Xian Zhou, Pitt in Japan Summer 2024
Personally:
My time abroad allowed me to engage in conversations with people from diverse cultures, broadening my worldview and helping me grow as a person. Although the program lasted only five weeks, the fast-paced learning and socializing experience resulted in many meaningful friendships. I emerged from this experience with greater confidence, as it provided numerous opportunities to interact with different individuals. Prior to the program, I felt less confident due to uncertainty about social interactions. Now, I have a clearer understanding and comfort level in engaging with others. It also grew my passion about providing service to others. I received so many kindness and help from the Japanese students and professors in a foreign country, that made me want to help other people and treat them the same way that I was being treated. I am very grateful for this opportunity and the help that I’ve received throughout the trip, and I want to help others to feel the same way as I did.
Academically:
Helped me to complete my minor in Japanese language and cultural studies. I also got to use more Japanese and that has helped me to become more fluent at the language.
Professionally
Before visiting Japan and the start of the program, one of my biggest goals was to gain a deeper understanding about the Japanese medical system and have a more global healthcare understanding. For one of the classes that I took in Japan, I did my final project and presentation on comparing the medical system in the US and Japan. By doing that, I learned about the gap in government funding, insurance and the administration departments that contributed into much higher healthcare costs, but not necessarily better healthcare outcomes. I am looking forward to working in the Healthcare industry upon my graduation, and this knowledge will help me to have a holistic view and contribute to making the US healthcare industry a better system.
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