A Glowing Testimonial from Our International Alumna's Time in Japan.
Aug 19, 2023 (Sat.)
I spent a year in the on-campus dorms, YUI, at Kansai Gaidai University for the Asian Studies program 2022-23. As a 2020 American high school graduate coming right out of the pandemic, I tried to keep my expectations low. However, nothing could have prepared me for the wonderful experiences I was able to have thanks to this program. I witnessed fascinating history, tasted incredible food, learned about various cultures, and traveled through the never-sleeping cities. I made memories that will last my whole life. However, I also discovered a welcoming, fun, and lively college life that I hadn't had the chance to experience. At such a big school, I was able to practice my Japanese, go to karaoke with circle and club members, and grab lunch with friends from around the world and Japan every day. I made new friends wherever I went and the openness of my professors, fellow foreign students, the KGU students, and the CIE staff made Japan truly feel like a home during my year abroad.
With these support systems at my back, my opportunities were endless! I could explore Hirakata and the surrounding city after class, and on the weekends I was able to travel for exclusive Starbucks drinks, flea markets, fireworks festivals, and concerts. During the breaks, everyone traveled near and far, making the most of their time in Japan. Thanks to the support and encouragement of the teachers, students, and staff at KGU, I was able to take on as many of these opportunities as possible, grow as a person, and thrive in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
- Hanna Lavenson from Clark University -