My time with Hoshi University was one that I will never forget.
I was surrounded with great people who cared about me and showed me a lot of hospitality. The kindness that I received from everyone that I worked with or just met was amazing.
I truly enjoyed working with my three professors in the Medical Data Science department/lab as well as the student, Hanako San.
I was personally surprised by the quick trip I took to Nagano prefecture to experience Japan’s countryside. I had pleasant conversations with those who were with me.
I appreciated that on my last day, that the department took the time to celebrate my completion of the program at Hoshi University. All took the time to prepare such an amazing and delicious spread of seafood.
The experience at Hoshi University was one that I will never forget. Thank you to all those that helped and supported me. I hope I get to cross paths with everyone again in the near future.
I chose Japan and Hoshi University because I have always admired the country’s culture, healthcare system, and
dedication to education. Japan is known for its kindness, safety, and respect for learning, and I felt that
completing an international pharmacy rotation there would help me grow both personally and professionally.
I also wanted to understand how pharmacy practice in Japan compares to the United States, especially regarding
medication dispensing, counseling expectations, and patient care. Hoshi University is well-known for its strong
research environment, and I was excited to learn new laboratory skills and observe how science is applied in
real projects. My goal was to gain new knowledge, build international connections, and represent Pacific
University in a meaningful and positive way.
My research and laboratory experience at Hoshi University was one of the most valuable parts of my rotation.
Every day I was welcomed into the lab by faculty and students who were incredibly patient and supportive. I
worked on several bench-top techniques that strengthened my scientific skills, including PCR, DNA
purification, and gel electrophoresis. These activities helped me improve my accuracy, confidence, and
understanding of how research contributes to medical progress.
I also had the chance to attend lab meetings, observe presentations, and learn how different research teams
organize their work. Students explained their projects clearly, and I appreciated how dedicated the faculty were
to guiding and encouraging everyone in the lab.
One of the cultural highlights at Hoshi University was participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony held
on campus. This experience allowed me to appreciate the beauty, respect, and peaceful atmosphere of Japanese
traditions. The staff and students explained each step with great kindness, and it became one of my most
memorable cultural moments in Japan.
Outside the lab, I joined educational excursions arranged by Hoshi University. We toured a cancer hospital,
where I learned about pharmacy workflows such as sterile compounding, medication preparation, and drug
information services. We also visited a QOL community pharmacy, where I observed the Japanese dispensing
system and the unique color-coded labeling used for medication instructions.
Every activity was well-organized and helped me understand how pharmacists in Japan support patient safety
and healthcare quality.
Japan has incredible food, and I enjoyed discovering something new almost every day. Eeverything was fresh
and affordable. Trying new dishes became one of the best parts of daily life.
I stayed at Sakura House in Tokyo, which was clean, safe, and conveniently located. The building was close to
grocery stores and restaurants. The neighborhood felt welcoming, and the accommodation made my stay
comfortable and stress-free.
Although I visited in September – October, the weather was warmer than I expected. What surprised me most
was the good air quality, especially for such a busy city. The laboratory and university buildings had excellent
air conditioning, which helped a lot on hotter days.
Japan felt incredibly safe at all times. I could walk around during the day or at night without any worry. People
were polite, helpful, and respectful. Public transportation was extremely clean and easy to use.
On weekends and holidays, I explored many parts of Tokyo. I visited places like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and other
famous areas. Each place had something special; beautiful parks, shops, local markets, and delicious food. Even
after one month, I felt there was still so much more to explore. This made every weekend exciting and
memorable.
I gained so much from this program. Learning and practicing advanced laboratory techniques helped me feel
more confident as a future healthcare professional. The research environment at Hoshi University taught me to
be more precise, patient, and thoughtful in my scientific approach.
I also learned a great deal about pharmacy practice in Japan. The workflow, safety checks, and counseling
methods showed me a different style of healthcare that is highly organized and patient-centered. Seeing these
differences expanded my perspective and taught me to be open-minded when working with future patients from
different backgrounds.
This experience helped me grow personally as well. Being in a new country taught me independence,
adaptability, and cultural awareness. The kindness and hospitality I received from the students and faculty,
especially during the tea ceremony and other cultural exchanges, made me feel deeply connected to the
community. The friendships and connections I made are something I truly value.
I hope to carry the lessons from Japan into my pharmacy career. The patient-centered approach I saw in Japan is
something I want to apply in my future practice. I also want to continue improving my research skills and stay
updated on scientific advancements, just as I observed in the laboratories at Hoshi.
I plan to encourage other Pacific University students to join this exchange program because it is truly a lifechanging experience. I also hope to stay connected with the people I met at Hoshi University and maintain the international relationships that were built.
My time at Hoshi University was unforgettable. I am extremely grateful for the kindness, hospitality, and
support I received from every professor, student, and staff member. I always felt welcomed and respected, and
this made the entire experience meaningful from the very first day. Participating in the Japanese tea ceremony
made me feel even more connected to the culture and created a memory I will always appreciate.
Thank you to Hoshi University for giving me the chance to learn and grow, and thank you to Pacific University
for making this opportunity possible. I hope this exchange program continues for many years, so more students
can experience this wonderful connection between our two universities.
I will never forget the memories I made in Japan, and I look forward to visiting again someday. Thank you very much
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