The Association for the Promotion of International Cooperation (APIC), Japan, in partnership with The University of the West Indies (The UWI) offered one (1) student from The UWI Global Campus the opportunity to participate in a three-week short-term study programme at the Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan during the 2024/2025 academic year.
This initiative is part of a formal agreement between The UWI and Sophia University, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, fostering collaborative research and education, and promoting cross-cultural understanding between both institutions.
The programme was first launched in 2016, with eight scholarships awarded to two students from each of The UWI’s four campuses.
For the 2025 cycle, five students—one from each UWI campus— were selected to receive a scholarship covering travel, accommodation, and tuition for a rigorous and enriching three-week Japanese Studies programme at Sophia University.
Participants were able to select two to three courses from a diverse offering that included Japanese language, business, education, and media.
At the Global Campus, the scholarship is administered annually by the Student Support and Services Department and is awarded based on a combination of academic performance (minimum GPA of 2.8), leadership potential, and cultural awareness.
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, six students from the Global Campus were interviewed for this prestigious opportunity. Mr. Christopher Beason, from Jamaica, was selected as the Global Campus awardee for the academic year.
The application period for the scholarship ran from January 20 to February 8, 2025. Below is Christopher’s personal account of his experience in the programme.
Vignette from the Scholarship Recipient – Mr. Christopher Beason
When I left Jamaica for the APIC Student Invitation Program in Tokyo, Japan, I knew I was heading into something new, but I didn’t realise just how much the experience would change me. Over three and a half weeks, I found myself immersed in a completely different world,studying at Sophia University, meeting people from across the globe, and learning how to navigate the quiet depths of Japanese culture.
Tokyo greeted me like no city ever has: a bustling, organised wonderland where the sun rises at 4:30 a.m., and the train system, though impressively efficient, takes a bit of time to master.
The cultural differences hit me quickly.
The Japanese way of communicating, indirect, calm, and emotionally composed, was a world apart from what I was used to.
No one wore their emotions on their sleeves, and it challenged me to think more deeply about how I expressed myself, especially in unfamiliar settings.
At Sophia, I studied Business and Technology in East Asia, which opened my eyes to how countries like Japan and Singapore have used education as a tool for national development.
I was fascinated by the Japanese concepts of kaizen and face-saving, two ideas that say a lot about how innovation and interpersonal respect go hand in hand.
In The Japanese Economy in a Comparative Manner, I gained not only analytical skills but also valuable insights into past economic failures and what to avoid when shaping future policies.
The idea of “Japanification” stuck with me; it is truly something to consider when developing long-term strategies, especially for my country, Jamaica, which is now facing similar challenges, such as an ageing population and declining birth rates.
My favourite course by far, however, was Japanese Language and Culture, taught by the brilliant Tanaka Sensei.
Learning about gestures, politeness, refusal, and cultural norms, and then immediately applying them outside the classroom, gave me a new level of respect for the Japanese people. I moved through Tokyo with more awareness, more humility.
Beyond the classroom, I made friends from all over the world: Rashaan from the U.S., Rob from Finland, Pilar from Argentina, Alika from South Africa, Ariel from Portugal, and Momo from Japan, who helped make my trip unforgettable.
Almost every night, I tried new dishes; I especially liked to rub shoulders with the locals at ramen shops tucked away in the alleyways; every meal I tried was so tasty and cheap. Souvenirs and shopping were also very cheap in Japan.
Other memorable experiences included standing on the rooftop of Shibuya Sky, looking out at the city, feeling lucky just to be there, and dancing with the locals at the Furusato Tokyo Ouen Festival, amazed at the energy and joy of the crowd, I saw a side of Japan that was full of joy and rhythm I didn’t expect.
I’ll never forget my visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, where I drew a fortune that read: “Don’t give up. You will go through a period of trials, but keep going; you will persevere.”
It was the kind of message that resonated with me.
The atmosphere at the shrine was so peaceful. The weekend trips planned by APIC were also phenomenal.
My favourite trips were to the Cup Noodle Museum and Sokichi Inc., where we dabbled in Edo Kiriko.
I also remember speaking to a local in Asakusa who knew more about Jamaica than I expected. It was surreal to be so far from home and yet feel so seen.
This trip wasn’t just about studying; it was about growing. It reshaped how I see people, emotions, culture, and even business.
It gave me tools I didn’t know I needed and reminded me that learning doesn’t always happen in a classroom. Sometimes, it happens in a conversation, on a train, or while eating a bowl of ramen in a back alley in Tokyo.
A heartfelt thank you to APIC, especially Mr. Akaki and Miri, for their kindness, coordination, and generosity throughout this unforgettable experience.
I am also extremely grateful to The University of the West Indies for presenting me with this opportunity, because this opportunity has changed me in ways I will carry for the rest of my life.
The Office of the Campus Registrar and all staff and students of the Global Campus extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Christopher Beason on this remarkable achievement.
We trust that the road ahead will be even brighter, with this scholarship serving as a strong foundation for future success.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
