Japanese Culture Examined at Holcombe Global Series

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Explore Japan at this month's Holcombe Global Series. The presentation starts at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, in Holcombe Hall's living room.

The evening will feature a presentation by a Japanese international student and an American student who studied abroad in Japan. 

Khloe Benton, one of the presenters, will share some of her experiences studying abroad and her plans for the future.

"Just like with any country or culture, we tend to set stereotypes from what we see on social media or what we hear. When people think of Japan, they either think of anime or manga, robots (technology), or the work culture (salaryman)," Benton said. "Japan is so much more than that. I want people to learn that Japan is a place that can't be easily described or labeled. It is a place full of serendipity, tranquility and mystery."

Japan is an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean off the eastern coast of the Asian continent. It boasts the world's tenth largest population and is one of the most highly educated countries. 

"Even if you have no plans to leave the safety of your home, it is important to know our worldly neighbors," Benton said. "It is important to learn and appreciate cultures, not only for political or business reasons, but mainly to be able to step outside of yourself, to step outside of the suffocating bubble we unknowingly set for ourselves, to experience a life that isn't predictable."

This event is open to all within the university community. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends and engage with the presenters after the presentation. Food will follow along with an opportunity to take photos in the themed photo booth.

Global Series is an on-going program with past programs including India, Pakistan, Ukraine, Russia, Great Britain, and Egypt.

About the Holcombe Global Series. The Holcombe Global Series focuses on new countries each month and gives international students at the University of Arkansas the opportunity to showcase their home country. American students are also invited to share their study abroad experiences. The series is presented by International Students and Scholars and University Housing. Follow us on Facebook.

About University Housing. University Housing is a department within the Division of Student Affairs serving a residential community of around 5,700 on-campus students. More than 200 students find employment opportunities with University Housing each year. We offer educational programs that support the success of students and services that help students focus on academics at the University of Arkansas. Living on campus starts with a housing contract.

About the Division of Student Affairs. The Division of Student Affairs supports students in pursuing knowledge, earning a degree, finding meaningful careers, exploring diversity, and connecting with the global community. We provide students with housing, dining, health care resources, and create innovative programs that educate and inspire. We enhance the University of Arkansas experience and help students succeed, one student at a time.