A Closer Look at the Japan Ambassadors Experience with Hope Greene
Since starting at the Baker School last fall, Hope Greene prioritized seizing opportunities connected to her interest in national security. Japan’s history, political structure, and cultural influence stood out as areas she wanted to explore more. When Hope first learned about the Japan Ambassadors program, it perfectly combined her academic interests with real-world experience.
The two-week study abroad experience took the group to five cities: Kobe, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Each city offered a unique glimpse into Japan’s identity, from its rich history to its influence on global affairs. Walking through the Bamboo Forest in Kyoto and visiting the Peace Memorial in Hiroshima reminded Hope of how nature and history can shape a nation’s identity.
At the end of their trip, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman joined the group for a traditional matcha tea-making ceremony and academic sessions discussing U.S.-Japan relations. “It meant a lot to share that experience with her and reflect together on what we were learning as a group,” Hope said. The people she met along the way gave her experiences greater depth and meaning.
Hope explains that the individuals she met challenged her to reconsider how America is viewed internationally. The group engaged with professors, policymakers, and U.S. Embassy officials working directly on security and economic issues. One of the most memorable parts of the trip was connecting with Japanese students. Not only did they express deep respect for the U.S. as a country and an ally, but Hope also witnessed the high expectations and sense of responsibility that come with that respect. “It became clear that ongoing shifts in U.S. administrations and military cooperation bring uncertainty and concern about the future of that relationship,” she said. “This nuanced perspective helped me understand how international alliances are influenced not just by formal agreements but also by political dynamics and trust on both sides.”
A key skill that Hope honed during her time in Japan was navigating communication across a significant language barrier. It taught her the importance of patience, active listening, and finding common ground beyond words, which are essential in international relations.
The Baker School played a crucial role in preparing her for this immersive opportunity. The introductory public policy course gave her a foundation to engage meaningfully in policy discussions. Previous experiences, like the national security trip to Washington D.C. led by Center for National Security and Foreign Affairs Director Krista Wiegand, also helped build her confidence, critical thinking skills, and passion for working on national security issues.
For students considering the Japan Ambassadors program, Hope advises diving in wholeheartedly: learning basic language skills, researching current events, and keeping an open mind. The more effort students put in, the richer their experience in and out of the classroom will be.
