I always fancied Japan as culturally unique and technologically very advanced. I took this opportunity to place myself in this unique environment wherein I could find opportunities to excel at my professional skills. First-hand experience of Japanese culture, academic environment, and rich cultural heritage are major motivational forces that led me to grab the opportunity of being a visiting fellow at the University of Hyogo, Kobe, Japan.

It is also an enriching experience to teach High School Students in the Hyogo Prefecture. Exchange of culture through the English language medium in the interactive sessions with high school students has been mutually beneficial. Besides, imparting English Language Skills through communicative language practices to the students of the University of Hyogo will also be an enhancing experience. Therefore, one of the primary purposes has been to impart instructional sessions to high school and college students.

Lastly, the research experience in connection with other professors at the university is what I expect to be more beneficial. Equipped with cutting-edge resources, I aim to conduct my interdisciplinary research in the fields of Environmental Economics and English Literature. In summation, I hope to gain a transformative experience through interactive instructional sessions, cross-cultural experience, and output oriented research in a better academic environment.

It has been an enriching experience in Japan. While researching and teaching at the University of Hyogo, I came across many academicians, administrators, and others. It was essential for me to understand Japanese work ethics and cultural practices. In this context, I would like to share that my experience was highly fruitful. I learnt a lot about the best practices at the University of Hyogo and the educational system. In addition, I got a very precious understanding of Japanese culture during my academic and cultural journey. I could relate to my Indian roots when I observed certain Japanese cultural beliefs. For instance, many Japanese people believe we should clean the environment because God lives everywhere. This concept of God is very similar to the Indian idea of God. In Geeta, Shri Krishna has said that I am everywhere.

Further, while visiting cultural places such as Kyoto and Nara, I also found many Indian cultural references in Buddhist traditions. I learnt that India and Japan have very similar spiritual and cultural roots. This was an enlightening experience for me. Further, in this academic journey, I came across many good people. Most of the people in Japan were very welcoming, polite, and helpful. Prof. Yamaguchi-sensei has been extremely helpful to me. He has been my guide and supporter during all my difficulties or problems. I am indebted to his unwavering goodness. Ms. Saori Bessho has always been kind and supportive. She helped me during all of my academic and administrative activities. Ms. Makiko Suzuki also helped me find schools where I can give sessions on Indian culture. They made my stay in Japan a blissful and fruitful experience. Through them, I understood many things about Japanese culture and etiquette. I hope to take these good practices of Japan to India. I also hope that the relationship between India and Japan continues to grow stronger. I came as an Indian, and now I will go as an Indian with life-changing Japanese cultural experiences.

During my stay at the University of Hyogo, I believe I had the most fruitful time of my life. I have learnt about best practices in education and research. This will not only help me develop my academic skills but also make me a better citizen of the world. I have substantially developed my research ideas that I will publish in reputed journals. I will carry best cultural and educational practices in India. The research environment that I have observed here is really commendable. I really hope to develop similar research environment at my university in India. One of the strongest aspects of Japanese life is its cultural ethics. These cultural ethics define their ways of life. Further, the moral and ethical character towards the duties and responsibilities makes them different from people of other countries. During my stay, I have imbibed these cultural practices in my life and I am sure to follow the same in my home country. I also hope to contribute in the development of more cultural and educational ties between India and Japan. After coming here, I have realized that there are more possibilities of collaboration and the same should be capitalized. After going India, I will encourage more Indian students, researchers, and academicians to pursue their academic goals in Japan.

Further, my interdisciplinary research in environmental humanities and English literature will also be more beneficial for the future researchers. In addition, I will make more collaborative efforts with the Japanese academicians. During my stay, I have developed good relations with the Japanese teachers and academicians, and with the help of our collaboration I hope to contribute more in research and strengthen academic ties between India and Japan. I also carry with me a positive and academically enriching experience which eventually shape my personality and contribute in the development of the students in my university. This experience has truly shaped my academic as well as personal self. I will continue to develop them further and hope to increase my ties with Japan in the next few years. Finally, I want to thank HORN for providing a life-changing opportunity.