Robert Escobar, a USAC Nagasaki alumnus, reflects on his yearlong study abroad in Japan and how it impacted his career aspirations.
I had the invaluable opportunity to study abroad in Japan for nearly a full academic year. I’ve always been curious about its culture, language, and unique blend of modernity and ancient traditions. As a Japanese language and psychology double major at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, I was eager to immerse myself in the society I had only studied in textbooks and classrooms.
While I enrolled in the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) Nagasaki program to improve my language skills, I also wished to engage with a culture that values harmony, discipline, and hospitality.
Japan’s rich history, safety, and emphasis on community appealed to me deeply. Nagasaki, steeped in international heritage and known for its resilience, was the perfect city for my academic and personal journey. Once the sole point of contact between Japan and the West before and after the Edo Period, Nagasaki retains a deep spirit of international exchange. It is a city shaped by its history and openness to the world.
For students wondering what they can do with their study abroad experience, the answer is: anything. Studying abroad isn’t just about learning a new language or taking classes in another country — it’s about transforming how you see the world. It teaches resilience, empathy, critical thinking, and adaptability, valuable qualities in any field. Whether you’re pursuing teaching, international relations, counseling, or business, the ability to navigate cultural differences and communicate across borders will always set you apart.
Typical day abroad
As soon as I moved in, I found the area to be a place where tradition and globalism coexist naturally. One moment I’d be walking past the Urakami Cathedral built by Christian missionaries; the next, I’d be enjoying oden (a type of soup) at a local festival in the warm company of locals eager to share their culture with me.
A typical day as an international student began by waking up in Ampelos dormitory, the dorm closest to the school, and walking up the hill to my university. Mornings were filled with language classes, cultural lectures, and academic discussions.
Once classes were over in the afternoon, I often took a free-of-charge bus that departed from my school, explored the heart of the city, visited museums, relaxed in public bathhouses, or participated in volunteer programs like English conversation cafes or local school visits. These moments were when I learned the most — not just about Japan but also how people build community, support one another, and navigate cultural differences.
The people are welcoming, the local cuisine is unforgettable (don’t miss out on champon or castella cake), and the city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate while offering endless places to explore. I quickly gained a deeper understanding of how culture influences communication, behavior, and community.
Living in Nagasaki gave me a front-row seat to daily cultural practices, from bowing and gift-giving to seasonal festivals and tea ceremonies. Before anyone starts this study abroad program, know that Nagasaki is not just a study destination — it’s a city that invites you to be a part of its story. I didn’t just learn about Japan; I lived it.
Unearthing a career prospect
My study abroad experience had a profound impact on my career outlook. Before Japan, I knew I wanted to work in education or psychology, but I wasn’t sure how to combine those interests in a global context.
In Japan, however, I saw firsthand the importance of international exchange in education. Whether it was helping classmates understand American slang, sharing holiday traditions with Japanese friends, or observing English lessons in local schools, I realized how powerful language can be as a bridge between cultures. I want to continue to make meaningful contributions to its goal of fostering mutual understanding.
Several moments reminded me of my previous California Resident Assistant (RA) work. I supported and mentored high school and college students, managed emergencies, resolved conflicts, and created community programs — all of which required empathy, leadership, and adaptability. These are the same skills and qualities you would need to be an assistant language teacher (ALT) through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program.
Since Japan, I now know that I want to focus my energy on international education and cultural exchange. I’m especially interested in how language acquisition intersects with identity, self-expression, and cross-cultural understanding. As I prepare to graduate at the University of the Pacific, I will return to Japan to be an ATL. I hope to bring to Japanese classrooms, where I will strive to create an inclusive and engaging environment that supports every student’s language learning journey.
I am filled with both excitement and a sense of responsibility. Teaching English in Japan is about more than just language — it’s about connection. I look forward to building relationships with students, supporting their growth, and learning from them in turn. I want to show them that language learning can be fun and meaningful, and that curiosity about the world is something to be celebrated.
I also hope to continue improving my Japanese language skills and deepen my understanding of Japan’s educational system. This experience will help me become a more effective teacher, a more empathetic global citizen, and ultimately, a stronger advocate for cultural exchange.
My year in Japan changed the course of my life. It gave me direction, confidence, and a renewed passion for learning and connecting across cultures. Now, I’m ready to return — not as a visitor, but as a participant and contributor. The JET Program represents the next step in a journey that began in Nagasaki, but one I hope will extend further internationally into the future.
A final thought …
Living and learning in Nagasaki sparked a renewed passion for cross-cultural exchange and international education in me, and it will become my career. One of the most important things Nagasaki taught me was that resilience and community — two qualities that have stayed with me ever since — make for a great place to work and thrive.
Find more information about USAC Nagasaki and how to start your study abroad on the USAC website.
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