Field Study of
Economics Department
経済学科のフィールドスタディ

Report from Student 1,Hawaii, 2024

Once in a lifetime encounter

Before my trip, I was full of anxiety about spending an unprecedented length of time abroad, English classes, presentations, and a tight schedule, but more than that, I was very excited about the prospect of growing as a person through new experiences and seeing a bigger version of myself when I returned home. I was very excited.
　I learned a lot from all my senses, and although I had the impression that Hawaii was a resort and tourist destination, I was able to experience firsthand that it is in fact a place rich in nature and respectful of its history. I felt the deep rootedness of protecting Hawaii, but I also learned the reality that if we on the outside do not try to protect Hawaii as well, it will disappear.
　One of the elements that I felt played a significant role in my personal growth through this program was the interaction with other universities. While working on the classes, I learned a lot about their attitude toward learning, their ability to express themselves in English, and how to learn even though we were the same age, which was very stimulating for me as I had somehow been running away from shame and troublesome things. When I returned to Japan, I was very sad to leave them all, but I feel that I cherish this relationship that I have gained with them as both rivals and friends.
　The presentation, which I was most anxious about before my trip, was the one in which I felt I had grown the most. The maximum effort I made in preparation for my presentation on the final day was extremely hard, but the feedback I received from the professors and students gave me confidence and made me feel that this program was the culmination of all my efforts.
　I felt a stronger sense of accomplishment and fulfillment than I had imagined, and I truly believe that it was a unique experience that could not be replaced by anything else, leading to my own personal growth.
　I don’t think I fully understand the importance of the phrase “once in a lifetime encounter” that I learned in class, but I will continue to actively seek out new encounters so that I will not forget the importance of this phrase that I felt through the field study.
　I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the teachers of Meiji Gakuin University who led the class, the teachers at the University of Hawaii and students, and all the people involved.