I currently have about one month left before I return to the U.S. That being said, so far my time here has been amazing, and I’m already looking forward to coming back whether it be on a trip or if I’m living here again in the future. Regardless, there’s still a lot that can be done in the coming month even if I have finals coming up. I still plan on traveling a bit before I leave. However, I want to talk about my experience thus far. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One thing I have been very happy about regarding my study abroad here in the Osaka area, is that at Kwansei Gakuin, like many other schools, you have multiple options as far as your housing goes. Most people live in the dorms, some very close to campus, others a bit further away. However, I recommend if you are even considering it, to try another option. Somewhere you aren’t around a lot of other students at the same school, or even other foreigners necessarily. I’ve been staying at a sharehouse in Amagasaki, which is mostly like a dorm in terms of the room. On the other hand, outside of the sharehouse, there aren’t a lot of foreigners around Amagasaki. It’s not a particularly popular area, but it makes things interesting in a way. By living somewhere like that, you get to experience a less well-known Japan. Lots of mom and pop types of stores and restaurants, as well as plenty of people who don’t get to see foreigners often. It causes for lots of fun experiences, as well as a feel for “authentic” Japan, as it is closer to the everyday, normal Japan, rather than full of tourist traps. Specifically, a friend and I have found some nice places around here, and had unique experiences just because we chose to live here. We have multiple favorite restaurants we visit often, and we know many of the workers and owners of these places on a first-name basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One thing that is certainly difficult about studying abroad, especially if it is somewhere as far away as Japan, is the distance from the people you know. This goes for in-person interactions but also even attempting to connect with people online can be hard considering all my friends back home are 14 hours behind me. Both the physical distance and the time zones make things difficult. That’s why it feels nice to be in such a nice location full of kind and welcoming people. Places where I feel like a regular, where I can talk to the owner of a restaurant in Japanese and experience both a cultural but also a personal exchange when getting to know each other. Whether it’s my favorite pizza or ramen spot or a karaoke place, there’s always fun and interesting people to meet here; people I wouldn’t have met if I lived in the dorms. So go on a study abroad, and don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path. And most importantly, have fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n