IES Abroad - Study Abroad in Japan

I spent a semester in Tokyo, Japan in Fall 2019. I was the only one from my college and state going on this IES Abroad program. I wasn't sure if my Japanese was sufficient to navigate around in the city or to ask for specific help whenever I needed it. It was the first time I would be away from home for so long. So I was excited to see how it would turn out, and I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to adjust to life in Japan because Japan and Georgia, USA are entirely different. However, IES Abroad allowed me to make a Japanese friend through email (e-pal) and meet my future classmates through Facebook so I would have someone I know meet me at the airport. There were 40 international students and 20 E-pals that would grow to be some lifelong friends. All of us were so unique and came from different backgrounds, majors, and language levels. The staff that worked at the IES Center were like family to a lot of us. They really looked out for us and helped us learn how to adjust and cope with occasional homesickness. The Tokyo staff make sure we knew how to use the train system, how fun places to go, and so on. Most of the classes were fantastic. These classes opened my eyes to a view of Japanese culture and history I had never known before. The program had trips to Nikko and Hokkaido that allowed us to explore the differences that exist in various prefectures of Japan. By the end of the program, many of my classmates and E-pals were sad to be leaving. It was like I had to leave my second home. I wasn't sure how I was going to be able to adjust back to life in America, and I knew I was going to miss my American and Japanese family and friends so much. I hope in the future I can come back to work and live in Japan.

From March to July of 2018, I had the opportunity to live abroad in Tokyo, Japan. I studied Anthropology and Sociology through IES Abroad's Tokyo Language and Culture program. IES Abroad's program was not only academically stimulating, culturally relevant and engaging. From the beginning of the application process, to my last day in Japan, the IES staff were extremely helpful in providing information and resources to prepare for an amazing semester. The Tokyo study abroad center itself felt almost like a second home. All of the staff were extremely kind, welcoming and even went out of their way to help me explore my interests in Japan. For example, I knew I wanted to go hiking while in Japan and the staff was able to help me find information about local hiking opportunities. The staff also organized a number of opportunities to travel which were both interesting and financially feasible. I had the opportunity to travel to Okinawa and Kamakura, two places I wouldn't have considered visiting on my own. In regards to academics, the class offerings were diverse and interesting, and I had equal opportunity to enroll in classes through the local university as well. The Japanese course I took was challenging but I can very much say that my Japanese skills improved immensely over the course of 3 months. Overall, if you're looking for a supportive, engaging, and challenging experience I definitely recommend IES Abroad. There was a clear balance of academic rigor but also extracurricular offerings.

Honestly, I can't really put my experience into words. Everyday I wake up in the States and wish I was back in Japan. It was such a great time! I always wanted to go to Japan since I was in middle school and to have had this incredible opportunity to do so meant the world to me. The staff was always helpful, friendly, and treated me not only with respect but as a friend as well. The school faculty was amazing and I met some of the nicest people there. My transition from the States to Japan was smooth and whenever I had questions, I got answers. I never felt alone or felt as though I couldn't reach out for help. If I could go back to IES tomorrow, I would.