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John Vitale describes his FDU study abroad experience in Japan, from mountain villages to the bustling Tokyo.Alumni Profile
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f you are looking for really expensive cantaloupes, amazing baseball fans, bright lights and eclectic street performers, Tokyo may be the place for you. It was the last stop of our trip, and after passing through small cities, towns and mountain villages, we ended up in one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
In Tokyo, I had my first experience staying at a hostel, and it turned out to be the best part of the city. We met people from all over the world who were traveling through Japan on the way across the globe. Sharing stories, sights to see, political views, sports news and jokes was how we spent our late nights in Tokyo. By day we would sightsee, and by night immerse ourselves in the lives and cultures of these others.
Baseball is America’s favorite pastime, so they say. Baseball in Tokyo is loud, organized and is all about pride. Every player has a chant, and there are even chants for when there is no action. The fans have it all: trumpets, voices, clappers and drums. The excitement and pep from the crowd never ceases throughout the innings played. We were welcomed by the fans of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and become part of the pep as we chanted and cheered till we literally lost our voices. Baseball may be America’s favorite pastime, but baseball in Tokyo is a truly unique experience!
Overall, I found Japan to be a country of people who value quality, ethics, respect and pride. Every country in the world has its characters, and Japan is not perfect. However, I feel that the Japanese people try to be as hospitable to their guests as they can. Though there was a language barrier, they used what little English they knew to converse with us or help us when we were lost. On several occasions, people approached us when we looked lost and walked us to our destination. One young man even told his friend he would see him later and spent 15 minutes of his night showing us to the subway.
The train conductors bow to the people in every car. The trains are quiet, peaceful and clean. Subways are vacuumed and floors cleaned. There are no trash cans on the street, because it is considered rude to eat or drink while walking the streets, let alone on the subway. What I took away from these customs is that the people of Japan care about keeping their country and extensive public transit systems clean.
I challenge my fellow students to find out for themselves what other countries have to offer. Fairleigh Dickinson University marks itself as a “Leader in Global Education.” I believe that this is true. With a wide variety of study-abroad experiences available across all majors, it is up to the students to embrace these opportunities and a global education. Travel brings to life what we learn in the classroom and gives us a chance to learn through using each of our senses. Let go of the comfort of your home, and embrace the comforts of another country.
Click the Web Exclusives icon to view a slideshow of more photos from the incredible journey.
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FDU Magazine is published twice yearly by the Office of Communications and Marketing, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1000 River Road, H-DH3-14, Teaneck, N.J. 07666.
FDU Magazine welcomes your comments. E-mail Rebecca Maxon, editor, at maxon@fdu.edu.
J. Michael Adams, President; Richard Reiss, Senior Vice President for University Advancement; Angelo Carfagna, Assistant Vice President for University Advancement and Communications; Okang McBride, Director of Alumni Relations; Carol Kuzen Black, Director of Publications/Senior Editor; Rebecca Maxon, Editor and Web Designer;
Contributors: Howard Libov, Tom Nugent, Melissa Payton, John Vitale
Photo/Illustration Credits: Bill Blanchard, Bill Cardoni, Gary Darden, Favorite Son Productions, Don Hamerman, David Hanson, Ted Horowitz Photography, Dan Landau, Mike Malone, Morteza Nikoubazl, Gloria Pastorino, Nick Romanenko, Danny Schwartz, Jayson Scrimizzi, Daniel Twomey, John Vitale
For a print copy of FDU Magazine, featuring these and other stories, contact Rebecca Maxon, editor, at maxon@fdu.edu.
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