Angel Pham
UMBC Faculty-Led: Global Health and Aging in Japan
Major: Media & Communications
Minor: Management
Jump To: Pre-Departure Post, In-Country Post #1, In-Country Post #2, Return Post
Pre-Departure Post
Dear reader,
My name is Angel Pham and I’m a rising senior majoring in Media and Communications with a minor in Management. This summer, I will be studying abroad in Japan through UMBC’s program focused on global health and aging in Kanagawa, Japan!
At first glance, my major may make some people wonder how I connect to a program focused on health and aging. However, I think that is the beauty of opportunities like study abroad at UMBC; they encourage students to grow beyond the boundaries of what they study in the classroom. This program gives me the opportunity to explore ideas from an entirely different perspective by examining how innovation and technology are being used to address real-world challenges within healthcare and aging populations. I’m excited to immerse myself in a new culture while expanding my understanding of how communication, innovation, and global issues intersect!
Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine. Since I will be graduating a semester early, I knew this was something I wanted to accomplish before finishing my college journey. I truly believe college is a time filled with opportunities to step outside of your comfort zone, grow as a person, and experience new perspectives. When I first heard about this opportunity through UMBC, I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it.
Outside of academics, I am most excited to truly immerse myself in the environment and culture of Kanagawa. I’m looking forward to visiting new sites, exploring nature. I’m especially excited about visiting Hakone, known for its beautiful scenery, and hopefully being able to see Mount Fuji during my time there. I also look forward to trying new foods, exploring cafes, and experiencing the shopping areas for clothing, skincare, and haircare in Japan, especially since there are so many unique brands, trends, and products that aren’t always as accessible elsewhere. I’m also especially looking forward to bringing my film camera with me to document this experience. Photography has always been something I enjoy, and Japan is also known for its deep appreciation of cameras and film photography, which makes it even more meaningful for me to capture everyday moments through film. I can’t wait to develop the photos afterward! I have always wanted to travel to East Asia, and Japan has been one of my dream destinations for a very long time, so this experience feels incredibly surreal and meaningful to me.
As my departure date gets closer, I’ve definitely started feeling a mix of emotions. While I’m incredibly excited, I think the biggest thing I’m nervous about is feeling overwhelmed by how much there is to see, discover, and experience. Traveling itself doesn’t make me too nervous since I’ve traveled internationally before, even alone, but I do think navigating Japan’s train and subway systems during my free time will be a little intimidating at first. At the same time, I know I’ll be surrounded by an amazing cohort, and I’m sure by the time we have more independent travel opportunities, I’ll have a much better understanding of how everything works. Because of that, I’m trying not to let the nerves outweigh the excitement as there’s so much, I want to accomplish!
Right now, preparation has consisted of making checklists and creating a personal itinerary alongside reviewing the program schedule so I can pack properly and make the most of my time in Japan. I’ve also been researching what I should and shouldn’t bring, especially when it comes to medications, clothing for the season, and other travel essentials. I’ve also been making a point to soak up as much time as possible with my family and friends. I had just returned home for the semester and now I’m getting ready to head out again, so it’s been really nice being able to enjoy time together! Just the other day, my friend asked me to take her grad photos alongside our two other friends which was super fun! We went out to go eat after and watch a movie which was so nice as we all got to catch up right before my trip.
Thank you so much for reading the first part of my blog! I can’t wait to share more about my experiences in this program and I’m so excited to share with you all future updates from Japan after this, talk to you soon!
In-Country Post #1
Dear reader,
I can officially say that I’m writing to you from Japan!
It’s honestly still hard to believe that after months of preparation, planning, and anticipation, I’m finally here! These first few days have been filled with learning, exploration, excitement, despite the jet lag. Although I’ve only been here for a short time, I already feel like I’ve experienced so much for it being only 2 days!
On my first full day, I woke up around 4:40 am, which left me with several hours to spare before my 1 pm meeting time. This didn’t come to a surprise to me as I’ve traveled to places with this time zone difference, so I was prepared! I actually enjoy having extra time to settle into my surroundings bright and early (it makes me feel like a morning person, even though I know very well I’d be knocked out asleep back in the states). I started my day with an egg sandwich from the FamilyMart connected to our hotel, which was so yummy, and spent the morning printing some business cards, calling my family back home, and getting ready for the day.
Later that afternoon, our group visited the Kanagawa Prefectural Government offices, where we had the incredible opportunity to meet and hear from the Governor of Kanagawa, Yuji Kuroiwa. Hearing Governor Kuroiwa discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Kanagawa gave me a deeper understanding of how innovation, policy, and community efforts work together to support healthy aging. We also met students from Seoul, South Korea who joined us! Being able to exchange perspectives with students from another country reminded me that study abroad is not only about learning from the place you’re visiting, but also from the people you meet along the way.
Day two started much like day one: very early. I woke up around 5:30 am this time, got ready, grabbed food at FamilyMart for our private ride, and headed downstairs to meet the group before our visit to a dementia care center.
The drive there ended up being one of my favorite parts of the day. Sitting in the car and looking out the window, I found myself paying attention to all the small details around me. It was one of those moments where everything finally felt real. It suddenly hit me that I was actually here.
As we drove through neighborhoods and cities, I noticed so many things that fascinated me. There were people biking everywhere, children walking to school, workers commuting by train, and families starting their day together. At one point, I noticed what appeared to be construction workers stretching and doing exercises together in unison before beginning work. We also passed fields growing crops!
As a Media and Communications major, I’ve also found myself paying close attention to the way information is presented and advertised here. Whether it’s public transportation announcements or advertisements throughout the city, I’ve really enjoyed observing the differences in communication styles and public messaging compared to what I’m used to seeing back home.
We got to the center a bit early, so our group got coffee as we waited. During this, we saw groups of young children walking in a line together in matching hats while holding hands. It was such a simple moment, but it became a highlight! Having previously worked with children, it was especially heartwarming to see!
Our visit to the dementia care center was incredibly insightful as we learned about community-based efforts to support individuals living with dementia and discussed how local organizations work together to create environments where people can continue living meaningful and connected lives. Beyond learning about healthcare systems, it was inspiring to see how much emphasis is placed on community, dignity, and inclusion.
Later that day, we traveled to Tokyo for a meeting with the creator the Helte app, named Sail, a virtual platform that connects older adults with international Japanese learners through online engagement and learning opportunities. This was one of the most engaging discussions I’ve had so far. Not only did I learn more about aging and social connections on a global scale, but I also gained insight into entrepreneurship, innovation, and how technology can be used to address real-world challenges.
After our meeting in Tokyo, we took about an hour-long trip back to Yokohama on the subway which was very packed. By the time we arrived, we had about 30 minutes to rest before heading back out for our welcome dinner, which had originally been postponed due to our travel delays on the first day.
Even though we all were so tired by the end of it, the dinner was so fun as it gave my cohort the chance to spend time together outside of our academic visits and really get to know one another. It was amazing to hear everyone’s perspectives and learn more about the people I’ll be spending these next few weeks with. I already feel much closer to my cohort and professor, and it’ll be a core memory of this trip for sure!
Now, as I’m writing this, it’s currently raining outside my hotel. A typhoon is expected to pass through tomorrow (it’s the season for it, but here we most likely won’t get much beyond some heavy rain?) and because of this, our classes have been moved online, so I plan to use tomorrow as a resting day.
I’ve been working on an itinerary and have exciting things planned, and I can’t wait to report back with all my upcoming experiences! Fingers crossed the weather looks up from here!
Talk to you soon!
In-Country Post #2
Dear reader,
I’m back with updates! It’s hard to believe that I’ve already been in Japan for over a week! Since my last update, I’ve continued learning so much through both academic visits and the experiences I’ve had exploring Japan.
After our online classes due to the rainy weather, we had the opportunity to join a virtual discussion with Keio University Hiyoshi Campus. During the session, we learned about various research projects centered around older adult well-being and what contributes to healthy aging. While many of our discussions focus on health, aging, and community well-being, I often find myself thinking about how communication plays a role in these efforts. Whether it’s the way organizations share information, foster connection, or create inclusive environments for older adults, I’ve started noticing how communication is deeply connected to many of the topics we’re studying.
One of the most meaningful experiences this week was our visit to Chojyuen Nursing Home located in a peaceful rural area surrounded by mountains, trees, and nature. The drive itself was beautiful, winding through quiet roads and greenery before arriving at the facility. From the moment we entered, I could immediately sense the care and thought that had gone into creating a welcoming environment for residents.
One of the first things that touched me was seeing residents greet us while holding small paper flags that had “UMBC” written on them. It was such a simple gesture, but it immediately made us feel welcomed. Throughout our visit, we observed residents participating in activities, exercising together, and spending time with one another. We even joined them for some of their exercises, which ended up being a fun and memorable experience. We also received handmade origami gifts from one of the residents. Knowing she had taken the time to create something for each of us was incredibly heartwarming!
Seeing how excited the residents were to welcome us also gave me a profound sense of appreciation. As I spent time interacting with them, I couldn’t help but think about my own grandmother back home. Watching their smiles, enthusiasm, and willingness to connect with us reminded me how important it is to cherish the relationships we have with the older adults in our own lives. One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken away so far is that as we age, building and nurturing meaningful connections remains incredibly important; not only for the well-being of older adults, but for ourselves as well. The relationships we invest in throughout our lives have the power to bring comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging, and this visit reminded me to be more intentional about making time for the people I love.
Outside of our academic visits, I’ve also had the chance to explore more of Japan and spend time with my cohort. One evening, a few of us found a small restaurant tucked away above a building. The entire top floor was empty, and it ended up being the perfect place for the four of us to sit, eat, laugh, and talk for hours. Some of my favorite memories so far have come from these simple moments. As the days go on, our group continues to grow closer, and I’m grateful to be sharing this experience with such an amazing group of people. We have spent countless hours together already, and it feels like each day brings new inside jokes, conversations, and memories that I know I will look back on long after this trip ends.
Later in the week, we traveled to Hakone for 3 days. The scenery was beautiful! It was so different from the busy city and reminded me a lot of what it’s like going to the city for school and going back to my hometown in Bel Air. During our stay, I had the opportunity to wear a yukata for the first time when getting a massage and going to the onsen, which was such an amazing experience after several busy days of travel and academic activities. It was incredibly relaxing and one of the highlights of the trip so far.
While in Hakone, we explored several local attractions and even visited a castle where we had the chance to try on traditional clothing. We also rode the cable cars in hopes of seeing Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans. It was very foggy and rainy, so the mountain remained hidden behind the clouds. Although I was a little disappointed, the views were still beautiful, and it gave me yet another reason to return to Japan someday. We also tried some local specialties, including black eggs and black curry!
One of my favorite unexpected moments happened while I was eating matcha ice cream near the river back at the hotel with my roommate, the weather was perfect for this little moment. I also met a family and was able to speak Vietnamese with them. Being able to have a conversation in a familiar language while so far from home was incredibly comforting and reminded me how meaningful cultural connections can be, no matter where you are in the world!
One thing I’ve noticed throughout this experience is that I am constantly viewing everything through both a student and communications lens. Whether I’m observing interactions between residents and caregivers, listening to researchers discuss healthy aging, or simply exploring a new city, I find myself thinking about how people connect, share information, and build community. It’s been exciting to see how many connections exist between my field of study and the topics we’re exploring in Japan.
I now only have two days left in Japan, and I truly cannot believe how fast this experience has gone by. This entire journey has felt so surreal and as sad as I am that it’s coming to an end soon, I’m so grateful for everything I’ve gone through and am so excited to make the most of these next few days.
Talk to you soon!
Return Post
Dear reader,
I can’t believe I’m back home in America, and this is already my last blog post reflecting on my time in Japan.
It still feels surreal to think that this chapter has already come to an end. What started as months of preparation, excitement, and anticipation somehow turned into two of the fastest, most meaningful weeks of my college experience so far. Looking back now, it genuinely feels like I experienced an entire lifetime of moments in such a short period of time.
From the very beginning, Japan surprised me in ways I don’t think I could have fully prepared for. I came into this experience expecting to learn about healthcare systems, aging, and culture, but I didn’t realize how much I would also learn about myself. Every day brought something new; whether it was visiting hospitals filled with advanced technology, exploring communities designed for older adults, or simply observing everyday life places like Tokyo, Yokohama, Shibuya, Hakone, Wakabadai, and beyond.
As a Media and Communication major, I also found myself constantly observing how information, design, and messaging function in everyday spaces. From healthcare environments to public advertisements, everything felt intentional in a way that emphasized clarity, trust, and respect. It made me think more critically about the kind of communicator I want to be in the future, and how important it is to understand culture when creating messages for different audiences.
Some of my most meaningful moments, though, were not always planned site visits. It was the small in-between moments that stayed with me the most; conversations with classmates after long days, laughing during group dinners, quiet reflections on subway rides, and even just walking through new cities trying to take everything in at once. Those moments made the experience feel real in a way that goes beyond academics.
I also didn’t expect to leave with such strong connections to the people I met here. Being surrounded by students, professionals, and peers from different backgrounds made me realize how powerful shared experiences can be. Even in such a short time, I’ve formed friendships and connections that I genuinely hope to maintain long after returning home.
In terms of aging itself, I learned how beautiful it can truly be. One conversation we had at a nursing home, Yoko-no-Sono, really stayed with me. We discussed how society tends to celebrate youth throughout life through milestones, graduations, and achievements; but rarely do we honor or celebrate older age in the same way. That idea made me reflect deeply on how aging is viewed. I came to understand that the dignity people carry throughout their entire lives, especially in older age, should be equally recognized, honored, and cared for. Growing up Asian American, I have always understood that older adults are respected and valued, but hearing this perspective framed in such an intentional way gave me a deeper appreciation for it. At the nursing home, I also learned about how the chairman created a “graduation of life” ceremony for residents after they pass. Hearing about this was incredibly moving, and it made me think about aging in a completely new way.
In terms of what I am taking away from this experience personally, I’ve taken away the idea that if you have a goal, passion, or dream, you should just go for it. It doesn’t matter how big or small the dream may seem; if it is something you genuinely care about, you should take steps toward it. Throughout this trip, I met many people who were involved in creating nursing homes, healthcare programs, and community spaces that have lasted for years and continued to impact people’s lives today. What stood out to me was that many of them did not start with the intention of building something large or long-lasting. They were simply people with a desire to make life easier for others and to help as many people as they could.
That perspective really stayed with me. It made me realize that meaningful change often starts with a simple idea and a genuine intention to help. Because of that, I am leaving this experience with the reminder that if you have a dream, you should pursue it fully and without hesitation. Now that I’m writing this from home, I feel a mix of gratitude, disbelief, and reflection. I keep thinking about how quickly everything passed, and how much I’ve changed without even realizing it at first. I came into this experience curiously, but I’m leaving with a much deeper sense of perspective, appreciation, and purpose.
If there is one thing I can say for certain, it’s that studying abroad in Japan has been one of the most meaningful decisions I’ve made in college so far. It challenged me, inspired me, and gave me memories and lessons that I know I will carry with me for a very long time. To anyone considering this experience in the future, go. Be open, be curious, and let yourself fully experience everything, even unexpected moments! You will get out of it far more than you can anticipate right now.
As for me, I’m heading forward with a full heart and a completely new perspective on what it means to learn from the world around you! I’ve had so much fun sharing and documenting my experience, and I hope to have given you new insight into this amazing program! Thank you so much for following along with me through my travels studying abroad in Japan!
With much love,
Angel Pham