As I planned for study abroad I always knew that Japan was at the top of my list. I had been to Japan for a short visit a few years before and left wanting to gain more experience in the country and culture. In terms of understanding world economies and industry best practices, Japan is an exceptional case for a U.S. MBA student. Having the chance to spend a semester there through the Business Exchange to Japan allowed me to learn about the political, economic and social history that has made the country such a tremendous influence in the world.

 

It is difficult to explain how impactful an experience like this can be. Our Japanese peers were very welcoming to the exchange students and the level of interaction was great. We did everything from playing soccer and basketball together to singing karaoke and traveling around Japan. We had fantastic conversations that enlightened us about the real impacts of the aging workforce and the younger generations’ shift away from Japan’s traditional value system. This interaction with students and faculty gave me a deeper and more personal understanding of Japan’s culture than I could ever have gained in a classroom, book or simply by leisure travel.

 

I found that many American citizens have no real understanding of life in other countries. Being in such a large country both physically and economically we have little need or motivation to learn any other language besides English. My biggest take-away was a renewed enthusiasm for programs like these that challenge American students to become more globally educated about what happens beyond our borders.

 

In my final semester at Carlson I brought a more critical eye to the classroom teaching methods I was once to used to. I also tried to incorporate what I learned about the Japanese working style into group assignments. In my new job since graduation I find that I have more to discuss with higher level executives about their time in Asia and this experience has given me a strong track record of experience to draw from in pursuit of an international assignment.

 

As you consider the many different opportunities open to you, I recommend that you carefully consider what programs align to your career interests. It is more difficult to leverage the experience in your career if you have not critically reviewed all of your options. Rankings are one thing, and the Carlson portfolio is strong in that arena, but moving beyond rankings alone you’ll see all that is out there in many different regions and the exposure they give you to new cultures and markets.