USAC Japan: Nishinomiya - Japanese and East Asian Studies

My time in Japan was life-changing. As a Nikkei student, I reconnected with roots my family had lost after internment and generations of cultural distance. From dorm life to local hikes, food, and community events, I gained authentic insight into daily Japanese life. Beyond travel, it was about reclaiming identity, building cross-cultural friendships, and finding confidence in who I am.

I have so many fond memories from this program. From the small interactions with locals to going on multiple day-long trips, there is was so much to love. I gained a much greater understanding about just how different cultures can be and how to adjust to unknown situations. My favorite thing I would do often was just going on day trips on my own or with friends to the countryside or just anywhere that is less touristy. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything else, and I couldn't recommend it more.

Never in a million years did I think I was ever going to get the chance to study abroad! I was digging around the web during Covid for programs that could give me more out of my college experience. Covid gave me time to think about what I wanted out of life and definitely made me see how much I took for granted. I always wanted to study abroad but I didn’t think I would be able to afford it or have the courage to travel to another country alone. I passed USAC’s program on the web and immediately applied out of sheer confidence that this is what I wanted to do. I got accepted and the rest is history. This experience has made me grow so much as a person and develop a new appreciation for relationships and cultures. I have fallen in love with being able to communicate with people from all over the world and gain new found friendships that will last a lifetime. I got out of my comfort zone so many times and have never regretted a second of it. I have learned so many new things about myself as a person and as a member of society. Nishinomiya will forever be my home away from home. The city is absolutely beautiful and the people are so amazing and friendly. The university I attended, Kwansei Gakuin University, is even more so. The professors and full time students were great. They welcomed us with open arms and made sure we felt comfortable. There were also so many opportunities for Japanese and exchange student interactions, but my favorite was the Global Lounge. Exchange and full time students hung out in the lounge together and it is how many of us became friends. There are so many relationships I’ve made that I am going to miss. To anyone who is thinking of studying abroad, I highly recommended it! There might be some rough patches throughout your time abroad, especially if it’s for an extended amount of time, but it will all the more help you grow. Studying abroad is a life changing experience. I have never travel abroad in my life until this program. I am incredibly grateful and will remember this for the rest of my life.