Purpose
The University of Georgia’s College of Public Health offers a study abroad opportunity that allows students to travel to Japan. For the study abroad program in July 2019, students completed research comparing disability accommodations in Japan versus the United States.
Research
Each student completed a literature review prior to the start of the program. My personal literature review focused on the influence of cultural aspects on aging for older adults in Japan and in the United States. While in Japan, personal observations and interviews with Japanese college students were conducted. This research was utilized for the purposes of the final literature review as a general reflection on the topic.
In addition to adding to personal research, students from the University of Georgia also had the chance to participate in Japanese research by providing first-hand information about United States policies and actions toward disability accommodation.
Experience
While the trip itself circled around research, students also had the opportunity to culturally submerge themselves and practice active cultural awareness. This experience was once in a lifetime and allowed for health promotion practices to be practiced in a global setting.