More in-depth learning through practical means is essential for broadening our knowledge beyond what we learn in lectures and books. APU offers a wide range of off-campus study programs, from traditional to online. However, due to the pandemic, there may be a limited number of offline off-campus study programs available to students. So, the question remains: Which one should you join?
We can imagine the benefits of offline study programs such as having close proximity to our observation object and hands-on experience to be very appealing. Given the current global situation, however, these programs may not be feasible at the moment. So, should you wait for the pandemic to pass or opt for online options? In this article, we will share some of the experiences that APU students had while participating in various off-campus programs, both offline and online!
Offline Programs
Field Studies
Yu Kato, a fourth-year APS student, participated in a 2019 field study in Spain and Italy about “Heritage Tourism in Urban and Rural Landscapes”. The program lasted for about ten days where she had the opportunity to take a tour of ancient buildings with long histories, as well as analyze the objective and subjective aspects of tourism. She also became more aware of the beauty of provincial cities, and their appeal in comparison to larger cities.
At the end of the program, she gave a final presentation titled "Looking for something real: Heritage tourism and elusive authenticity,". There, she applied what she learned in the field study and elaborated on how tourism authenticity is negotiable. The fact that she could have a more open perspective outside of the classroom, and actually apply what she had learned in lectures about heritage tourism in APU classes, appealed to her the most about the field study.
According to her, the field study was well worth it and enjoyable because she was able to physically visit tourist sites she had only heard about and read about online. Additionally, she was also able to travel with and exchange opinions with other students and professors who shared the same passion and interest in the topic.
FIRST Program
Ellysia Erning, a second-year APS student, participated in the reputable FIRST program during her first semester in 2019. In one week, her group had to conduct surveys on the topic of nuclear power plants all around Kyushu, all without the aid of cell phones. Even booking hotels had to be done in person by asking each hotel directly whether they had room vacancy or not. Finally, she had to give a final presentation to all of the program participants.
Being a first-year student, Ellys wanted to step up and put her Japanese language skills to the test. Ellys believed that despite facing rejection from people who refused to take the surveys, she was able to succeed in navigating Kyushu without cellphones and resolving conflicts as a group through intensive communication. In the end, it was an experience she would never trade for anything.
Online Programs
GLAD Program
Farren Febiola Darmawi and Armadina Khairyzaifa, currently 2nd year APM students, participated in one of APU’s first off-campus online study programs, GLAD (Global Learning for sustAinable Development) in Spring 2020. GLAD is an online/hybrid program conducted by Professor Kondo Yuichi for domestic and international first-year students to brainstorm and collaborate on a project based on the 2030 SDGs.
Farren and Armadina joined the program during APU's first online semester, believing that GLAD would provide them with the Japanese exposure they require from their domestic group mates. Adapting from offline to online classes was not an easy task, but GLAD assisted them in adjusting to virtual programs by collaborating with other freshmen.
Another advantage of an online program is the ability to participate in an off-campus program free of charge whilst earning two extra credits. They did, however, mention that it was difficult to interact as intensively with their group mates due to the program's online nature and the inevitable language barriers. The GLAD program, on the other hand, helped them become more accustomed to the virtual collaborative environment and prepared them for future APU virtual programs.
The Final Verdict
So, which one do you prefer? Perhaps the best thing to do is most certainly making the best out of your given situation. Offline programs will provide you close proximity to your area of study and offer research opportunities. However, with the pandemic not ending anytime soon, you also won’t be missing out much with what online programs APU has to offer. Whether that be field study, language immersion, international exchange, APU off-campus study programs will definitely provide you with something valuable!
You can read more about APU’s off-campus programs here:
Karina Viella, APS 2nd year student majoring in Culture, Society, and Media. She is part of the journalist team in APU Times and is passionate about intercultural communication.
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