of brainstorming, writing, and re-writing were spent. The easiest part was filling out the application with my demographic information. It is important to take breaks and revisit your writing the next day. Give yourself time and space to write. Writing in my dorm room was my preference.

** You may need to send official transcripts to the school and/or SROP. This will come out of your own pocket! **

6. I believe in January, early on in the application process, I asked for letters of recommendation from two sociology professors, since I developed relationships with those two people well. Ask professors/instructors well in advance, at least a month before a deadline. Be sure to ask if they can write a strong letter of recommendation. Do they feel like they know you well enough, whether personally and/or academically? Some things to provide these recommenders are your CV or resume, your application essays, information about the program, your LinkedIn profile, your personal blog, etc.

7. Throughout my process, I asked friends if they had time to read my essays. I did not ask the same friend to read different variations of the dozen or so essays I wrote. There were probably four individuals who read a few essays of mine. I did not use OSU’s Writing Center services, which would have probably helped me out and resulted in more acceptances. The SROP application was due February 10th for me, and some schools had later deadlines (but they also required the SROP application in addition to their own). Besides applying just for SROP, I applied for a few other opportunities as back-ups in case I was not admitted into any of the SROPs. For example, I applied for a cultural summer camp in China for fun and for a research position in Columbus over the summer.

8. Early March was when applications wrapped up for me, and I waited for positive responses in my Buckeyemail inbox. I heard a positive response from University of Iowa, and reached out personally to a potential faculty mentor in sociology, which is my specialization, not my major. Sometimes faculty are not conducting research in your major/desired field at the time, but you can still try to work with them in a different field if you have an interest in that as well! I remained determined and advocated for myself and my abilities. In late March, I was offered acceptance into University of Iowa’s SROP, and accepted that offer since they needed a definitive answer from me within that week. It was a shock to me to see a “Yes” from a program, since it is a competitive program and I doubted my chances of getting in.

http://www.firstpointusa.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/ohio-state-brutus-the-buckeye.jpg                                                                        Despite thinking that you probably won’t be accepted, you still have a chance if you apply! If you do not apply at all, you have a 0% chance. So take that chance! Believe in yourself.

9. After accepting a program’s offer of admission, you have to turn down other programs’ offers, if they come your way. It turned out that I was rejected from the other SROPs. Some emailed to inform me that I was rejected, while a few did not respond to me at all. For my SROP, I was expected to read emails sent to me carefully. There were more steps to take, like filling out forms and providing information to coordinate health insurance, direct deposit of my stipend, and to book my round-trip flight to and from the program. Some forms required my signature, so I printed out papers and signed them, and scanned them back. The program also asked about roommate requests, but I did not have any preferences, and let the program choose for me. I was required to complete research training modules to learn more about research procedures and ethics! Furthermore, I submitted a headshot to share with others; this headshot was later printed out and put on my dorm door when I got to campus. There are many tasks to complete, but it was actually fun for me to do these, and learn a bit about my peers in the program before I would eventually meet them!

** Respond to emails as soon as you can! Even if the email is just to inform you of what is happening, you can reply with “Received! Thank you for the updates!” 

In late May, I was emailed a syllabus for the summer research program. I printed this out because I like having a physical copy of it to refer to, and I put the dates/deadlines into my personal planner. After completing the requirements and maintaining communication with my program, I arrived in Iowa on June 4th. As always, I was courteous and respectful to everyone. Each participant had their own UIowa email to use. We submitted assignments via an online grading system similar to Ohio State’s Carmen. In this blog post, I provided many details for my readers; I hope that it is not too much! Overall, UI SROP was a wonderful experience and very transformative! If you are unsure of going to graduate school or even getting involved with research, but are willing to try it out, I suggest it. Remain open-minded about opportunities.

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If anyone has any questions, wants advice, or someone to talk with about the process, I can certainly make time to help a fellow Buckeye! I am potentially available to read statements as well. I do also suggest utilizing the wonderful Writing Center here on campus; students can do walk-ins, scheduled appointments, and even have their written work looked over virtually and then receive comments online. Send over your drafts to friends who can provide constructive criticism; they will be able to read the statements and determine if the writing reflects your true voice and your true self.

Good luck to all who will apply to a Summer Research Opportunities Program! 🙂

Resources:
http://www.btaa.org/resources-for/students/srop/introduction
https://gradsch.osu.edu/research/summer-research-opportunities-program