My trip to Atlanta saw me comparing two technology institutes that exist in different areas and cultures of the world; Georgia Tech and Tokyo Tech. I being from Tokyo Tech found the environment of the other shockingly different especially in terms of infrastructure which was what my comparisons were based on. Hammocks tied between trees in open spaces, a farmer’s market held every Wednesday, a stunning student center with sofas and beds tucked in different places, staircases wide enough to serve as reading spaces, reading rooms of various shapes that screamed be comfortable however you like in your study and a food court serving all sorts of food from subway pizza to sushi. This was what I compared with where I was coming from; an environment where a walk through campus saw students aggregating only in the cafeteria during lunch time, eating on the lawns when sunny and reading either in their labs or library. It was totally different and in my opinion, shows a difference in education cultures. Which is better? I cannot decide, Georgia Tech was overwhelming at the same time exciting while Tokyo Tech was the norm for me and being biased I couldn’t think of a better place to learn especially as I thrive in quiet study. Yet experiencing what I saw in Georgia Tech left me with a yearning.
Dr. Woodall – a professor at the Nun School Georgia Tech – serving the role of a tour guide showed us the campus, regaling us with stories of changes that had occurred over time. A favorite sight for me was the Campus Recreational Centre. It was impressive. Massive pools that were used during the Olympics, climbing walls, a large gym outfit, running tracks, etc. We were told it was expanded after the Olympics was held there. But touring Georgia Tech was not the agenda of our trip and hence we went to the Student Center where a flight of steps up on that Tuesday morning found us at the study abroad fair. There was a lineup of tables displaying over 15 study abroad programs including the Japan Summer Program for Sustainable Development (JSPSD); the main purpose of our trip. On this table we had an array of giveaways, a large board showing a collage of students and faculty of the previously held program, a laptop playing a slide-show meant to draw eyes of students curious to know what Japan is about, and finally a mix of the faculty and Alumni of the program all dressed up with welcoming smiles.
Students moved through the rooms stopping from interest or curiosity to hear about what JSPSD had to offer them. Over 50 students came to our table to find out about the JSPSD program with quite a number gearing to sign up, having heard testimonials from friends that had participated in it. I together with Emma Browning and Sarah Wong; also alumni of JSPSD, explained the program in great detail to each student; the opportunity to study sustainable development in amazing Tokyo – the world’s greatest city with amazing mass transportation, low crime rate, and endless things to do and see – for ten-weeks during the summer; a one week field trip for exploration of the beautiful Japanese countryside, including Hiroshima, Kyoto, and a rural community where one could visit historically and culturally important sites as well as do field work in a rural Japanese community; problem-based Learning method of lectures where students are tasked with integrating theory and knowledge in finding solutions to complex problems as they take ownership of a research problem, collaborate with multidisciplinary, cross -cultural team and take responsibility for acquiring the necessary knowledge required to proffer a sound solution.
Prof. Woodall addressed questions involving credits and particular majors they can apply to as the students were very curious about getting credits for their departments. While Abe Sensei shared how the program goes beyond the credits and gives an opportunity for each student to work in an interdisciplinary and trans-cultural environment where they can solve problems in the context of real life.
From the interests shown, it is possible that more students would sign up for the program than can be handled as there are only 20 slots available. The fair came to a successful end at 2pm. Later in the evening we had a Pizza reunion party where I had a nostalgic time reminiscing about the JSPSD program and what we took away.
Other activities during the trip included a Starbucks meeting with the passionate Prof. Kari Watkins who may take part in the next JSPSD program; a dinner at Prof. Adjo’s place that showed us that one can be in academia and have other social talents such as art and music. I also took a morning walk for about two hours to get a view of the city. Here are a few of What I noticed;
- Trees everywhere, it was quite distinctive and I kept thinking how this ties to what makes a city sustainable.
- Everyone greeting you as you walked by. This doesn’t happen in Tokyo and when I spoke to a student about it, she said it was something that happened in southern US.
- Bringing me to another point, a lot of construction was going on in every street, sky rise buildings being done. A puzzle was that the buildings were not covered. In Tokyo and also Nigeria buildings are usually covered with these green netlike materials. It was weird to see construction happening in open space. And also I saw markings on the street. I found out they were to identify drainage pipes, wire lines, etc. It made sense since most of their lines if not all are underground.
- I noticed a funny sign on the walkway saying do not enter and I paused to find out where? I concluded that they were referring to the entrance of the drainage holes or whatever hole was underground. It made me laugh as I couldn’t help but think that now I am tempted to enter this invisible place.
- There was art everywhere, modern art most especially. It was shockingly nice.
- Jaywalking was allowed which I found meant crossing the street on red light.
- Brick houses were everywhere. Brick houses surrounded by trees, a mixture of the old and the new with modern glass architecture was fascinating.
I saw a moon while leaving Chicago on a Wednesday, full and heavy in the dark night sky, and arriving in Tokyo was no moon with streak of red in the night sky of a Thursday. It was a wonderful trip signaling the beginning of more interesting things to come.
