Unlocking Global and Career Potential: UCO Students Reflect on Their Experience in Japan

In today’s globalized world, cultural fluency is more than just an advantage—it’s a key to thriving in diverse environments. This summer, students from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) embarked on a life-changing faculty-led study abroad trip to Japan, where they explored new cultures, developed critical soft skills, and began mapping out newfound professional goals.

At CulturaGo, we recognize that soft skills are career-critical, and that study abroad programs are one of the best opportunities to develop these skills. We were so pleased to support UCO students with structured pre-departure training and reflective exercises, ensuring they made the most of their international experience from a skill development perspective.

Pre-Departure Preparation: Two Essential Courses

Before stepping onto Japanese soil, UCO students were guided through two courses: Introduction to Japanese Culture and CulturaSkills. These courses are designed to provide both the cultural knowledge and soft skill development necessary for meaningful and successful cross-cultural engagement.

Introduction to Japanese Culture: A Deep Dive into Local Life

The Introduction to Japanese Culture course, developed by Japanese culture experts, is an eight-hour online program that includes six in-depth modules. Guided by a culturally knowledgeable course guide, students were immersed in a wealth of local perspectives through interviews with both locals and expats. The course covered critical aspects such as etiquette, social norms, and the subtleties of Japanese daily life, all designed to help students feel more prepared and confident about their time in Japan. As one student shared:

"This course gave me invaluable tips on what to expect when navigating Tokyo and interacting with locals—things I wouldn’t have known otherwise."

One module that particularly stood out to students was "Being Black in Japan," which provided real insights into the experiences of Black travelers and residents in Japan. As one student reflected, "The ‘Being Black in Japan’ module hit the nail on the head. It was so helpful to hear real stories about what to expect and how to navigate certain situations—it really gave me a sense of preparedness."

CulturaSkills: Developing Career-Critical Soft Skills

CulturaGo’s CulturaSkills course took the experience to the next level by focusing on the development of intercultural competence and essential soft skills, such as empathy, problem-solving, and communication. These skills, crucial in today’s competitive job market, help students navigate cultural differences while also preparing them for future careers.

CulturaSkills provides a framework for students to consciously develop these in-demand skills through their cross-cultural experiences, ensuring they return home not only with memories but also with measurable growth in career-critical areas. 

Post-Trip Reflections: The Power of Storytelling and Simulated Interviews

The benefits of these courses were maximized through a carefully designed Reflection Project. Upon returning home, students took part in this project to articulate the impacts of their study abroad experience. Designed to simulate an interview setting, the project helped students practice sharing their stories, reflecting on how their time in Japan shaped their personal and professional goals. As one student noted:

"Before the trip, I didn’t have a lot of professional goals. Now, I can clearly articulate the career paths I’m interested in pursuing, and it’s a major improvement for me."

This process allowed them to see their growth not just as travelers, but as future professionals. 

CulturaGo's Role in Enhancing Study Abroad ROI

This transformative experience highlights CulturaGo’s commitment to maximizing the skill development return on investment (ROI) of study abroad programs from a soft skills development perspective. By preparing students before their trip and guiding them through reflections after their return, CulturaGo helps them make the most of their international experiences—not only as global citizens but as career-ready professionals.

If you’re looking to enhance the impact of your international programs and help students unlock their full potential through intercultural and career-linked soft skills, CulturaGo is here to support you every step of the way.