Q: Initially, what made you decide to study abroad? Why did you choose your program?
A: Given that I have never left California, and never lived in any city other than Merced, I thought that it would be a valuable and necessary experience to live abroad for at least a semester in order to broaden my worldview. I was on track to graduate a semester early, which provided the perfect opportunity for me. I specifically chose a program in Japan as I had experienced much of Japanese culture through media, and wanted to finally experience it first-hand..
Q: What was the highlight of your study abroad experience?
A: The freedom offered by the public transportation of Japan. Coming from a city with one train line and a simple bus system, the ability to go to the train station at any time and travel anywhere I wanted was an empowering experience. From the sprawling city of Tokyo to the peaceful nature of the Izu Peninsula, I was able to experience
Q: What was your greatest challenge abroad and how did you overcome it?
A: As someone who relies on financial aid and loans to get through college, budgeting during my time abroad was a difficult act. There were 2 occasions on which my funds were running low and I was waiting on my updated loans to go through, leading to some light meals. This was a valuable experience in budgeting and saving, as I learned the most cost effective - but still worthwhile - ways to make it through each day.
Q: How did your coursework abroad compare to your courses at UC Merced?
A: The workload was a similar amount to that of UC Merced, but the largest difference was in the lecture and grading style. All classes weigh attendence much higher than UC Merced classes, and the classes tend to run for slightly longer.
Q: What did you gain from your study abroad experience?
A: One of the major things I gained from studying abroad was a growth in my independence and self-confidence. Having never lived outside of Merced before, this experience was a radically different one for me. Travelling to the airport in LAX, getting to my dorm, and eventually travelling back home all by myself were stressful events in the moment, but ones which I look back on with pride in having succeeded at something I had never before done. While in Japan, I frequently travelled with plans I created myself, furthering my sense of independence.
Q: What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
A: Make sure you properly budget. You will be hundreds and thousands of miles away from home, so it is vital that you know how to take care of yourself and live in a healthy manner. But don't forget that you are not truly alone while abroad. There are fellow study abroad students around you, and a helpful UCEAP staff waiting and willing to help you in difficult times. Most importantly, of course, make the most of your time abroad to ensure you won't have any regrets once it is time to board the plane home.
Q: Describe a typical day abroad.
A: While our dormitory provided breakfast, I am a late sleeper, and tend to sleep through until it is time to leave for class. One of my goals while studying abroad was to walk 10,000 steps every day, so I walk the 1.5 miles to campus rather than take the bus. At some point along the walk, I stop by a conbini, either Lawsons or 7-11, and grab a light breakfast - typically a tuna-mayo onigiri and a coffee. After this, I attend my classes, which ranges from 1 to 4 classes depending on the day. If I have class after lunch, I go to the university cafeteria. If not, I head back home. Nearby the dorm are a variety of malls, and I usually stop by a bakery inside, Little Mermaid, to grab my lunch if I didn't eat on campus. After this, I relax in my dorm doing homework until it is time for dinner, which is provided by the dormitory. On particularly restless or not busy days, I sometimes take the train to Yokohama which is only 10 minutes away, or Tokyo which is an hour away, and explore around for the night..
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?
A: As someone who has never travelled before this, there are a variety of places I would want to visit. Seeing as how I have now visited Asia, my next goal would probably be somewhere in Europe such as France or Italy. On the other hand, however, I barely scratched the surface of Japan, and would absolutely love to go back. I spent most of my time in the Tokyo area, so would love to explore the northern areas such as Hokkaido or Sendai, the eastern cities of Kyoto or Osaka, and the far east beaches of Okinawa, for example.
