Experiencing American culture and improving English with Global Launch as a Japanese LEAP participant

The Long-term Educational Administrators Program (LEAP) for international exchange is a 10-month professional development program sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan. The purpose of this training program is to improve the quality of Japanese higher education by increasing the internationalization of Japanese universities. This is achieved by sending university staff abroad to learn by observing and sharing with American higher education specialists. 

As a LEAP participant, I spent my first eight weeks at Montana State University, focusing on English language study and learning about the U.S. higher education system. Then, I was assigned to a different U.S. university for an eight-month practicum experience, which I did with Global Launch, at Arizona State University (ASU).

My goals were to strengthen the relationship between my school, Hiroshima University, and ASU, and to learn about ASU and its relationships with its local communities. I also focused on improving my English skills and making good friends. 

Throughout the practicum experience, I learned a lot of things, like how Global Launch operates. I also learned that Global Launch has great diversity, with students from different backgrounds all around the world. I interacted with both staff and students; every day was full of surprises.

I realized what ‘common sense’ is to me might not be to other people, so it is important to accept differences and respect others. I learned that English proficiency is important to build good relationships with people from other countries. In these eight months, I made some unforgettable memories. It was my first time living and working outside of Japan and this experience expanded my horizons. 

I returned to Japan in Spring to work at Hiroshima University, where students from around the world are learning together with English as a common language. My experience at Global Launch has been very helpful in teaching me how to better support them. I strive to be a staff member who contributes to student success by applying what I have learned at Global Launch about compassion, patience and diversity.

Misa Odahara is a staff member at the Department of Integrated Global Studies, School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, where she supports students and faculty. She enjoys traveling, yoga, cooking, music, Japanese calligraphy, pets and flowers, as well as Shorinji Kempo.

Her academic focus on the English language helps her enhance her communication skills, learning to speak and read more effectively as well as refine her academic writing.