What inspired you to go abroad?
I was inspired to go abroad to Japan because I wanted to explore the country that I have seen in my Japanese textbooks and heard about from my teachers. I hoped to meet natives, learn about their lives and customs, and immerse myself in a culture that I really love.
Why did you choose World Campus International?
I chose World Campus International because of the amazing pictures, videos, and reviews from participants. I loved the international feeling of the program, bringing in people from various countries such as Norway, Sweden, China, and the USA.
What was your favorite part about Japan?
My favorite part was definitely the people. I loved my experience speaking and living with Japanese natives. I had the opportunity to learn about their day-to-day and just connect with them through having fun!
What made your experience abroad unique?
My experience abroad was unique because I had a wonderful group of fellow participants. We spent most of our days together and developed amazing friendships that still connect us today. We bonded over bus-rides, jumped in the water as ninjas, and climbed to the top of mountains together. It was amazing because everyone is very different, but we were united by our experience in WCI and love for Japan!
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
Hiro-san, Maki-san, and the counsellors were amazing! Every time I had a question they would help me resolve the problems immediately. They were also always very responsible, ensuring that we are on time for programs, keeping us happy and safe, and providing us with resources to have the best experience in Japan.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I would not change a thing if I were to go back to the past!
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
First, we would wake up in the morning and have breakfast with our host families. We would then meet at a local center with other participants and start a day full of fun activities. Our activities would usually either be indoor interaction with locals or outdoor exploration of new places, such as temples, malls, and specialty locations. After a fulfilling day, we would have dinner with our host families.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I loved spending my free time with my host family. I got to know the children of my families and we had a great time playing and making crafts. I also enjoyed exploring Japan with fellow participants, going to Sunshine City, Karaoke, and PuriKura, among other amazing places.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
We stayed with three host families, one for each week in the program. Each home is unique and my favorite part was getting to know the different lifestyles of families and interact with them in a homely setting. All accommodations are carefully chosen and are both comfortable and nice, yet they had differentiating factors such as the number of family members, food preference, and neighborhood.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Before participating in the program, participants should make sure they are familiar with English, as that is the primary language of communication among participants. It is also good to purchase necessities that may not be sold in Japan since the program is three weeks long.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I have made forged friendships through my time abroad. My perspectives have widened through my interactions with friends from various cultural background, and I feel that I am more prepared for international travel and living in unfamiliar places.
Would you recommend World Campus International to others? Why?
I would recommend WCI 100%! This program is both formative and fun, allowing participants to grow and make meaningful connections that last a lifetime. I will be back in Summer 2019 and look forward to seeing you there as well!
