Tang, Emmy

Emmy Tang

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
Fulfill course requirement, meet the amazing Prof Templeton and Claudia Templeton, and living in East Asia has always been a dream of mine.

What did you learn about yourself?
I learned how to navigate individual, partnered, and group activities with a little more grace and confidence than before.

What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
Our trip to Hiroshima: we got to see history from a Japanese perspective + evaluate our own knowledge of history, go on a ferry to see the torii gate in the ocean, try the city’s reknowned okanomiyaki (fried noodle dish), and have maple leaf shaped ice cream sandwiches in the summer heat + deep-fried momiji manju.

What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
Talk about it! When I first arrived in Japan, I was early and didn’t really have anyone… but I quickly found my study abroad classmates through text and through wifi messaging on the Japanese app Line. Reaching out really helped me in the beginning and was the start of our group bond for me.

How do you identify?
Student of color, Heritage Seeker, Scholarship Recipient, $5,000 Summer Study Abroad Fellowship Recipient

Could you share any experiences where your identity played a role in your time abroad?
Being Chinese American in Japan was an interesting experience. I kind of blended in when I was alone because I’m pretty introverted like most people in Japanese society. On the other hand, when together with my group, we were clearly seen as Americans (hopefully respectful ones at that). Overall, I was treated with respect and did my best to show my respect to the culture and folks around me. I really loved the Chinese food there, though nothing ever compares to the food my Mom makes 😀

Is there any advice you would give to other students who share your identity?
Be open-minded, make friends and stand up for yourself!

Memories