Colin Gordon

Graphic highlighting a student participating in the Waseda University Summer Session in Tokyo, Japan for Summer 2025. The background features playful, abstract floral shapes in pink, green, blue, and yellow, with airplane icons and dashed flight paths representing international travel. On the right, a smiling student wearing a UConn sweatshirt and a headband is seated at a restaurant table. Text reads: "Summer '25 – Waseda University Summer Session – Tokyo, Japan."

A busy street in Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan, lined with colorful buildings covered in large advertisements and signage. A black tour bus with "Grand Limousine Tokyo" written on the side is parked near a tax-free souvenir shop. Pedestrians can be seen in the distance, and traffic flows beneath a green railway bridge overhead. Tall green trees line both sides of the wide street, adding contrast to the urban scenery.

Tell us a little bit about your experience. For starters, why did you choose the program that you did?

Before I even submitted my initial deposit, I knew that I wanted to study abroad with UConn. I had spent my childhood learning about Japan through documentaries with my grandpa. So once I saw Waseda listed as one of the places I could go, I made it my ultimate goal to strive for Tokyo!

A student wearing a red WASEDA University sweatshirt takes a selfie indoors next to a decorative figure of Eevee, a popular Pokémon character. The Eevee statue is placed on artificial grass and partially surrounded by lush green plants and foliage decor, giving the area a garden-like feel. The setting appears to be inside a modern building with directional signage and tiled walls in the background.

What did you gain from the experience?

I gained a lot from learning from my own perspective about the various upsets and downsets of Japanese society. I had always heard from other sources, but now I had my very own insight into the unique and interesting aspect that is Japanese culture.

Three smiling UConn students stand outside a building in Japan holding a large blue UConn flag featuring the university's Husky logo. All are wearing matching maroon "Leader of the Pack – Japan" shirts. The students are making the Husky hand sign, and a playful cartoon mascot and Japanese text are visible on a banner above them. Their surroundings include a light-colored tiled wall, windows reflecting the sky, and a paved sidewalk.

What unique Experiential Global Learning opportunities did you encounter during your time?

I was able to make a lot of friends internationally, as well as getting to play some music with some other Waseda students not in my program, but regular students at Waseda.

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How has Experiential Global Learning helped you to understand and appreciate your program’s field of study?

My minor in Human Rights has a lot to do as to why I’m studying here at Waseda. Disability in Japanese society is interesting because of the general outlook between how we see those who are impaired in western society vs. that of Japan. With the notions of a culture that’s so rooted in tradition, it’s interesting to see the impacts of those disabled in society practically everyday.

What would you say is your most memorable moment from the trip?

My first day before class, I went to the sanctuary for every anime fan on the planet. With stores tens of stories high, filled to the brim with unique and special anime merchandise, there’s no shortage of things to see or stuff to do in the electric city of Akihabara.

Tip(s) you’d give for future students participating in a program or those who are just starting to think about an experience

You’re going to make mistakes, you’re going to encounter language barriers, and you’re going to be embarrassed at times. But those things are all learning experiences, and with time you will gradually learn so much more about yourself in making those mistakes in such an unfamiliar environment.