VOICES
The ACE Summer Intensive Program 2024
College of Intercultural Communication
Mr. Mizuki Ono
Learning and Growth Through the ACE Summer Intensive Program
I obtained some significant insights and grew especially in three ways by participating this program. First of all, I deepened my understanding of the program's theme: “Building a Resilient Society in the Context of Disaster.” In participating in the program, I was especially aware of the challenges faced by foreign residents in Japan during times of disaster, as well as the types of assistance they require. Through my preliminary research, I learned that many issues arise due to language barriers and cultural differences, prompting me to consider what actions are necessary to address these problems. In this regard, the lectures and the discussions with various speakers and other students provided me with important perspectives, such as that the needs of minorities are often overlooked, and that local community solidarity and cooperation plays a crucial role in times of emergency. These experiences made me realize the importance of empathizing with minorities, including foreigners, and seeing things from their perspective, as well as the value of fostering daily communication with them. Now that I gained important knowledge as described above, I aspire to contribute to society through these actions.
Second of all, I have come to believe that English is just one means of communication, and that there are many other approaches available. In my previous experiences, such as studying abroad, I often focused too heavily on language alone and thus I had difficulty in building relationships sometimes when I was not able to speak English well enough. Reflecting on this, I made an effort to communicate in ways beyond just language this time, such as being mindful of gestures and reactions and actively sharing pleasant experiences and moments. I felt that these efforts helped me express who I am and contributed to smoother communication and stronger relationships. This experience has shifted my belief to the idea that, even when communicating in English with people from other countries, it is important to utilize a variety of means to build relationships, rather than becoming preoccupied with speaking “perfect” English.
Third, I was able to reaffirm the importance of respecting differences and valuing others instead of imposing my own norms on others. The participants in this program were so diverse —not just in nationality— making me aware of many differences, both large and small. However, I consciously chose not to deny these differences or push my own values onto others. From this experience, I learned that creating an environment where people can easily express their individuality and strengths in their own ways leads to better teamwork and results for everyone. While it is often said that differences can cause friction and conflict, I personally believe the real root of conflict lies in a closed mindset that does not accept differences and sees them negatively. Through team-building activities, discussions and our presentations with a variety of interesting members, I was able to deepen my understanding regarding how I should tackle differences, understand others and work together. This has been my most significant takeaway from the program.
I believe that the lessons I have described are also crucial for living in a globalized society. In a globalized society, I am likely to encounter diverse individuals, and some of the differences that I come across might feel unusual to me. In such a situation, if I make negative judgments based solely on superficial facts without sufficient dialogue, it can lead to misunderstandings or, in the worst cases, conflicts. To avoid such risks, as I have learned through the program, I strongly believe that it is essential to respect others without denying differences and to build relationships through close communication that does not rely only on words. Of course, it is not always possible to deal with every difference in the most appropriate way, but I believe that cultivating an introspective attitude—considering how our words and actions might affect others—and developing a multifaceted perspective that imagines how things look from another person’s viewpoint are vital qualities in a global society. This program has further deepened my understanding of the importance of these qualities in a world where diverse people coexist.