WKU News

For honors student, Neema Angelique (WKU ’27), studying abroad wasn't just about visiting another country; it was about challenging herself, exploring a long-held interest, and discovering how global experiences can shape future goals.

Although Japan wasn't originally her first choice, the opportunity quickly made sense.

"I actually wanted to go to Thailand," she said. "But I looked at the different programs they have at WKU... and I ended up switching to Japan because they had a course that aligned with my major."

The two-week program focused on Business Management in Japanese Corporations, giving Neema the chance to study international business while experiencing Japanese culture firsthand.

Learning Business Through a Different Lens

While the classroom itself looked familiar, the course content offered an entirely new perspective.

"We learned about the history on why they carried themselves that way," Neema said. "We started way back and then worked into how their culture affects the way they carry themselves in business or just day-to-day. That was so important."

One lesson that particularly stood out was Japan's approach to long-term employment and workplace hierarchy.

"Our professor told us how, if you get a job... you carry on that job until you retire," she said. "I thought that was interesting."

Learning about Japanese business culture also encouraged Neema to think more seriously about her own future.

"I have big dreams," she said. "I started thinking about how will I make connections with other people from other countries? And how do I maybe sell myself?"

Today, she says she hopes to find a career that allows her to build international relationships.

"I want to work with someone that gave me the opportunity to connect with people globally and have the chance to travel."

Beyond the Classroom

Although coursework occupied much of each day, students still had opportunities to explore Tokyo through guided field trips and independent excursions.

One memorable stop was Harajuku, where Neema enjoyed seeing the wide variety of specialty shops.

"They have different shops for different type of thing that attract different type of people," she said. "If you just want to explore, buy snacks and stuff like that, they have different shops for that too."

But it wasn't the shopping that left the biggest impression.

"I think the most interesting thing for me was where the Japanese people carry themselves," she said. "They are so well spoken, well put together, and they are so nice. The way they approach customers is different from here. I think that was way more interesting than just exploring and seeing what I can eat and what I can shop."

Growing Through the Unknown

Traveling halfway around the world alone was exciting, but also intimidating.

Before leaving for Japan, Neema admitted she was nervous about navigating airports by herself. To prepare, she joined a WKU TRIO summer trip to New Orleans, where she practiced traveling independently.

"I told Lindsey [Houchin – Director – TRIO Student Support Services] I was so scared," she recalled. "'I'm afraid I'll get lost at the airport.'"

That smaller trip gave her the confidence she needed.

"I think going to that trip with TRIO helped me become less nervous about navigating the whole airport thing by myself."

Even once she arrived in Japan, there were still challenges, particularly figuring out Tokyo's train system.

"The most difficult part for me was the train station," she said. "I got lost a couple of times."

Watching local children confidently navigate the rail system made the experience even more fascinating.

"You see them going to school using the train station and they know their destination and they know how to navigate that."

A Global Perspective

Originally from Uganda, Neema said the experience also reinforced her desire to continue exploring the world.

"If I have the chance, I want to go back to Africa and maybe connect to other countries," she said. "There's more than just one country where I'm from."

Her interest in international experiences actually began long before college.

"I wanted to actually study abroad way before I went to college," she said. "Then until I spoke with the people at the Mahurin Honors College and they kept sharing their experience, I'm like, ‘I like Asia and I'm more into the Asian culture’, so I want to go."

Her fascination with Japan dated back even further.

"In high school I did my final essay... on the subcultures in Japan," she said. "I guess that drew me more to the Japanese culture."

Advice for Future Study Abroad Students

Looking back, Neema says she'd encourage other students to make the most of both the academic and personal sides of studying abroad.

"I think the only thing I'd decide is maybe do a step-by-step on what you want to do," she said. "I went there just to study. I didn't think much about exploring."

She recommends creating a personal list of places and experiences before arriving.

"If you have specific things you want to do once you're done [with class], you have more fun," she said. "I enjoyed it. I just wish I had set a map of things I wanted to do on my own."

Although the program lasted only two weeks, it strengthened Neema's confidence, broadened her understanding of international business, and reinforced her desire to pursue a globally connected career.

As she looks toward graduation, she's already thinking about where those ambitions might lead next.

"I wanted to go back for my internship," she said. "I haven't found a specific company I want to go with, so we'll see."