Presentation Information
[SY-96-02]Beyond Just Research: Navigating Culture, Challenges, and Growth as a Muslim Iraqi Postgraduate Student in Japan
*Asraa Faris Aldoghachi1, Chizuko Tezuka2, Yuji Ozeki1, Daijiro Yanagisawa1 (1.Shiga University of Medical Science(Japan), 2.Keio University(Japan))
Keywords:
Cross-cultural adaptation,Host culture,Challenges,Identity,Resilience
Studying abroad is often seen as an academic dream, but over time, it becomes a deeply personal journey of cultural adaptation. As an international neuroscience PhD student from Iraq, where few students pursue higher education in Japan, I faced academic demands, profound cultural contrasts, and a sense of cultural solitude. Navigating a society where emotional restraint, indirect communication, and unspoken social expectations are valued, I found myself facing aspects of Japanese culture that lie beneath the surface. Adapting to such a high-context environment while overcoming language barriers, finding few fellow Arabs/ Iraqis, and managing religious practices like halal dietary restrictions and daily prayers required ongoing negotiation between authenticity and sensitivity.
What initially felt overwhelming gradually became a catalyst for growth, leading to one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. This journey has promoted scientific development, mental and emotional resilience, and a more profound sense of identity.
In my presentation, I will reflect on the interplay between cultural norms, personal identity, and adaptation and share strategies that helped me thrive. Through my presentation, I hope to offer a personal lens into the realities of studying abroad in Japan and its transformative potential, especially for those coming from minority backgrounds.
What initially felt overwhelming gradually became a catalyst for growth, leading to one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. This journey has promoted scientific development, mental and emotional resilience, and a more profound sense of identity.
In my presentation, I will reflect on the interplay between cultural norms, personal identity, and adaptation and share strategies that helped me thrive. Through my presentation, I hope to offer a personal lens into the realities of studying abroad in Japan and its transformative potential, especially for those coming from minority backgrounds.