Embracing the AGU Community through Sports and Cultural Exchange

Posted on March 6 , 2025
School of International Politics, Economics and Communication (Exchange student from the Centenary College of Louisiana, USA)
Michael Smith

OVERTURE

Michael’s journey to Japan began on a soccer field in Louisiana, where two Japanese teammates sparked his interest in the country’s culture. Majoring in mathematics and mechanical engineering stud, Michael became the first from his university to study at Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU) through the Methodist International Student Exchange Network (MISEN). Through sports, cultural exchange, and active participation in campus life, he has discovered how shared passions can bridge cultural and linguistic gaps and create lasting connections in unexpected ways.

Soccer sparked an unexpected path to Japan

My connection to Japan began in an unexpected place: playing soccer in Louisiana. Two summers ago, while playing for a semi-professional team, I met two Japanese players who would have a profound impact on my future path. I have played soccer for my whole life, and while we bonded through the sport, what struck me most was their professional demeanor both on and off the field. They demonstrated an admirable work ethic, always arriving early for practice and training with intense focus. Yet after matches, regardless of how competitive the game had been, they were the most amiable teammates. This duality left a lasting impression on me and offered a first-hand glimpse into Japanese culture.

My interest in Japan had actually begun earlier, thanks to my cousin. Together, we would watch anime series like Naruto and Dragon Ball, which gave me a taste of aspects of Japanese popular culture. This initial curiosity was further nurtured in high school, where I became friends with some students of mixed Japanese heritage. Although they didn’t speak Japanese themselves, their stories about visiting Japan and experiencing the culture firsthand added another layer to my growing fascination with the country.

The Japanese players on my soccer team, despite not being entirely confident in English, taught me some basic Japanese phrases. Our shared passion for soccer further bridged the language gap, allowing us to communicate through a mix of English, basic Japanese, and the universal language of sport. These interactions helped me understand how sports could transcend cultural barriers, a lesson that would later prove valuable in my life at AGU.

To learn more about Japan, I immersed myself in content online and would watch people explore Shibuya and other major areas, trying to envision what life might be like there. While these only showed me a fraction of what Japan truly is like, they helped fuel my curiosity and desire to experience the country firsthand.

Making the journey to study at AGU

The path that led me to AGU was somewhat serendipitous. At my home university, Centenary College of Louisiana, studying abroad is a graduation requirement, as each student is required to have international experience. During my third year, an AGU brochure caught my eye on campus, and I began noticing that some AGU students from Japan would be on our campus during summer terms. This piqued my interest further regarding the connections between our institutions.

The decision to apply to AGU through the Methodist International Student Exchange Network (MISEN) agreement was something completely new. As the first student from my university to participate in this exchange program, the application process required significant initiative and research. My advisor and I worked together to understand the process, and in the end it worked out to allow me to go. The prospect of studying in Japan kept me motivated throughout the process, and even if I couldn’t go through MISEN, I would have found another way to come to AGU.

My preparation for Japan was relatively brief but focused. In the three months leading up to my departure, I challenged myself to learn the basics of the Japanese language—memorizing hiragana and katakana and learning my first kanji characters. While I knew my language abilities would be limited upon arrival, I did not want to let this become a barrier to making the most of my experience.

Having parents from Trinidad, they always emphasized the importance of respect and proper conduct. I found that certain aspects of Japanese culture resonated with values I had been raised with. This cultural alignment gave me confidence that, despite the language barrier, I could adapt to life in Japan. The similarities between the countryside of Trinidad and areas I would later visit in Japan, such as rural Niigata, also created an unexpected sense of familiarity in my new surroundings.

Finding community in clubs and conversations

Upon arriving at AGU, I made a conscious decision to immerse myself fully in campus life. Initially planning to stay for just one semester, I wanted to ensure every moment counted. While I ended up extending my stay for another semester, this mindset led me to become involved in multiple clubs and circles, each offering unique opportunities for connection and growth.

My journey into campus activities began through my tutor, who introduced me to VIRGO, a futsal circle. Though I was the only international member, I experienced firsthand how sports was a universal language. While there was initial hesitation from Japanese students about speaking English, my attempts to communicate in Japanese helped break down these barriers. A memorable experience with VIRGO was our weekend retreat to Niigata, which had a beautiful rural landscape.

This initial experience opened doors to other communities, and I soon joined Sonickers and Savor Youth AGU Authorized Intercultural Exchange Group , international exchange clubs that bring together students from diverse backgrounds. Sonickers organizes casual outings to places like Round 1 (an indoor multi-leisure facility offering activities like bowling, karaoke, and arcade games) and outdoor picnics, while Savor Youth tends to arrange more formal gatherings centered around cuisine. These diverse social contexts have helped me experience different aspects of Japanese culture and meet a broad range of people.

While on campus, the International Commons has become central to my life at AGU, particularly through my role as a Chat Leader in the Chat Room. In this position, I’ve been able to help Japanese students practice their English in a relaxed, conversational setting. Many students show remarkable enthusiasm for learning, and some have become regular participants, coming almost daily to improve their language skills. It has been particularly rewarding to see how the space has evolved from being primarily utilized by international students to becoming an integrated environment with students both from Japan and abroad.

My involvement in campus life even led to an unexpected performance opportunity during an International Talent Night organized by the International Commons. While I was initially hesitant to join, I found myself as the only male participant in a group k-pop dance performance. What started as a casual invitation from a friend turned into a memorable experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me connect with fellow students.

Rounding out my academic experiences

Academics at AGU have represented a significant change from my background in mathematics and mechanical engineering at my home university. This shift from numerical problem-solving to courses emphasizing discussion and writing has pushed me to develop new skills and perspectives.

The Negotiation Communication [in English] class has been particularly enlightening, offering opportunities for groupwork with students from countries like Thailand, Romania, and Japan. These interactions have exposed me to different approaches to problem-solving and communication, broadening my understanding of how cultural backgrounds influence thinking patterns. International diversity within classes has given me insights into Asian perspectives on topics, something that was underrepresented at my home institution.

Perhaps the most challenging yet rewarding experience has been the Introduction to Asian Politics [in English] class. As someone with limited prior knowledge of Asian political systems, the course’s extensive reading and writing requirements initially seemed daunting. However, this challenge has piqued a newfound interest in politics, leading me to enroll in an American Politics class (Issues in Contemporary American Society [in English]) to examine my home country’s political system from a Japanese perspective. The distance from home has allowed for a more objective analysis of American political issues, free from the emotional charge these topics often carry in the U.S.

The Japanese university system itself has required me to adapt as well, particularly the schedule of meeting once per week rather than the three times I was used to back in the States. This adjustment has taught me about independent study and time management, and also encouraged me to learn from friends who are accustomed to this academic rhythm. The new library is also a great environment if I need a quiet study area to work in.

Discovering everyday life in neighborhoods off the beaten path

Living in Japan has challenged and transformed some preconceptions I had about the country. Before arriving, I had often seen images of a somewhat uniform place where most people dress conservatively and maintain reserved demeanors. The reality I’ve discovered, especially in the vibrant area around AGU, is far more diverse and dynamic. The fashion scene in particular has surprised me, with students expressing their individuality through unique styles and a thriving thrifting culture.

My exploration of Tokyo is sometimes unplanned, involving choosing random spots on the map and walking around the nearest station to discover the area. Living in neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture has given me the opportunity to explore beyond central Tokyo, and I’ve found myself drawn to areas like Mizonokuchi, where daily life unfolds away from the tourist spots. This approach has led to numerous discoveries, from hidden thrift shops to unique neighborhoods. One particularly memorable find was an American-style clothing shop in Chofu, discovered while heading to my work as a volunteer soccer coach.

Teaching soccer to young students while incorporating English instruction has been another rewarding aspect of my time in Japan. Working with children up to 12 years old, I’ve found joy in combining my passion for soccer with language education. These teaching experiences, along with my role as a Chat Leader, have helped me develop new skills while contributing to the communities I am a part of. It’s particularly meaningful to me that I can pass on my love for soccer to the next generation, like my Japanese teammates in Louisiana shared their culture with me.

The experience of daily life in Japan has been surprisingly comfortable for me, perhaps partly due to my cultural upbringing. My Trinidadian parents emphasized respect and manners, which helped prepare me for aspects of Japanese social norms. Still, there have been amusing learning experiences, like mastering the unspoken rules of escalator etiquette.

What’s impressed me about life in Japan is the attention to detail in every aspect of daily life, from the exceptional customer service to the efficient public transportation system. Having heard about Japan’s reputation for safety and cleanliness before arriving, I have witnessed firsthand how these qualities are maintained through careful attention and consideration.

Through my time here, I’ve discovered that AGU is full of great people. Whether through sports, shared interests, or cultural exchange, there are countless ways to build connections and create a community. My advice to future AGU exchange students would be to embrace the unexpected and step out of their comfort zones. Even small steps, like joining a club or talking to someone new in the International Commons, can lead to a domino effect, allowing you to find friends that enrich your experience.

What began as a one-semester adventure has evolved into a longer journey that has shaped my perspective on Japanese people and their culture. As I continue my studies and look toward future possibilities in an engineering career, I carry with me the valuable lessons and connections formed during my time at AGU. The skills and experiences gained here, from navigating cultural differences to adapting to new learning environments, will undoubtedly serve me well in the path I choose to pursue.

Michael's Class Schedule
Negotiation Communication[in English] International Economy A[in English・Online] Human Rights Issues in the World[in English] Introduction to International Communication Ⅱ[in English] Issues in Contemporary American Society[in English] Japanese Studies[in English] Media Studies Ⅱ Introduction to International Relations[in English]
MON 3 13:20 p.m〜14:50 p.m Negotiation Communication [in English]
Online Classes International Economy A[in English・Online]
TUE 3 13:20 p.m〜14:50 p.m Human Rights Issues in the World[in English]
4 15:05 p.m〜16:35 p.m Introduction to International Communication Ⅱ[in English]
WED 2 11:00 a.m〜12:30 p.m Issues in Contemporary American Society[in English]
4 15:05 p.m〜16:35 p.m Japanese Studies[in English]
5 16:50 p.m〜18:20 p.m Media Studies Ⅱ
THU 4 15:05 p.m〜16:35 p.m Introduction to International Relations[in English]

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The role of the International Center (IC) at Aoyama Gakuin University is to provide educational support related to the internationalization of the university as well as to support the development of students to become global citizens. The main work of the IC consists of assisting both students going overseas and international students from overseas partner schools and approved institutions; as well as planning and operating intensive language training along with other programs and special events. The worldwide trend of globalization affects not only corporate activities and international relations, but should also impact the structure of university education and curricular content. With that in mind, the IC strives to strengthen and expand collaboration between overseas universities and Aoyama Gakuin University while respecting the diverse cultures and traditions of each country as well as the customs and values of our students.

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