My Study Abroad Experiences
During my time at FIU, I wanted to make my experience unique by enriching my education with global learning. I have always had a passion for traveling and a desire to deepen my understanding of cultures I haven't been familiar with. For this reason, I focused my travels in Asia (Japan, India, Taiwan) to engage with cultures that are vastly different from my own. This way, I can broaden my perspective and become a more well-rounded person.
Japan
In the summer of 2024, I studied reciprocity in Japan through the Honors College at FIU as part of a two-part course. In the spring, we explored the historical roots of reciprocity, tracing it from the Edo period to the present, with a focus on how the indigenous Ainu community continues to uphold these values. We also learned that in order to be respectful and maintain cultural sensitivity, we should be anthropological tourists rather than traditional tourists. This way, we would engage with our surroundings more thoughtfully and represent the United States well in preparation for our summer study abroad experience.
Our class spent 21 days in Japan (although I arrived earlier and stayed later), visiting six cities: Osaka, Koyasan, Kyoto, Sapporo, Akan, and Tokyo. Each student conducted independent research on a topic of interest, and I chose to investigate the cultural differences between Western individualism and Eastern collectivism. I had chosen this topic since I believe it is interesting and important as a future Psychologist to understand how cultural values shape everyday life, social dynamics, and personal identity in order to better treat and understand the patient and their goals.
I noticed the concept of tatemae (public facade) and honne (true feelings) occurring often, especially when interacting with students from Sapporo University and Waseda University. One moment that stood out was when we were invited out to eat lunch with the Waseda students. When deciding where to eat, they deferred to us (the FIU students) to choose, in order to be good hosts and better accommodate our needs. We settled on ramen, and they all quickly agreed without hesitation and proceeded to order the same dish. This simple interaction reflected how people in collectivist cultures often prioritize group harmony (wa) over individual preferences. In contrast, Western cultures tend to emphasize personal autonomy and expression, often resulting in longer debates about food choices and a wider variety of orders.
Outside of my observational research, some of my most profound memories came from cultural immersion. In Koyasan, we stayed in a Buddhist temple, where we dressed in traditional attire, meditated, prayed with incense, utilised the onsen baths, and ate vegetarian meals as the monks did in the temple. We also visited a nearby grave and learned that many Japanese individuals are born Shinto and die Buddhist, and delved deeper into those ceremonial practices. This, along with visiting countless temples and shrines, provided me with a greater spiritual perspective that I wouldn't have been able to see as a regular tourist.
I also deeply appreciated the opportunity to participate in various cultural activities that offered insight into the Japanese way of life. One example is participating in hands-on cultural workshops such as origami and sushi-making workshops, which emphasize care, intention, and mindfulness that are applied to crafts. In origami, each fold is done with purpose and precision in order to express patience, discipline, and emotion. Similarly, sushi-making revealed the emphasis placed on seasonality, presentation, and harmony between flavors, which reflects the culture's balance.
I believe that being immersed in another culture includes engaging with its traditions, including clothing. During my time in Japan, I had the opportunity to wear a traditional kimono on three different occasions. I learned about the appropriate occasions for different kimono styles, how to properly wrap the garment and secure the obi (the decorative belt), and how the color, patterns, and knot style each carry specific meanings. I was especially moved to learn that kimonos are often passed down through generations, carrying deep sentimental value. This practice reflects a broader cultural attitude of treasuring and caring for possessions, allowing them to last for decades. I noticed this same mindset while browsing thrift stores. The Thrift stores carried luxury items, like designer handbags, yet heavily discounted by thousands for the slightest imperfections. This was shocking, as in the U.S., imperfections such as a small scratch would barely be noticeable and wouldn't drastically affect resale value. This underscores a deep-rooted cultural appreciation for longevity and respect.
Other memorable cultural experiences included participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and watching a kabuki performance. We tasted matcha prepared in the ceremonious style and learned about the hospitality, humility, and mindfulness behind the ritual. The tea ceremony is an art form historically used to host important guests, foster respect, and create a shared moment of tranquility. The Kabuki play demonstrated great storytelling in its costumes, stylized acting, and live music, as well as cultural preservation, as the tradition is often passed down through generations of men within a single family. Although it was difficult for me to follow due to the actors' exaggerated vocal intonations (as well as for other native Japanese speakers due to the tonality), the exaggerated facial expressions and symbolism in bodily movements conveyed emotion in a way that transcended language barriers, allowing the crowd to grasp the essence of the performance.
The most impactful moment of the trip included meeting with the Ainu. As an indigenous group that has historically faced marginalization, the Ainu community in Akan limits visitors in order to preserve their traditions and way of life. Because we were approaching them as anthropological tourists, we were invited to observe traditional throat singing and ceremonial dancing, accompanied by the mukkuri, a bamboo instrument that creates a resonant, rhythmic vibration. Their village in Akan was also breathtaking, as I had the chance to hike through the protected parklands and canoe across the serene waters of Lake Akan. Walking around the village, their reciprocity with nature was clearly reflected in their art and mythology, especially in depictions of sacred animals like the bear and salmon, both of which are considered kamuy (spiritual beings or gods). I was also fascinated to learn about their sustainable practices, including their ethical use of animal fur and their commitment to only hunting and consuming local resources in a way that honors the balance of the environment.
Overall, these immersive experiences highlighted the importance of respect and community in Eastern countries like Japan and reinforced the relevance of these values in understanding and implementing clinical practices for these populations.
To learn more about what happened day to day on the trip and my insights on the differences between individualism and collectivism, check out my website here, which I created as a capstone project.
Mysore, India
In the Summer of 2025, I spent four weeks in Mysore, India, focusing on global health and cross-cultural perspectives in healthcare delivery. The program emphasized health disparities, stigma, and access to care, with a particular focus on mental health, women’s health, and LGBTQ+ healthcare research.
Each day, I attended lectures at the Public Health Research Institute of India (PHRII), a women-led organization specializing in cervical cancer prevention and public health research. A variety of guest speakers were also invited to discuss critical health issues in India, including vaccination rates, the impacts of COVID-19 and polio, and the ongoing prevalence of malnutrition. In addition to health-focused content, the lectures also explored the role of culture in healthcare, highlighting how religion influences medical practices, the continued effects of the caste system on daily life, and the gendered disparities in how men and women are treated in society and within healthcare systems.
As someone who had never traveled to a low-income country before, I experienced a significant degree of culture shock, particularly regarding gender disparities and visible poverty. While the city of Mysore offered vibrant culture and hospitality, it was difficult to witness the extent of social and economic disparity. I observed families of five crowded onto a single scooter, individuals who appeared malnourished, and signs of limited access to hygiene resources. Even in more developed areas of the city, it was not uncommon to see unsanitary conditions, such as rotting food on the streets, stray animals/livestock feeding from waste, and public urination. Despite staying in a highly rated hotel, power outages were also frequent, highlighting broader systemic challenges.
What struck me most, however, was the limited autonomy many women had in both personal and medical decision-making. In some cases, women are unable to seek medical care or employment without the approval of their husbands or fathers, leading to delays in treatment that could have life-threatening consequences and further perpetuates the cycle of poverty by limiting women to caregiving roles. Even as outsiders, our student cohort encountered glimpses of these gender dynamics, facing unwanted attention despite dressing conservatively, and in one troubling incident, a student was physically and sexually harassed in a crowded open market. These experiences and the disparities I witnessed profoundly shifted my perspective, instilling a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities and life prospects I have simply by living in the United States. While I may be of low socioeconomic status here at home, these financial challenges are far less severe in comparison to the structural and systemic barriers I observed in India, where, by contrast, I would be considered relatively privileged in terms of both financial resources and social standing.
Despite these challenges, many of our excursions had a profoundly positive impact on my experience as they illuminated the beauty, resilience, and depth of Indian culture. We visited several religious sites and temples of historical significance, such as the Veena Temple, dedicated to the deities of music, and climbed the 1,000 steps to the Chamundi Hill Temple, devoted to Goddess Chamundeshwari, who is revered for slaying the demon Mahishasura, and the Shiva bust which is the largest bust in the world. Food, considered sacred in India, was another meaningful aspect of our immersion. The women at PHRII generously led a cooking class where we learned to prepare traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes common in Karnataka.
In exploring Indian fashion and craftsmanship, we toured the renowned Mysore Silk Factory, where artisans weave 24-karat gold into silk sarees. These sarees are renowned nationally and globally for their exquisite beauty and intricate details, with prices starting around $2,500. Since this was well beyond our student budgets, we shopped for more affordable sarees in local markets in preparation for a send-off celebration with PHRII staff and students. We cherished the experience of selecting vibrant colors and patterns, getting traditional henna designs, and having our hair adorned with jasmine flowers. The true highlight was witnessing the women in our group dazzling in their sarees, a striking reflection of Indian elegance and tradition.
Academically, the program offered immersive experiences through visits to hospitals, rural clinics, and Ayurvedic health institutions, giving us firsthand exposure to India’s dual healthcare systems (allopathic and traditional). Notably, I had the opportunity to interview healthcare professionals, including clinical psychologists and rural physicians, which deepened my understanding of how cultural values shape treatment approaches and patient care. Through these experiences, I observed the influence of stigma on health-seeking behavior and innovative community-based strategies to reach underserved populations.
Karnataka is just one of 28 states in India, and with 22 officially recognized national languages, it’s clear that my experience barely scratched the surface of this diverse country. In conversations with locals, many emphasized that each state feels like a new country with its distinct language, customs, cuisine, and landscape. Because of this, I recognize the importance of not generalizing my experiences in Karnataka to all of India, or even to South India as a whole. For this reason, I would like to revisit other Indian states to get a deeper understanding of the cultural and regional diversity. Overall, this immersive experience expanded my global perspective and solidified my commitment to promoting and advocating for culturally competent care and advancing health equity on an international scale.
To learn more about specific highlights of the trip, check out the Global Health Project Tab.
Taipei, Taiwan
*Unfortunately, I have run out of storage, so I cannot showcase any photos or academic curriculum; however, they are available upon request
In my final semester, to close off my undergraduate career, I decided to take the opportunity to end it unforgettably, studying abroad in Taipei, Taiwan, during the summer of 2025 to learn Mandarin Chinese. Mandarin is the most spoken language in the world, and I believe that the more I immerse myself in different cultures, the better I will become as an empathetic and understanding therapist. For this reason, I believed that the most enriching experience I could have would be to immerse myself in one of the world's oldest and most densely populated cultures.
I enrolled in a 4-week, 60-hour intensive traditional Mandarin Chinese language and culture study abroad program at Shih Chien University. This was a significant challenge, as Mandarin is vastly different from the languages I already know. Be that as it may, I embraced the ardor and dedicated myself to studying daily after class to retain as much information as possible and apply it the next day. Being fully immersed in an environment where nearly everything was exclusively spoken and written in traditional Mandarin expedited my language acquisition tremendously and fueled my passion to continue improving. Despite my social blunders, I found communicating with locals very enriching, making the cultural exchange more meaningful.
Shih Chien organized many cultural activities for us to gain a hands-on understanding of Taiwanese culture and its significance to the people. One of my favorite experiences was learning to play the dragon dance drums, traditionally performed during the Lunar New Year. Not only did we have to play in unison, but we also integrated dance movements to bring the music to life, evoking specific emotions of strength and power in observers.
Other cultural classes included crafting stamps from stone blocks, creating indigo-dyed bags, and making herbal sachets called hsiang pao (香包), traditionally used during the Dragon Boat Festival.
These activities taught me the value of grit, perseverance, craftsmanship, and the importance of preserving handmade traditions that celebrate their uniqueness rather than relying on instant gratification from mass-produced goods. Creating the sachet was particularly special, as I gained a greater understanding of its cultural significance of health and protection, which made it far more meaningful than if I were to buy it as just a souvenir.
We also collaborated with the culinary school and local bakeries to learn how to cook savory pastries and pineapple cakes. This gave insight into how Taiwanese people build community with food, allowing me to integrate these cooking practices within my own life to bring bits of the culture and connection back with me, since the sensation in our stomachs only lasts so long.
Outside of the traditional classroom experience, we had many field trips to explore Taipei and other surrounding cities to better understand what cultural factors contribute to its history and livelihood. One of the main attractions that come alive at night at the night markets where trendy clothing, vibrant street culture, and unique foods that fill the air with exciting new flavors and emotions to experience. One of my favorite trips was to Jiufen, a picturesque mountain town overlooking the water. The mist-covered peaks, traditional lanterns, winding stairways, and small vendors made it feel like stepping into a movie scene—which was fitting, as Jiufen famously inspired Spirited Away, one of my favorite films.
Architecturally, I was amazed by how many temples were naturally integrated into the city structure, allowing secular activities to continue whilst allowing for breaks to practice faith. The contrast between the neon signs and skyscrapers next to centuries-old bright, maximalist temples provided refreshing pops of vibrance to a world seemingly disconnected and estranged from one another. We had the opportunity to visit the Longshan Temple, the most famous temple in Taiwan, which houses multiple deities, including gods of strength, intelligence, love, and maternity. Although originally built as a place for settlers to pray for safe passage from the mainland, locals now primarily visit to pray to the god of love for romantic partners, strong friendships, and harmonious family relations. This is something I never could have fully understood from a textbook or word of mouth, as the energy of being there, surrounded by people offering prayers and gifts to the love god above the others, was a deeply moving experience. It taught me that for many Taiwanese people, relationships and community are valued above wealth, health, or personal success, which echoes themes I’ve seen in other Asian cultures.
Outside of the temples, the Taipei 101 building, once the tallest building in the world, left me awestruck each time I saw it, towering over almost any angle of the city. Its design looks very polished yet traditional as it maintains cultural shape and reflects the cultural concept of “Tian Yuan Di Fang” (天圆地方), “round heaven and square earth”) at its center. This site encapsulates the duality of Taiwan through ascending in the world's fastest elevator to the 101st floor in 37 seconds to step out and see the beauty of the city landscape, highlighting the vast mountains that engulf the area; it's a place where natural beauty and human innovation coexist.
Taiwan’s unique position in global politics added another layer to my understanding. To further distance themselves from the mainland, they have been heavily influenced by Western and American culture compared to other Asian countries I have visited. It was surprising, since even though I had been in a completely different part of the world with an entirely different culture, some aspects, such as their individual mannerisms and expressions, made me feel as though I hadn’t left home. Despite this, Taiwanese people remain fiercely proud and patriotic even while expressing unease about limited international support, especially in the shadow of tensions with China. During our visit to the American Institute in Taiwan, we heard firsthand about these concerns, particularly in light of shifting U.S. policies and comparisons to the global response to Ukraine. This reinforced for me how culture, politics, and identity are deeply intertwined.
By the end of this program, I had not only greatly improved my speaking and listening skills but also gained a much deeper understanding of Taiwanese culture, history, and politics. The people I met were very warm, welcoming, and vibrant; more than patient with my early mispronunciations and eager to share their culture. Many were highly educated and fluent in English, which serves as a testament to their global awareness and specialized education system. This experience strengthened my passion for cultural immersion and language learning, while instilling a profound respect for the role of community and tradition.