University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate Zach Hickham had just arrived in Tokyo. He could not easily read the signs, and nearly everything around him felt unfamiliar. That was exactly what he wanted.
He wandered through a train station, studying the maps and trying to decipher the Japanese characters on his own.
“I spent an hour in there until I finally figured out I should just ask for help,” Hickham said.
Studying abroad at Senshu University through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln exchange program was Hickham’s first international experience.
The opportunity grew from an interest he had not expected to develop. Hickham initially delayed completing his foreign language requirement because the idea of learning another language seemed intimidating. But after he began taking Japanese courses, his interest in the language and studying abroad continued to grow.
He eventually connected with a Global Experiences coordinator, who helped him find the exchange opportunity at Senshu University.
At Senshu University, Hickham attended Japanese class each weekday morning. With only three students in the class, he quickly became close friends with his two classmates.
Because much of the instruction at Senshu was conducted in Japanese, the language course became an essential part of his daily life. The immersive environment pushed him to learn quickly and adapt to his new surroundings.
“Because of how intense it is, I learned more than I probably ever had before in such a short amount of time,” Hickham said.
Hickham formed close relationships with Japanese and exchange students from countries like Germany and Australia. Relationships that he may not have otherwise made if he had not taken the leap to studying abroad.
Hickham and his newfound friends studied the language together, explored Tokyo and spent time in the dorms. All of them were adapting to the unfamiliar surroundings, and this brought them together becoming close friends.
“The friendships I made are, looking back now, probably the most valuable thing that I got out of Senshu,” Hickham said.
Even after his time in Tokyo, Hickham still continues communicating with his friends from the program.
During his time in Japan, Hickham had the opportunity for a three-day homestay with a Japanese family. He was extremely excited for this experience because it allowed him to see ordinary life in Japan rather than simply experiencing it as a visitor.
His host family was curious about American culture and often asked him questions about life in the United States. In return, Hickham learned more about traditional Japanese home life and found a comfortable setting where he could ask questions without the pressure of the classroom.
Hickham said the experience taught him that he could adapt to situations that once seemed overwhelming. Living in another country also made him less afraid of making mistakes, especially when speaking Japanese.
“I learned that I can adapt more to such radically different circumstances than I expected,” Hickham said.
Before the program, Hickham said he was unsure whether he could handle an experience so far outside his comfort zone. After returning home, he felt more willing to pursue unfamiliar opportunities and challenge himself.
Although he has graduated, Hickham continues to study Japanese each day and stays in contact with friends he met abroad. The language requirement he once avoided ultimately led to an experience he said he would repeat “in a heartbeat.”
