Mont Alto marketing student's Maymester in Japan: 'An opportunity I couldn't pass up'

MONT ALTO, Pa. — For many students, the idea of traveling to another country is exciting — but navigating an unfamiliar culture, language and transportation system can also feel intimidating. A “Maymester” study abroad program through Penn State Mont Alto, offered in partnership with Asia Pacific Academic (APA), was designed to help students build the confidence and skills to travel internationally while experiencing Japan's history, culture and daily life firsthand.

Asia-Pacific Academic (APA) is an international education organization founded in 2021 that provides study abroad, internship, and faculty-led programs across more than 20 countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific area, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and China.

Led by Linghao Zhong, director of Academic Affairs and chemistry professor at Penn State Mont Alto, the program took students through Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Uji using Japan's extensive public transportation system. Rather than simply visiting tourist destinations, students learned how to navigate trains and buses, communicate across language barriers and immerse themselves in everyday life — all while gaining a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture.

For Christopher Norris, a sophomore majoring in marketing at Penn State Mont Alto, the experience became much more than a study abroad trip. In this first-person reflection, he shares how traveling more than 6,000 miles from home challenged him to step outside his comfort zone, build confidence, and see the world from a new perspective.

"When I thought about traveling in my early 20s, I imagined a road trip to the beach or a quick flight somewhere in the United States. An international adventure seemed like something that would happen much later in life. So, when the opportunity arose to study abroad in Japan through Penn State Mont Alto's partnership with APA, there was no way I could say no.

"Alongside 29 fellow Penn State students, I spent a 'Maymester' exploring several of Japan's most significant cities while learning to navigate a new culture, unfamiliar cities and a different way of life.

"Each morning offered something new. We gathered at the hotel for breakfast, where conversations often centered on the previous day's adventures and what we were looking forward to next. Before heading out, our APA guides and Penn State leaders held a brief 'mini meeting' to introduce the day's itinerary, explain what we would be exploring and give us an idea of how much free time we would have. Then it was time to head out together and discover another part of Japan.

"While every day offered something different, the routine quickly became familiar. Those morning meetings gave us the confidence to explore Japan knowing we had the support of our leaders while still having the freedom to experience the country on our own.

"One day that stands out from the trip was our visit to Nara.

"Our day began at 9 a.m. as we departed from our hotel in Kyoto. We walked to the train station just a block away and headed for Nara. After a quick train ride, we arrived and immediately noticed it felt different from Kyoto. As Japan's capital during the eighth century, Nara has a rich history that was evident throughout the city.

"Our first stop was Nara Park, where we were able to get up close with the famous Nara deer while walking through the park on our way to Todaiji Temple. This temple is home to the largest Buddha statue and one of the world's largest wooden temple structures, constructed in 738 CE. Seeing a structure that has stood for nearly 1,300 years was something I'll never forget.

"Following our trip to Todaiji Temple, we had the rest of the afternoon and evening free to roam around Nara before making our way back to Kyoto. A small group of students and one of our leaders decided to grab lunch in Nara, so we headed to a small café nearby. For lunch, I ordered a 100% beef burger and a lemonade. The flavor was noticeably different from what I'm used to in the United States, with the beef tasting richer and fattier than American beef.

"After lunch, we returned to Kyoto to visit the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, where we explored flower exhibits from Japan and Europe. Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel to rest before heading out for the night.

"For the evening, a big group headed to a popular Italian restaurant, where we enjoyed personal pizzas and tried tiramisu. Before heading back to the hotel, I stopped by the local Onitsuka Tiger store one more time, hoping to find the shoes I'd been searching for.

"Onitsuka Tiger's Mexico 66 shoes, particularly the handcrafted Nippon Made collection, have become a popular souvenir for visitors to Japan. Because they're produced in Japan, they're often easier to find there and can be much more expensive in the United States. Unfortunately, I struck out again and couldn't find my size — for the fifth time in a row.

"Once we wrapped up dinner, we headed back to the hotel and called it a night.

"Each new destination and experience added to my appreciation of Japan's culture and gave me more confidence exploring a place that only a few days earlier felt so unfamiliar.

"Navigating a foreign country can be nerve-wracking for some, but I found it to be one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience. Sure, there were language barriers and times when the navigation app sent me in the wrong direction, but those challenges became part of the learning experience.

"APA and our leaders from Penn State gave us constant guidance whenever we needed it, but when we weren't with them, it was fun to navigate on our own and learn from our own mistakes.

"Moreover, meeting and interacting with people throughout Japan was never a bad experience, as most were interested in where we came from and tried to speak English if they were able. If not, a translation app was always the next option we had available to us.

"Looking back, this experience was more than just a trip; it was an opportunity to see the world differently. I experienced a part of the globe I never dreamed I would one day visit. By traveling more than 6,000 miles (roughly twice the distance across the continental United States) away from home, I was able to see how people from another culture interact with tourists and appreciate their historical background.

"Throughout this entire trip, the biggest lesson I learned was how to confidently plan, coordinate, and explore a new city without having a lifeline like Penn State or APA available. Before this experience, I wasn't sure I'd feel comfortable traveling internationally on my own or even with friends. I left Japan knowing I had gained the confidence and skills to explore new places anywhere in the world."