In October, Spencer Center staff member Kelsey Bantel sat down with Japanese exchange student Naho Enomoto to explore some of her favorite things about Japan and the U.S.
- What is your favorite thing about your hometown?
- I live in Nara, Japan. I think the appeal of Nara is that people can experience the temples and shrines. Where people can feel the history through the cultural streets and buildings. Where people can feel the Japanese culture. Also, it’s not too ardent so people can spend their time relaxing. But it’s also conveniently located next to the big cities of Osaka and Kyoto. People can experience the uniqueness of Japan in Nara.
- What is your favorite thing about Doshisha?
- Although the atmosphere is different between MBU and Doshisha, I think that the relatively small class sizes and the proximity between the teachers and students are two of the most unique features of the program. And my two favorite points. Also, Doshisha is a college for only women so I can learn about issues facing women from various aspects such as business, sociology, law, etc. I have many opportunities to think about what I can do in the future because I am a woman. Doshisha Women’s College is based on liberal arts as the core of its education. So, I can learn from a variety of fields and gain a broader perspective. I belong to the social system faculty and mainly study business, sociology, and psychology. But in addition to that, I am also able to take additional programs to improve my English skills, so I am able to have a fulfilling learning experience that focuses on what I want to learn.
- What have you found is the biggest difference between Doshisha and Mary Baldwin?
- In many classes at MBU, students have discussion time and there are many opportunities for students to speak up about their opinions and ideas. At Doshisha Women’s College, some classes take on such a learning style, but for many classes, I listen to my teachers talk and learn from them. Also at Doshisha, I take each class only once a week. And take many types of classes each week so I can learn a lot of things and acquire a wide range of knowledge. On the other hand, at MBU I take each class 2-3 times a week, so I can learn each content deeper, create solid knowledge, and create my own ideas.
- If you could bring one thing from Japan to the U.S. what would it be?
- I want to bring rice from Japan. I can eat rice in the United States, but there are considerable differences between American rice and Japanese rice. The taste is different, so sometimes I miss Japanese rice. Japan’s staple food is rice and I ate it every day, so I really miss Japanese rice.
- What has been your favorite thing about the U.S. so far?
- No matter which store or shop I enter, the colors and designs for sweets, food, and stationery are so very cute. So when I enter some shops I take pictures. And even if I haven’t spoken to someone, there are many people who greet me with a smile and compliment my outfit. The buildings and streets of Stanton are very cute, I love it. I also love the environment. MBU is surrounded by beautiful nature and I can always see the beautiful sky. I am often healed and relaxed by seeing the sky.
- Give us your best pitch for visiting Doshisha.
- Doshisha Women’s College’s campus is separated into two. On one of the campuses, students can learn in a stately brick school building with a sense of history and tradition. The other campus is lined with beautiful modern buildings. There is a brilliant chapel symbolizing Doshisha Women’s College. In addition, daily worship and lectures are held there.
- Is there anything else you would like to add?
- There are many different charms between Doshisha Women’s College and MBU, but I like the style of classes and learning style at MBU. I feel that it is difficult to voice my opinion in class, but it is nice that students can share ideas with each other. I feel that students are learning together and are inspired by each other.
