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Study abroad. Many students at the UO travel to foreign countries in an attempt to study language and culture. Last summer I spent eight weeks in Japan-- a country of mystery and curiosity. I studied the Japanese written and spoken language Monday through Friday in the mornings and spent the afternoons with students from all around the world: Korea, China, England and also several different states: Indiana, Illinois etc. It was a wonderful experience that allowed me learn first hand about Japan's culture and Language.
Tokyo, a city of tall buildings and short people, makes quite an impression on a person the first time through. There are two main ways in which one can get into the city from the airport: one can take a bus or take the Shinkansen (bullet train)--either way one is likely to end up Shinjuku. Shinjuku is one of the world's largest shopping districts with enough lights and video screens to shame Las Vegas. Anyone who passes through Japan should take the time to peruse the hundreds of electronic vendors; porn shops, clothes shops, or really anything a person can imagine which can be sold. But most importantly one should take the time to stop and eat at the little ramen bars where you can acquire a mountain of noodles in broth with pork or beef for about five hundred yen (5 dollars American).
Culture. I saw amazing temples in the middle of one of the most modern cities in the world. One of my favorite temples is Zojoji Temple, located just behind Tokyo Tower-- A giant tinker toy in which one can ride an elevator to the top and look out onto Tokyo Bay.
The point is if you want to really learn the culture and the language or if you just want to broaden your horizons you should consider walking down to Oregon Hall third floor to look over the pamphlets of whatever country and/or language you are interested
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