As a recent graduate from the University of Toronto, Joe brings a diverse academic background to his experiences in the Summer Abroad program. His studies in Psychology, Education & Society, and French have equipped him with a deep understanding of human behavior, educational dynamics, and cultural nuances.
Joe's journey through the Summer Abroad program has been a tapestry woven with personal anecdotes of growth and cultural immersion. His standout moment from the England Summer Abroad in 2019 was the tranquility of Oxford. These mornings spent walking along the water, engaging in delightful conversations during breakfast, and adapting easily to the town created unforgettable memories.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Joe and ask about his favourite memories and reflections during his time as a participant at Summer Abroad.
What is your favourite moment/event from the Summer Abroad program?
My standout moment from the England Summer Abroad in 2019 was the peace and quiet of Oxford. I cherished mornings spent walking along the water, sometimes accompanied by a friendly tabby cat. Engaging in delightful conversations during breakfast and adapting easily to the town due to the absence of a language barrier created unforgettable memories.
One particularly fond memory was a calm morning walk I took the day before departing Oxford. On a misty day after a light rain, I strolled along a serene path near the water. The mist added a magical touch to everything around me. As the sun peeked through, it cast a golden hue upon the old buildings. This rare moment of tranquility amidst the bustling city life left a lasting impression on me, offering a peaceful escape from my usual city routine.
What is the biggest takeaway from your experiences at Summer Abroad?
The paramount realization from my multiple Summer Abroad experiences was the profound impact of cultural immersion on personal growth. Each program, whether in France, South Korea, or Greece, significantly broadened my worldview and understanding of diverse cultures, food, and history.
The most important thing I learned was in Italy. During a cooking class, a chef explained why they use certain spices. It showed me how food traditions have a lot to do with a place's history, revealing how culture and history are embedded in everyday things.
How did your own life experiences impact your summer abroad?
My diverse background, including working as a sushi chef in Tokyo and pursuing Psychology at U of T, profoundly influenced my time abroad. These experiences equipped me with an open mind and a keen interest in cultural exchange, facilitating easy adaptation and fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures.
My background as a sushi chef became unexpectedly valuable during my time in England. I found myself engaging in a fascinating discussion about the preparation of sushi with an Italian chef in one of the Gordon Ramsay Restaurants in London (see photo). This unexpected bonding over culinary expertise transcended language barriers and cultural differences, forming a unique connection based on a shared passion for food.
What advice would you give to a student who is thinking about participating in Summer Abroad?
I encourage prospective students to actively engage in cultural immersion. Seize every opportunity to interact with local communities, embrace diverse experiences, and recognize the transformative potential of Summer Abroad in broadening perspectives.
Reflecting on my journey, I vividly recall a moment in France when I hesitated to join a local conversation due to a fear of misspeaking or not being understood. It was only after taking that leap and embracing the opportunity to practice the language that I realized the importance of stepping out of comfort zones. My advice echoes this sentiment: "Embrace discomfort; it's often the gateway to profound growth."
Summer Abroad would like to thank Joe for sharing his personal stories during his experiences travelling abroad. This article is a part of Summer Abroad’s Feature Friday series, so stay tuned for the next one!
Connect with Joe Zhou, Front Desk Advisor and Summer Abroad Officer at summer.abroad@utoronto.ca.