STUDENT LIFE I INTERNATIONAL I SOCIAL CLUBS I ACADEMICS I PEOPLE I LEADERSHIP I ATHLETICS I ORGANIZATIONS BOUNDARIES HUA added Japan to its list of stops in fall 2018. Harding University in Australasia (HUA) gave a unique opportunity co students in fall 2018 by adding Japan co its itinerary in Asia. Students spent much of their time in Kyoto, Japan's former capital known for its historic sites. There, they visited temples, shrines and bamboo gardens, and they also experienced an ancient tea ceremony. The group spent time in Osaka and Kanazawa as well. Sophomore Cade Aspinwall shared that trying traditional Japanese food was what he anticipated the most. "The thing I'm most excited [for] is the food," Aspinwall said. "I have always enjoyed Japanese food, so it will be interesting how Americanstyle Japanese cuisine will differ." Dean of International Programs Dr. Jeffrey Hopper saw the importance of this travel addition. "Most of the people in the world live in a circle that includes China, India, Southeast Asia and Japan," Hopper said. "So we always offer one or more countries from within this circle to ensure a measure of balance in the International Programs of Harding. In addition, I think that Japan is one of the most highly evolved cultures in the world." Aspinwall looked forward to experiencing the variety of different cultures on the program's itinerary. "I am excited to experience the beauty of each country and also to take a closer look at the hardships of the people," Aspinwall said. According to Director of HUA Pam Little, Harding initially made its connections with Japan through alumni. Japan had the potential to become an annual cultural stop for years to come. "Japan has been added to give the students insight into another cultural experience," Little said. "We hope to be able to keep Japan in the program, but nothing is ever certain." 1be International Program's Office intended to keep Japan on HUA's itinerary for future semesters. "We are always striving to improve all our programs," Hopper said. "Because HUA has no full-time home base, we are able to change the countries visited. As long as we think it is in the best interests of our students, we'll continue to go to Japan." story by Zach Bissell Students hike through a Japanese garden on Nov. 22, 2018. Members ofthe HUA group experienced both the nature and city life Japan offered to visitors through temples, shrines and bamboo gardens. I photo courtesy of Andrew Rardin Members ofthe fall 2018 HUA group view a torii gate, a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance ofor within a Shinto shrine, in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, on Nov. 22, 2018, as they end their study abroad program with a trip to Japan. The HUA directors were excited to take advantage ofthe opportunity to explore another culture through the visit to Japan. I photo courtesy of Pam Little 46
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