My Study Abroad Experience- Part 5

My Study Abroad Experience

Part 5: Leaving Japan

Start from the beginning with Part 1: japantherapyneworleans.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-japan-study-abroad-experience-part-1.html

Program:

UNO-Japan: Study at Doshisha University

Studying in Kyoto, Japan

To learn more go to inst.uno.edu/japan or contact them at UNOJapan@uno.edu or (504)280-6388.

Five weeks may seem like a long time, but it goes by so fast. When it was nearing the time to leave Japan I felt like I had only just arrived. I was just getting settled in. I felt myself rushing to do as many things as I could before I left. That last week was like the end of a roller coaster. You see the end coming so you really focus on enjoying the ride while it's still moving. That was how I felt. After classes I was always trying to fill my time with sightseeing and activities I knew I wouldn't be able to enjoy back in America. I remember going to see Kinkakuji and Fushimi Inari my last week because I never got the chance to go before. I was so glad I got to fit those two sights in at the last week.

Kinkakuji and Fushimi Inari, both found in different parts of Kyoto.

Then our final exams came. For classes such as Literature and History we had to type a paper. For Japanese classes we had to complete an online exam in a certain amount of time. Many of us waited until the last night of classes to write our papers. I still laugh about it today. I had about five people in my room trying to type papers. We all were typing on our laptops, trying to get these papers done. I was having so much trouble completing the paper because I was still freaking out about leaving Japan. A friend of mine who was not worried about papers came into my room inviting us to karaoke with his Japanese friends. The people in my room declined the offer. Another friend and myself decided to join the karaoke party. It was my first karaoke experience so I'm glad I went. I had a blast that night. When karaoke was done I knew I had to get to work on my paper. I finished it that night and turned it in the next day. It felt like I was able to finish the paper because I knew I had done everything I could possibly do in Japan. I felt accomplished.

Friends finishing their papers and me in a karaoke room with another friend.

One of the things a group of us did was have dinner for the last time in the tatami room. This tatami room was a place for the student to eat together. You would sit on a pillow seat, at a low table. There were no shoes allowed in this room because of the tatami floors that were made out of bamboo straw. It was a pretty room, and we used about two other times besides our last dinner. The dinner consisted of food our parents sent us in the mail. It was a nice spread and we had lots of food. We had about seven of us in the tatami room, having dinner. It was a great last moment to have at our dorms.

After classes, on the last night in Japan, was the closing ceremony. The teachers tallied our grades and granted us our certificates. All the faculty and staff involved in the program was present at the closing ceremony. It was a different atmosphere than the opening ceremony. We were all friends by this time. Even the Japanese students who were our partners felt closer. It was a sad but good time we all had together.

All the faculty and students of the 2010 UNO Japan study abroad program.

Studying abroad is probably one of the greatest adventures anybody can ever have. It's filled with new people, new places, and new opportunities waiting to be experienced. I was very sad to leave, not knowing if I would ever get the chance to visit Japan again. I'm lucky enough to have that chance, but I can honestly say going on this studying abroad program has changed my life. 

Thanks for following my study abroad adventure! I hope this helps some of you take the plunge.

Follow me on social media to keep up with my blog.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/japantherapynola

Instagram: Instagram.com/japantherapy
#japantherapy #japantherapyblog

Google+: google.com/+JenniferTorresjapantherapy

My Study Abroad Experience- Part 4

My Japan Study Abroad Experience

Part 4: Field Trips

Program:
UNO-Japan: Study at Doshisha University
Studying in Kyoto, Japan
To Learn more go to inst.uno.edu/Japan or contact them at UNOJapan@uno.edu or (504)280-6388.

One of the most exciting things about going to Japan is traveling. Japan has many sights to offer with the intermingling of modern and rural areas. There will never be a time where you have nothing to see.

Studying abroad is an easy way to travel through Japan securely. Some people are naturally adventurous while others may not. And both kinds of people are fine. When I studied abroad and went to Japan for the first time I was scared to venture out and explore on my own. I was glad that the program I went on gave the opportunity to see other places in Japan.

At a game center with friends.

The program was stationed in Kyoto, Japan. We had school Monday through Friday but only from 8 a.m. to 2 p. m. After class, everyone would go explore the city of Kyoto. At first I only went to the shopping district, but I eventually explored out in the further corners of Kyoto.

Group picture from Kyoto field trip.

Three weekends were dedicated to field trips. The first was a mandatory field trip in Kyoto. The Kyoto field trip was what the program director thought all the students should see while in Japan. It included landmarks such as Nijo Castle and the Kiyomizu Temple. The other two field trips were to Osaka and Nara. These field trips were optional for the program. I wanted to see as much of Japan as possible, but I didn't want to do it alone. These field trips let me accomplish this. I got to see Osaka Castle, eat Okonomiyaki, and pet deer in Nara.

Deer in Nara, Japan.

There was one free weekend on the program. This was open to other travel plans or exploring more of Kyoto. I stayed in Kyoto due to the lack of funds, but there were quite a few students who went to Kobe, Tokyo, and other cities in Japan. I would've joined if I had the money but I was happy to stay and enjoy my last week in Kyoto with my new found friends.

At Monkey Mountain in Arashiyama district of Kyoto.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Continue to Part 5: http://japantherapyneworleans.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-study-abroad-experience-part-5.html

For more Study Abroad Experience:
Part 1: http://japantherapyneworleans.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-japan-study-abroad-experience-part-1.html

Part 2: http://japantherapyneworleans.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-study-abroad-experience-part-2.html

Part 3: http://japantherapyneworleans.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-japan-study-abroad-experience-part-3.html

Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/japantherapynola

Instagram: https://instagram.com/japantherapy

Google+: google.com/+JenniferTorresjapantherapy

My Japan Study Abroad Experience- Part 3

Part 1: http://japantherapyneworleans.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-japan-study-abroad-experience-part-1.html

Part 2: http://japantherapyneworleans.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-study-abroad-experience-part-2.html

My Japan Study Abroad Experience

Part 3: Tomodachi

My Study Abroad Experience- Part 2

Part 1: http://japantherapyneworleans.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-japan-study-abroad-experience-part-1.html

My Japan Study Abroad Experience

Part 2: School Life

Program:
UNO-Japan: Study at Doshisha University
Studying in Kyoto, Japan
To Learn more go to inst.uno.edu/Japan or contact them at UNOJapan@uno.edu or (504)280-6388.

It's exciting to travel to a new country to see and experience new things, but when you're studying abroad you still have to go to school. I went on this program because it was already affiliated with the university I was attending. The good thing about this program is that it accepts students all over the country. In my last post I mentioned I had a roommate. Well, she was coming from California. My program year also had students from Utah and Ohio. The reason why my roommate decided to apply to this program was because it was the cheapest she could find online. And this program is not only limited to students. My program year had a girl who attended that was no longer a student. The girl just went to the two required classes she needed to take to be on the trip but didn't have to stress over what grades she got. This program is literally for just about anyone (there are restrictions though so look that info up).

My roommate and I eating out in Kyoto, Japan.

Now, I said something about required classes. Let me explain that. This program is a study abroad program. There will be a selection of classes you can sign up for. It is required that you take two classes during the program of the listed classes they supply you. I took a Japanese 2001 class and an English class focused on geisha and samurai. My roommate took a Japanese 1001 class and a Japanese history class. I repeat, two classes are required and it doesn't matter what two. Next order of business, these classes are taught in English by professors from the University of New Orleans or Tulane. The classes are small and attendance is mandatory. The program direct and teachers understand that you are in a new country so your classes are not extremely hard. You still have to work hard at your classes but there's typically no homework. In the Japanese classes you take online tests. For the other classes (like English and History) there will be about two papers to write during your six week stay in Japan for the program. The classes change every year for the program, so depending on which teachers will travel will determine the type of classes for that program's year.

Two classrooms we used on campus in two different buildings.

The university I studied at was Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan. We only used the campus for classes and lunch. The campus was so beautiful when I went, and it still is. Each building was designed differently, and the designs reflect the function of the building, in my opinion. The campus wasn't too large so it was easy to get around. In order to get onto the campus all the study abroad students on the program received student passes. The passes were needed because the campus entrance was guarded by security. I didn't need to purchase a printer because the student pass that I was given gave me access to the computer labs. There were two that I knew of, so there was always space in the labs to print my papers before class. If you weren't feeling in the mood for cafeteria food there would be the option of convenience store food or restaurants near by. During the program the students had the chance to go to three club activities on campus. I got to participate and meet the students of the flower arranging club and the calligraphy club. The other club was the kendo club.

The building I ate lunch in. It was crowded during lunch hour.

Group photo of the program students with the flower arranging club (Ikebana).

The campus was always so lively with students everywhere. The study abroad students had the opportunity to gain new friends with the Japanese students. But that'll be discussed next time, so look forward to it.

Part 3: http://japantherapyneworleans.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-japan-study-abroad-experience-part-3.html

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/japantherapy/

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/japantherapynola

Follow me on Google+ to be updated on new posts: https://plus.google.com/+JenniferTorresjapantherapy/posts

My Japan Study Abroad Experience- Part 1

My Japan Study Abroad Experience

Part 1: Beginning the Journey

Program:
UNO-Japan: Study at Doshisha University
Studying in Kyoto, Japan
To Learn more go to inst.uno.edu/Japan or contact them at UNOJapan@uno.edu or (504)280-6388.

I always wanted to go to Japan since high school. Once I reached college I had the opportunity presented to me, literally. I was in my Japanese class when I first saw the program director of the Division of International Studies department. She came into the class to recruit students for the summer of 2010 program. I listened to her presentation, took a flyer, and really considered it. And it was even in that class that I was like "I gotta go on the trip." She also popped into my music appreciation class which is when I was thinking to myself that I needed to go on this program. I told my parents that I needed the Japanese class they were offering which was true but I just really wanted to go to Japan. I applied for the program online and got accepted. The application form was easy to complete. I registered for two classes (a requirement for the program) and filled out the questionnaire about why I should go on the trip. Knowing I was going on the trip made me the happiest person I knew. By the time I saw the program director again in my Anthropology class I was already going on the trip and was encouraging others in my class to come along which I ended up recruiting a guy from my class that I was becoming friends with.

The 2010 program was the Japan study abroad program's second year, so it was still in the forming process. By that time the program director made a Facebook page so the attending students could get to know one another before the trip. It worked out really well because I made friends with some of the attendees before the trip even started. I even got a roommate through that Facebook page. Not only that but for people in the New Orleans area got to attend a introduction meetup. It was meant to introduce all the participants to Japan, the faculty who would teach us, our curriculum we'd be following, and all the other students who'd be participating. It was very fun and my parents got to meet the director of the program which put their minds at ease. They were also happy to see that I was going to be with friends since I recruited two guys from my classes to go on the trip with me.

When the time for the trip got closer, about 4 months closer, I booked my flight according to one of the teacher's flight. I shopped around for gifts I could give my lunch partner that I would be assigned to when I got to the college. My birthday was a few weeks before the study abroad trip so I asked for money to help with my spending fund. I knew I needed spending money because I wanted to do as much as I could. I didn't know if I would ever get the opportunity to go back to Japan. I pretty much went into this trip thinking it was my last time because I didn't know what the future held for me, I was only 19 and a freshman in college. I was nervous just because it was going to be something completely new to me but I was mostly excited to get into that culture and experience life in a new way. I started packing my bags a few days before the trip: clothes, snacks, school materials, and the necessities.

On the plane to Japan and walking through the Japanese airport.

It was a morning flight. I didn't get much sleep due to my excitement, but it didn't matter because I was up and ready to go. Before going through security and the bag checks the study abroad group for this flight was gathered to meet up with each other. All the students were still chatting with their families, spending the few minutes they had together because flying across the world. My parents and husband (boyfriend at the time) were very sad. They were happy for me, doing something I really wanted to do, but they still didn't quite get why I wanted to go to Japan. They probably took it as me leaving them. After all the students arrived at the airport we said our goodbyes to the people who were seeing us off and set our sights on Japan. We took a flight that went from New Orleans, Louisiana to Houston, Texas to Tokyo, Japan to Osaka, Japan. We got off the plane exhausted, ready to settle into the Keishikan (our dorm rooms). But we sadly had to stay up a bit longer in our drenched clothes from the rain we walked in to listen to the quick introduction to the program before bed. We were just starting our study abroad adventure.

My room I stayed in with my roommate.

To be continued in part 2: http://japantherapyneworleans.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-study-abroad-experience-part-2.html

Follow me on Google+ to be updated on posts: https://plus.google.com/+JenniferTorresjapantherapy

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/japantherapynola

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/japantherapy/

Get into a Japanese Community

Now I don't mean to find a literal Japanese community full of Japanese people, even though you can. Those are usually Japanese families who have started a community for themselves. No matter where you live or where you're from you can always find people like you who appreciate the Japanese culture, language, or whatever else you're into that's Japanese. You can either attend Japanese language, history, or literature related classes or you can join related clubs to meet people. But don't just join random clubs or classes, you still need to have interest in whatever you join.

What communities did I join?

I've joined some classes and clubs in my college days and met some of the greatest people through it. I've even found that I've bettered myself because of it. I have enrolled in Japanese language classes, studied abroad in Japan (I'll talk about that in detail another time), joined a Japanese culture club, and started a Japanese language club with friends who wanted to improve their Japanese. I would have joined my college's anime club but it wasn't the club for me. It was just a bunch of people watching anime on a Friday. I was looking for more of an intelligent discussion on anime which sometimes the culture club would cover. I loved the clubs I joined so much I took officer positions in them. Once I was done my Japanese classes I took the opportunity to tutor a friend who was just beginning the first level of Japanese classes. I was very involved with Japanese things in college, as you can see. In high school, not so much. There was only a few people who likes Japanese things and they weren't too open about it. All I did in high school that was Japanese related was draw anime characters in a notebook, bring manga to school to read, wrote a story in a notebook that was inspired by all the manga I've read, and go home after school to watch anime. It wasn't that exciting. I'm so glad I got to freely express my love of Japan in college. It has literally changed my life.

What did I get to do in the clubs?

Let's talk about the club I started with my friends I came back with from the study abroad program. We came back from Japan wanting to keep up with the Japanese we learned. Half of us were done with the Japanese classes we needed while the other half continued in their studies. We all decided it would be great to study together and form a Japanese conversation club. We called it Renshuu Douraku which roughly means leisurely practice in Japanese, and that's exactly what the club was. We would have our president go to the board and teach us sentence structure and use it in our own sentences. Once every month we'd play a game that I would make up that involved Japanese. I remember I translated the Game of Life board into Japanese so we could play in Japanese. That was pretty awesome. Sometimes we'd go on outings like going Japanese restaurants or local Japanese concerts. The club was pretty much just friends though. Not many people at my college were interested in learning Japanese.

During Renshuu Douraku club and outing to see a Japanese concert (Aural Vampire).

Now for the culture club. This was probably my favorite club. The president of Renshuu Douraku joined the culture club, Nippon, first. He already established himself with the people of that club and was already a good member. I joined the club because the president of Douraku wanted me to help out with a charity event Nippon culture club was putting on. I didn't know any of the people in the club and had never met them before but I knew one thing, I loved Japan. So I joined Nippon, the Japanese culture club, and my life changed for the better. The members of Nippon welcomed me with open arms, like I was already friends with them. I first attended meetings and helped organize the events but then they discovered my talents and passions. I began to give lectures at the meetings, perform at events, and recruit for new members at school events. I loved the responsibility and leadership Nippon provided me. I was extremely active in the club, even after I graduated from college. Nippon was one of the best times of my life.

Hosting a lecture about horror in anime at a Nippon meeting and performing at a Nippon event.

I recommend getting involved in a Japanese related club if you really like Japan. You will learn so much and make great friends out of it. If there are no clubs at your college or even at your high school you can always start a club like my friends and I did. It takes time and dedication to start a club but it's well worth it. Joining a club brings about a lot of opportunities that you wouldn't get anywhere else. I have no regrets about my involvement in the Japanese community at my college. I hope you all get to experience what I have one day.

I hope you enjoyed this post. It was very personal and I loved sharing this with all of you.

Follow me on Google+ to keep up with my blog posts: https://plus.google.com/+JenniferTorresjapantherapy

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/japantherapynola

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/japantherapy/