Travelling to Japan, especially Tokyo, a city of 41 million, is a life-changing experience that not everyone gets the chance to have.
Austin Owen, a senior at Cabool High School, had the fortune of being able to apply for the Family, Community, and Career Leaders of America 2025 Japan Scholarship. Made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Kikkoman Corporation and administered by Youth for Understanding USA (YFU), this scholarship was valued at nearly $10,000. Through FCCLA, he was able to earn the opportunity for the six-week trip to Japan this summer, becoming one of 14 international winners of the scholarship. His participation in both FCCLA and the Future Business Leaders of America, equipped him with the skills to adapt to the challenges a foreign exchange student might face. Austin’s prior travels reinforced a vital lesson: his efforts, even if imperfect, were met with kindness and understanding rather than harsh correction.
Austin anticipated some culture shock, but nothing could prepare him for the sheer scale of Tokyo, the beating heart of Japan’s rich culture. Upon landing, his entire worldview shifted, illuminated by countless lives being lived thousands of miles from his hometown. Welcomed by a gracious host family, Austin quickly adjusted (although their pet bird was less than thrilled about his arrival). With little time to settle in, he dove headfirst into a vastly different school environment.
Despite the language barrier, Austin found a comforting similarity; his classmates shared the same trends, the same jokes, and even the same interest in what life looked like overseas. Engaging in English language arts, history, Japanese, mathematics and physical education, Japanese instruction introduced him to a familiar, yet peculiar learning environment. In the more extracurricular sense, he was given the opportunity to play volleyball, basketball, and even Odaiko(traditional Japanese drum). In his free time, he explored Tokyo’s remarkable landmarks, from the bustling Shibuya shopping district to the serene Asakusa temple district, and even ventured beyond to Mt. Fuji and the Nikko Futarasan Shrine, allowing him a taste of Japan’s culture outside of Tokyo.
As his journey drew to a close, Austin felt the bittersweet weight of leaving Tokyo behind. Yet, he cherished the deep connections he formed, from his welcoming host family and new friends to FCCLA members back in the states. Overcoming homesickness revealed a profound joy, but it is always challenging to part from such a magical place. Austin plans to return, eager to discover more of Japan’s wonders beyond Tokyo and to immerse himself in the local culture, better prepared with the experience of his first trip. His adventure was not only a once in a lifetime experience, but also established him as an example for others considering international travel.
Austin learned that while languages and borders may seem to separate us, it is human kindness that unites us all.