School of Education dean shares Tokyo experience

For Dr. Judy Beck, dean of the School of Education at the University of South Carolina Aiken, exploring the globe and immersing herself in diverse cultures is more than a passion—it's a way of life. Her travels have spanned countries and continents, including Europe, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, and Japan. Recently, she and a group of students from USCA embarked on an unforgettable journey to Tokyo, Japan, as part of the university’s study abroad program.

In Tokyo, Beck and her students delved into Japanese traditions and educational practices. Their mornings were spent at Showa University, a women's institution where middle, high school, and college students dedicate themselves to mastering English. "We had the chance to interact with students at various levels of English fluency," Beck shared. "Our students even engaged with them about their lessons, which made the experience even more enriching."

One of the unique traditions they encountered was the respectful practice of Showa students bowing to their teachers before class. Despite language barriers, Beck and her students found creative ways to communicate, often resorting to drawing pictures to bridge the gap. "It felt like being in a middle or high school in the U.S. All the students were laughing and having a good time," Beck recalled.

Beyond the classroom, the group embraced Japan's vibrant culture. They donned traditional kimonos, participated in serene tea ceremonies, and explored iconic attractions. Highlights of their trip included riding the bullet train to Kyoto, glimpsing Mt. Fuji from the airport, visiting the Winter Olympic sites in Sapporo, and the thrilling experience of driving Mario Karts through Downtown Tokyo. "Dressing up as characters from the game and zipping through the streets at 40 miles per hour was an absolute blast," Beck enthused.

Beck's Tokyo adventures are far from over, as she plans to return with more students next June. Anyone interested in joining the next journey or learning more about USCA’s study abroad program can find additional information here.

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.