Global Peace Studies in Japan | University Honors Program | SIU

Global Peace Studies in Japan - w/ Dr. Satoshi Toyosaki (May 2019)

“Eye-opening” is the best description of the Japan class – and not just because I travelled 175 mph on a bullet train!  Being able to immerse myself in an environment and culture different from my own allowed me to develop a new view of the world.  Activities such as planting an atomic tree (a symbol of peace), making traditional foods, exploring cities, shrines, and museums, visiting national parks, and following the customs of everyday life made me appreciate the culture and want to learn more.  We were fortunate to hear from atomic bomb survivors and work with local college students.  I strongly recommend the Japan study abroad class and cannot imagine a better instructor and tour guide than Dr. Toyosaki.  I have been on both “The World Around You – Costa Rica” and the “Global Peace Studies – Japan” trips and each has been amazing; there really is no better way to learn than to experience course content firsthand.  Studying peace while standing at the sites of atomic bomb detonations or learning about geology while walking on a pocket beach in the shadow of towering Costa Rican volcanoes are irreplaceable experiences.  Katelyn Toigo