Students and Faculty Build Cultural Understanding and Awareness in Japan

In May, Nashville State joined others from across the state to travel to Japan, increasing cultural awareness and building relationships for future international educational opportunities for students throughout Tennessee.

During the trip, the group aimed to foster cross-cultural relationships and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Sponsored by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), the study abroad program is the Tennessee Consortium for International Studies.

School of Health Sciences dean Donna Whitehouse was Nashville State’s representative among the TBR delegation. “There’s something powerful about realizing the world is so much bigger than what’s just outside your front door.”

“When students see that people across the globe are living full lives, waking up, going to work or school, spending time with friends and family, it shifts something.”

They took a tour of the Nissan Training Center in Yokohama. The group observed how the Japanese approach technical engineering training.

“Being immersed in another culture challenges assumptions we didn’t even realize we had,” Whitehouse said. “That kind of reflection makes us better educators. It connects us with global colleagues to share ideas and come back with fresh energy and perspective.”

As a part of their journey, they visited sites throughout the country, learning to navigate Japan’s extensive public transportation system and gaining keen insights into the lives of the Japanese people.

Some key cultural sites they visited included the Senso-ji Temple, Tsukiji Market, and Hama-rikyū Gardens. They also experienced their host’s hospitality by participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

One of the trip’s highlights was a gift exchange between TBR Assistant Vice Chancellor Tracey Bradley and one of their hosts, spotlighting the importance of hospitality and respect between the visiting group and their guides.

“These experiences build compassion, spark curiosity, and broaden our sense of connection to the world,” Whitehouse said.

“The world is a big place, but travel has a way of shrinking it. When you connect with people from other cultures, you realize just how much we all have in common.”

During the delegation’s visit, a cohort of Nashville State students was also in Japan as part of summer programming. Led by Associate Professor of English Robert Ladd, they included Asher Bowman, Grace Ochoa, and Marjorie Hernandez.

For Nashville State student Asher Bowman, a resident of Dickson County, it was his first time leaving the country. Whitehouse said experiences like his are critical for students, helping to break down barriers and expand international opportunities.