Cultural Learning Strategies
The cultural learning strategies that have stuck with me most is the idea of talking with nature speakers the philosophy behind why a certain cultural aspect is accepted and how it came to be, I believe doing such will greatly help subdue the culture shock I'll experience and give me a better understanding of Japan as a whole. Another strategy I agree with is to address my own cultural bias as a way of opening my mind and dealing with situations that may seem odd or unusual to me. Through this, I can begin to know that what may seem strange to me is probably a normal part of life in Japan, and therefore I should not be as judgmental or put off by it as I at first will be. I believe that by accepting said strategies I can immerse myself more into Japanese society and culture with an open mind and with more "empathy", and with less judgement that may hinder my learning experience overall.
Response to the survey: Language
The language learning strategies, in my opinion, was a very good way of making me realize that I need to plan better for my study abroad. Many of the strategies that were listed I had tried before, but many I had not tried as well, therefore through this I have gained new insight and knowledge to help me in Japan. However, I do believe that it is hard to keep all of these strategies mind when it will already be overwhelming to begin with being left in Japan for a year. I believe my strategies were too "loose" before, in the sense that I don't think they were intense enough to help me navigate and improve while in Japan. The survey was clear and made me think in depth about what my learning abilities are and how to apply them, therefore I will be referencing this survey through the screenshots I have taken, so I may thrive in Japan throughout my year long study abroad.