Cal Student Follows His Asian-Culture Fascination to Japan
By Derek Walsh
, Hayden Hosfelt, 20, of Fairfax, Va., decided for the Fall 2015 semester that he wasn’t just leaving his hometown to return to California University of Pennsylvania; instead, he was traveling nearly 7,000 miles for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to study in Japan.
“I’ve had a long fascination with Asian culture and the amount of cultural influence of Tokyo,” Hosfelt said. “It’s the biggest, most populous city in the world, so I thought there must be something to it.” He admits he has been interested in studying in Tokyo since his junior year of high school, when Temple University presented its study abroad program.
“I’m here for the city more than the historical aspects of Japan,” Hosfelt said.
Despite being halfway around the word, the junior political science major says things aren’t as different there as most would believe.
“During the day, it looks like any other US city, but during the night, it comes alive,” Hosfelt said. “The colors, neon lights, Japanese pop, and advertisements sounding throughout the city feel foreign, but it’s exciting and absolutely gorgeous.” He explained that with 32 million people living in the city, it’s almost twice the size and population of New York City, and a very far stretch from the number of people in his hometown.
Regardless of the cultural differences and the language barrier, Hosfelt said he still doesn't have any regrets about coming to Japan. Concerning the language barrier, Hosfelt said it is helpful many people in larger Japanese cities have taken a few years of English during their time in school.
“I had some trouble with a cab driver my first day, but everything was figured out after some pointing and my poor Japanese writing and language ability,” Hosfelt said. “They're very chill people, and when they're drinking, I have never met a group of people more fun. And they love Americans.” He illustrated his point by telling a story about a group of Japanese men who had chanted “U.S.A.” at him while drinking at a bar.
Those who know Hosfelt are not surprised he is enjoying the experience of a different culture.
“He always showed that he was accepting of other cultures and wanted to learn first-hand about them, so I think it’s good that he did,” said Eric Tito, 22, who met Hosfelt while he was joining his fraternity during the fall 2013 semester.
Andy Ott, 19, who met Hosfelt during his freshman year, shared similar sentiments.
“I was excited for him to go,” Ott said. “Traveling and experiencing culture is the best way to learn about life.” Ott is familiar with Japanese culture from his grandmother’s previous experience teaching there.
“When Hayden wants something, he isn't very reserved in his attempt to get it,” Ott said. “I think he'll do well; he went to the extent of learning a little basic Japanese for it. I think he prepared himself well, and I hope he succeeds.”
Hosfelt also spoke about how schooling was different in this new culture.
“The classes and curriculum are very similar, although attendance is much stricter, and classes are much harder,” Hosfelt said.
Hosfelt went on to explain efficiency is just another difference between his home country and Japan.
“On my commute every morning, everyone just seems to know where they're going and how to get there, and you're expected to not hold anyone up,” he said. “The work ethic alone is absurd here. People work eight to 12 hours a day, five days a week.”
Despite enjoying his time in a new country and culture, Hosfelt does admit he misses America and American culture sometimes. He also misses the friends he has made at Cal U.
“It still sucks having a new group of friends, and to be away from everything you spent so long building while things go on without you,” Hosfelt said. I spent two years building friendships and having people who know me. I’ve gone through a ton of experiences with those people and right now, I don't have that.”
Through thick and thin, Hosfelt keeps a positive mindset and is excited for the rest of the time he has studying abroad. In fact, he said he may even want to make a life and career in Japan after graduating from college. Whether this happens or not, Hosfelt is getting an experience that many can only imagine.
Derek Walsh is a senior majoring in English at California University of Pennsylvania. Read more of his stories at walshderek.weebly.com
“I’ve had a long fascination with Asian culture and the amount of cultural influence of Tokyo,” Hosfelt said. “It’s the biggest, most populous city in the world, so I thought there must be something to it.” He admits he has been interested in studying in Tokyo since his junior year of high school, when Temple University presented its study abroad program.
“I’m here for the city more than the historical aspects of Japan,” Hosfelt said.
Despite being halfway around the word, the junior political science major says things aren’t as different there as most would believe.
“During the day, it looks like any other US city, but during the night, it comes alive,” Hosfelt said. “The colors, neon lights, Japanese pop, and advertisements sounding throughout the city feel foreign, but it’s exciting and absolutely gorgeous.” He explained that with 32 million people living in the city, it’s almost twice the size and population of New York City, and a very far stretch from the number of people in his hometown.
Regardless of the cultural differences and the language barrier, Hosfelt said he still doesn't have any regrets about coming to Japan. Concerning the language barrier, Hosfelt said it is helpful many people in larger Japanese cities have taken a few years of English during their time in school.
“I had some trouble with a cab driver my first day, but everything was figured out after some pointing and my poor Japanese writing and language ability,” Hosfelt said. “They're very chill people, and when they're drinking, I have never met a group of people more fun. And they love Americans.” He illustrated his point by telling a story about a group of Japanese men who had chanted “U.S.A.” at him while drinking at a bar.
Those who know Hosfelt are not surprised he is enjoying the experience of a different culture.
“He always showed that he was accepting of other cultures and wanted to learn first-hand about them, so I think it’s good that he did,” said Eric Tito, 22, who met Hosfelt while he was joining his fraternity during the fall 2013 semester.
Andy Ott, 19, who met Hosfelt during his freshman year, shared similar sentiments.
“I was excited for him to go,” Ott said. “Traveling and experiencing culture is the best way to learn about life.” Ott is familiar with Japanese culture from his grandmother’s previous experience teaching there.
“When Hayden wants something, he isn't very reserved in his attempt to get it,” Ott said. “I think he'll do well; he went to the extent of learning a little basic Japanese for it. I think he prepared himself well, and I hope he succeeds.”
Hosfelt also spoke about how schooling was different in this new culture.
“The classes and curriculum are very similar, although attendance is much stricter, and classes are much harder,” Hosfelt said.
Hosfelt went on to explain efficiency is just another difference between his home country and Japan.
“On my commute every morning, everyone just seems to know where they're going and how to get there, and you're expected to not hold anyone up,” he said. “The work ethic alone is absurd here. People work eight to 12 hours a day, five days a week.”
Despite enjoying his time in a new country and culture, Hosfelt does admit he misses America and American culture sometimes. He also misses the friends he has made at Cal U.
“It still sucks having a new group of friends, and to be away from everything you spent so long building while things go on without you,” Hosfelt said. I spent two years building friendships and having people who know me. I’ve gone through a ton of experiences with those people and right now, I don't have that.”
Through thick and thin, Hosfelt keeps a positive mindset and is excited for the rest of the time he has studying abroad. In fact, he said he may even want to make a life and career in Japan after graduating from college. Whether this happens or not, Hosfelt is getting an experience that many can only imagine.
Derek Walsh is a senior majoring in English at California University of Pennsylvania. Read more of his stories at walshderek.weebly.com