Cultural Exchange, Working Abroad in Japan Takes Many Forms

May 14, 2011

The internet and mobile devices have facilitated interactions between people thousands of miles apart, but there is still nothing quite like speaking face-to-face.

One such face-to-face cultural exchange meeting took place recently at Camp Sendai, Japan, where American soldiers met with Japanese school children, as featured by the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System, an operation that allows for media access to military personnel and information.

Soldiers met with students at the Sumiyoshi Junior High School and spoke to them about the lifestyle in the U.S. military, according to specialist Rufo Lujan-Espinosa. “We are trying to get the kids to understand the mission and purpose with hands-on exercises,” he told the news source.

The soldiers showed the children some of their high-tech equipment and even shared some of their ready-to-eat meal rations with them. “The children loved the Army equipment,” Specialist Kyle McNary told the news provider. “We showed them night vision goggles, the Army patrol cap, and let them see through slideshows what the U.S. army has done for them in Japan. To me, the smiles on their faces made all of this hard work worthwhile.”

Sergeant Albeiro Florez explained to DVIDS that the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) had asked that the Army take part in this recent cultural exchange. “The JGSDF requested this, and we always love to help out,” the Florida native told the news source. “Teaching class is what the Army does.”

The Army’s interaction with Japanese students shows that cultural exchange can come in many shapes and forms. For U.S. citizens who aren’t members of the armed forces, cultural exchange is still possible in the form of working or volunteering abroad programs.

There are many benefits for young Americans who decide to work abroad. Perhaps the most important feature is exposure to another culture. In today’s quickly globalizing world, such experience is invaluable, especially for new college graduates who understand that many employers are seeking to expand internationally. These young people are able to enjoy both a life-changing experience, while gaining knowledge of another country that will place them a step ahead of the competition.

Typically, such working abroad opportunities are most easily obtained through the help of a cultural exchange organization, which can help interested people connect with international employers and volunteer groups.

Among the many popular opportunities that are available, InterExchange offers teaching English, au pair, work and volunteer opportunities.

As an alternative to military service, such facilitated programs are a great way to see and experience other countries and cultures.